Just been watching 'A Century of Rugby League' which highlighted Wigan's period of dominance from 1988. It showed Offiah's ten tries against Leeds among other great scores. I hadn't watched it for years. It was exhilarating, exciting and memorable and I feel privileged because I was there. Now, I'm ready for Friday.

I get that feeling every time GB play. I stick on the old VHS of that match from 1992 where we fielded an entire Wigan pack, plus Edwards, Offiah and Lydon. We went 22-0 up at half time and ran out eventual winners by 33-10. I feel amazing, nostalgic, and certain that we can stir up the same pride and passion to go onto another historic victory.

Then, invariably, we get stuffed.

Welcome to RL.

I doubt we'll ever see that standard again in our lifetime - not just at Wigan, but anywhere in British RL.

That team in which Offiah scored 10 tries against Leeds was a team of all-stars (many brought up through the ranks), which was superbly coached and which had been playing together as a cohesive unit for several years. Every part of that finely tuned machine knew exactly what all the other parts were doing, all the time.

It's no wonder we beat an awesome Brisbane side in its own back yard, a feat that seems beyond comprehension today.

Mythologists will claim that a fully pro team beat a semi-amateur team that Friday evening against Leeds. But Leeds went fully pro before Wigan did, and by that time - what year was it, 94? - most other top clubs were also fully pro.

A great memory, which now seems very distant.

It is hugely frustrating explaining to younger fans (whose loyalty is fantastic) that I am unhappy with the current rubbish, when I remember the standards that were set then.

League seems quite boring now, and not just because Wigan don't win everytning!

It's weird you should mention about not seeing that standard again, because walking back to my car from work I was thinking what my all team Rugby League team would be from Games that I have seen/can remember (Probably talking from about 1990) and found myself not putting many of the current players of any side in. What would you think?

Friday is when our season starts.

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was ready for Friday an hour after getting home from Hull, bl**dy Wigan, bl**dy rugby, drives ya mad dont it !!!!

You're right, not many would.

In terms of modern British players, Cunningham would make it IMO, maybe Sculthorpe. No-one from any Wigan side of the last 5 or 6 years would get close, apart possibly from Farrell - but all of these guys would only do it at the peak of their power. I don't think any players from the current Leeds or Bradford teams would be in there. If you're talking an all-time RL side (and my memory goes back clearly to the late 60s, so for me it's a near-impossible job to assemble such an outfit), then none of the recent England WC side would even get a sniff.

This is only a personal view, of course. But if you were to put together an all-time Saints side, I'm pretty sure that, this being a golden era for you, you'd have a couple in there who've worn the red V in recent times. Sadly, if I was to put together an all-time Wigan side, no-one currently playing would even be in the train-on squad.

Very true but also very sad indeed IMO

Farrell and Craig Smith, thats it.

I also watched the 94(?) test match at Wembley where Shaun Edwards was sent off and Hanley was coach. Davies scored a brilliant try and everyone was up for it. Brilliant game. So I've had a good day reminiscing.

I agree. Far too much gym work and not enough skill these days. I mean they moan about having to play twice at easter these days claiming "tiredness" forgetting that in the past we had extra competitions like the Lancashire Cup, Regal Trophy and BBC 2 Floodlit which added many extra midweek games.

I think Keiron would yeah, But after that it's a bit of a struggle, I dont think I would put Sculthorpe before Hanley, even from what I remember. Maybe Lyon, But he was only here 2 seasons. Newlove is a possibility too, Most positions largely pick themselves though in my opinion. I think you'd have to have Radlinski, Robinson, Edwards, Farrell in somewhere too.

It's terribble.....it's bad enough being an old fart, but knowing I'm right and things were better in the past.........things are supposed to improve with time!