I dont think wigan have particulary recruited well. I think the big thing for wigan is if mcguire can inspire the squad to push for a title challenge or a challenge cup win.

Leeds will definately be up there as there squad is as strong as ever, interesting season for saints but i still feel they will be up their. A lot of teams will be looking at huddersfield to repeat last years effort but for some reason i just cant see that happening.

I think bradford will be the suprise package to the season but will be interesting to see how they cope without burgess.

Leeds
Saints
Wire
Wigan
Bradford
Catalans
Hull FC
Hudds
------------
Hull KR
Wakefield
Quins
Castleford
Crusaders RL
Salford

CC Leeds/Bradford - Leeds Win

We are 99% the same squad as last year and we got to within 80 minutes of two finals despite being gash for large parts of the season (the first 50% of it and a few shockers along the way). If we can improve by 20% in performance throughout the season, then we should naturally rise in position...where is unknown due to outside factors like others teams performances..etc.

I'm not convinced thats how is works. Luck becomes a big part of the season. You could boss every game but if the decisions dont come your way then it doesnt really matter. Also a lot of teams will improve next season leaving games in 50/50 situations even more so than 2009. Mcguire needs a good start at wigan, if he doesnt i fear the worst.

You could equally argue that you have 99% the same squad that was rubbish last year so why should you be anything other than rubbish without arguably your best player (Hock) this year?

I still think wigan will be a fair way off the pace of Leeds and Saints. I don't doubt MM is a good coach, but I do doubt that he's a miracle worker. Wigan are still 2/3 signings off a genuine challenge for SL IMO - it's no coincidence you keep coming up just short in SL/CC.

Will be good to see how it all pans out though, hopefully we're in for an unpredictable season in 2010

For wigan to mount any form of challenge we need our fowards to fire.

This is shaun wanes department. At times last year our pack were simply average. If he can get them to raise their performances by 20-25% we stand a real chance.

The second thing we need is direction from the halves to move the side around the park. The recruitment of deacon will take a lot of pressure off sam and will allow tommy to spend more time at 9, his best most natural position IMO.

Our threequaters have pace and are capable of finishing tries we simply need a strong platform set by the forwards every week, behind which our halves can dictate play.

I also think we need to play a far deeper and much more aggressive rugged style of rugby.

Unfortunatley for 2010 we missed the boat with new quality signings, due to the timing of announcing Maguire as coach. The next best thing is to improve the performances of the players you already have. This is where Maguire, Wane and Mark Bitcon (new conditioner) come in.
Already Feka is rumoured to have shed 1-2 stone whilst announcing he feels he's at his fittest he's ever felt. (With five weeks to go yet)!! Other players have commented on how this new training regieme has improved their standards in fitness not seen in years. Who do we blame for that? Noble? Seems the case here!

I'd be suprised but chuffed if we win any pots next season, much like Wire fans must have felt winning the cup despite their poor league campaign.

For me, 2011 season is the big one, big names out of contract (particularly the last name on the list below).



Phil Bailey 1 Year Extension December 2009 November 2010
George Carmont 1 Year Extension October 2009 November 2010
Andy Coley 1 Year Extension July 2009 November 2010
Cameron Phelps 1 Year Extension July 2009 November 2010
Karl Pryce 1 Year Extension June 2009 November 2010
Darrell Goulding 2 Years Extension April 2008 November 2010
Harrison Hansen 2 Years Extension September 2008 November 2010
Mike McIlorum 2 Years Extension April 2008 November 2010
Lee Mossop 2 Years Extension September 2008 November 2010
Paul Prescott 2 Years Extension April 2008 November 2010
Iafeta Paleaaesina 4 Years Extension November 2006 November 2010
Stuart Fielden 4.5 Years Initial Contract June 2006 November 2010


Some fresh quality signings in addition to our current squad (and quality youth coming through) should see Wigan compete for silver at least.

I've said before, I'm not going to get 'too' giddy just yet, I am giddy about the fact that the next five years should be more pleasant than the last five years.

Agree with that. Unfortunately (for me) I think that within 2/3 seasons of 2011 wigan will overtake Leeds as best side in SL.

Might start watching union then.

As a neutral why do you feel were in such a strong position for the future?

I'd just like to hear your opinion as someone who doesn't support Wigan.

1. Terrific academy (incredibly important in a salary-capped SL)
2. Complete overhaul of the coaching set-up including the recruitment of one of the most forward thinking coaches in RL
3. Expensive mistakes of the past coming off contract

Thnx for that.

I feel most Wigan fans would agree with you on those points.

Thx from me too FTV. I don't think many here expect us to be straight into silverware next season... Its the future that we like the look of. As was said earlier in this thread, the next five years look like they should be better than the last.