SuperLeague starts tomorrow. Here's Ian Millward with his team-by-team guide & best bets -
http://bit.ly/1F1W9Wh The Warriors have lost some depth from last year with eight players leaving and only four notable additions. The loss of Blake Green to the NRL is a blow as he had formed a very reliable partnership with Matty Smith.
However Wigan have a great system for bringing youngsters through and they have plenty of really talented kids chomping at the bit for a chance. Never underestimate them but I’m not convinced the blend of youth and experience is quite right.
Make no mistake Wigan will always be competitive but this could just be a transitional season for them.
Really?
In:Lee Mossop
Taulima Tautai
Larne Patrick
(+ Joel Tomkins in his first full season back in League)
Out:Gil Dudson
Darrell Goulding
Blake Green
Eddy Pettybourne
Scott Taylor
Jack Hughes
Greg Burke
Jordan James
Other than Green, are there really any players there whose absence will weaken the side? The players coming in will certainly strengthen the forward line, and the youngsters coming through in the half-backs such as Powell, Williams and Hampshire (especially him) should make up for the loss of Green.
It's a shame that Burgess is off to the NRL after this season, as he had a great season last time round and is only going to get better. Him and Charnley should score a LOT of tries this season if they can both stay fit, especially with Sarginson and Gelling improving as centres. I think most Wigan fans think the squad is stronger than last season, but it doesn't surprise me that Millward doesn't think that.
Oh, and there's another Farrell in the squad - can't be a bad thing
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