Important to respond at the DW
IT’S great Warriors.
Returning as head coach for the club I once played for is strange but exciting.
Last week, we opened Super League XXIV against St Helens. Unfortunately we lost, but there was a lot to be optimistic about.
I sat down with the whole squad and we all agreed we didn’t play the way we trained.
‘Courage’ was the word that was used, purely because with 10 minutes to go, we still had the opportunity to win the game.
We were brave, but we also talked about how we started the game poorly. To turnaround a 12-point deficit by half-time, however, is something we can build on.
I believe we can play a bit smarter and make some better choices in future games.
Having St Helens, Leeds Rhinos tonight, Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge and then Hull FC in the opening four games of the season was always going to be tough for the club.
I have continuously said to the players, ‘who do we focus on?’ The answer to that is us.
I’m looking forward to seeing how we change the way we play as a team. It’s important we respond this week.
We host Leeds tonight, it’s our first home game and my first as head coach at the DW.
I’ve got some great memories at Wigan as a player – some of the best in my lifetime in rugby league. But it’s not about me. It’s more about the team and making sure we play the way we want to.
As a Wigan club, we want to make the DW Stadium a fortress in 2019.
The Wigan town is as good as it gets for rugby league in the world. I’ll never forget when I returned to the DW after a year out with a knee injury. I get goose bumps talking about it. The reception I got from the crowd was absolutely crazy. I remember thinking ‘wow, was that for me?’ I know they’ll be vocal, and we need them to be at every home game. to be back at Wigan
Incidentally, me and David Furner, who is Leeds’ head coach, made our Super League debut’s together for Wigan at the DW way back in 2001.
I remember sitting down in the dressing room feeling comfortable and at ease, knowing that he was part of our team. I know the Leeds players will see that in him too and will want to play for him.
We’re not going to take them lightly tonight; we respect them, and they’ve been a great club over a long period of time.
We know they will bounce back from last week’s loss at Warrington, but we have to prepare for that.
The start to the 2019 Betfred Super League has been really impressive.
Since arriving from Australia in November, the marketing and promotions have been unbelievable in the offseason.
Super League has got it spot on and the whole ‘New Beginnings’ product been perfect. It’s great to be back. Wigan Warriors take on the Sydney Roosters in World Club Challenge as the world’s two best rugby league sides go head-to-head at the DW Stadium on Sunday, February 17, at 7pm. Secure your seat today by calling the DW Stadium ticket office on 01942 311111 or visiting wiganwarriors.com/tickets.