LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
Offiah predicts Wigan golden era
MARTIN OFFIAH believes Wigan Warriors are primed for another golden era following last season’s Super League title success.
The legendary former winger is one of the greatest players in the club’s history having helped them to dominate the sport 30 years ago.
Much has changed since those halcyon days when the cherry and whites won the Challenge Cup eight years in a row and picked up seven straight league titles.
But after beating Catalans in last season’s Grand Final, Offiah predicted they will be even stronger next year.
Wigan-born billionaire Mike Danson has taken ownership of the club from Ian Lenagan and 57-year-old Offiah said: “It’s a special time for Wigan and that starts at the top.
“Ian Lenagan has been a brilliant owner and has passed the baton to Mike Danson, who has the financial might and desire to see Wigan back where they belong – and that’s at the top of the game.
“The club is famous the world over and it’s about more than winning. It’s about creating legacies and dynasties that stay in the history books forever.
“I was part of a team who enjoyed enormous success but during the Super League era Wigan have not managed to build a dynasty in the way Bradford Bulls, Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, twice, have.
“Yes, Wigan enjoyed a great resurgence in terms of winning trophies under Lenagan and with Michael Maguire, Shaun Wane and now Matty Peet (below with Super League trophy) as head coach.
“But I really believe they are ideally placed to kick on again under Peet and potentially enjoy a period of sustained dominance.”
Champions Wigan have made some eye-catching signings in Kruise Leeming, Sam Walters, Luke Thompson, Tiaki Chan and Adam Keighran. Offiah, who scored 186 tries in 159 appearances for Wigan, said: “The squad looks stronger than it did last season.
“That’s no guarantee of success, but these new faces are coming into a group full of quality players like Abbas Miski, Liam Marshall and superstars in Bevan French and Jai Field.
“I saw a few of Wigan Under-18s games last season and there’s some great young talent coming through.
“With Kris Radlinski as CEO, and Danson driving the club as its new owner, it will take a special team to stop Wigan retaining their title in 2024.”
Wigan will travel to Castleford in their Super League opener on February 17 before hosting Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge the following week.
Penrith have been crowned NRL champions in the past three seasons and Offiah said: “Penrith are an incredible side and Nathan Cleary is up there with Johnathan Thurston for GOAT status. To beat Penrith would be an incredible achievement.”
SUPER LEAGUE OPENING ROUND OF FIXTURES
Feb 15 Hull FC v Hull KR
Feb 16 Leeds Rhinos v Salford Red Devils, St Helens v London Broncos, Leigh Leopards v Huddersfield Giants
Feb 17 Castleford Tigers v Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves
Feb 24 WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE Wigan Warriors v Penrith Panthers