I've always noted that teams tend not to change their style even when a new coach comes in.

Saints always play an open game no matter who is the coach.

Warrington always move it wide, especially to the right.

Bradford rely on brute force with big players.

Leeds play an open style.

Hull play strong and off the cuff.

Wakefield throw it about with enthusiasm.

Castleford live up to their classy name.



Yet Wigan have been transformed this year. From 5 drives and a kick we are now playing expansive rugby.

How can a coach make such an impact. I'm loving it. And yet I realise that this year is only the beginning. Next year, with expensive player coming off contract we should have money to spare to make 2 or 3 key signings.

To be fair, we did play some good stuff last year and scored some good tries. It is better this year though, it always is when you're winning.

we can all see the difference. I wonder what noble realy thinks

Last year the players played well in patches, This year with the increased fitness levels they are able to perform at a high level for longer so a coach who is more fitness orientated is going to come up trumps everytime. We saw last year that the ability was there in short bursts but to see it for the full 80 is excellent. Also a coach who is not scared to drop players regardless of who they are on performace is a coach you want to keep. With everyone fit and pulling their weight the players like Sam don't have to do as much defensively so are able to shine with the ball in hand.

what was good too see again last night was when we made the breaks etc we have at least 3 players available to pass to, i know its basic but its just good to see the "team" mentality

To be fair we did not play 5 drives and a kick last year. We tried to play some expansive rugby but the passes were not sticking and we were knocking on it was at that point we had to go back to basics. The difference this year is the team are fitter and more together than they have been for years. Our passes that did not stick last year now are Deacon's has had a big influence on Tommy and Sam and there kicking game is a whole lot better. And lastly the rule with an iron but fair fist of MM and SW have brought a steely determination to the club we have lacked since Faz went.

It isn't just Madge. Its SW and the fitness side that are playing a big part in this. The whole culture of the club needed to change and whether you say its a new culture under Madge or a return to the old Wigan standards epitomised by SW, things have changed at Wigan. It is fantastic. The rest of RL is worried and they are right to be worried - Wigan is rising again and the club that sits on the greatest hotbed of rugby talent in the world is actually well placed under the SC system (though I still hate it - you won't see me doing about an about face like the scousers a few weeks ago when Hull thrashed them calling on their board for the SC to be raised massively so that they could bolster their ageing squad with expensive recruits (you couldn't make it up!

) - and I'm sure the RL mafia will try to move the goalposts once we starting winning trophies again!)

Totally agree.

Players got away with murder under noble and it looks like mm aint taking any **** and backs up what he means and it's good to see

Last season we were third highest try scores in Superleague and our wingers were (combined) top try scorers.

The five drives and a kick is myth.



However, we do seem to be quicker moving the ball this season and it's good to watch.



I'm not a pessimist, but will wait until after Easter when the league has settled a little before getting over optimistic. but so far so good.

8.5 / 10

oh rogues thats a mean score it a deffo 8.9 from me

MM seems to have brought the winning mentality and the attitude of a winner with him and instilled that into the squad. Apparently he was non too pleased about the 2 late tries we conceded last night when the players got back in the changing room. It would be very easy to pat everyone on the back and congratulate them for a sterling win but the performance wasn't up to what he expects so they got it off him, good to see and something thats been missing at our club since the days of Lowe and then Monie.



Its a 8/10 from me because although our defensive pattern is good I think we are conceding too many points overall and may come unstuck against the likes of Saints and Leeds.