Grind rivals into the ground, says Wigan coach

The wait is over for Shaun Wane as he prepares to start his dream job of leading his home-town club Wigan, who kick off their Stobart Super League campaign against Huddersfield at the DW Stadium today, writes Ian Laybourn.

Wane has succeeded Michael Maguire as head coach after operating as the Australian’s assistant for two years and says he and the Warriors are primed for action.

“I’ve been ready for a few months,” he said. “I can’t wait for it to start. The lads have been working really well. We had eight days in Florida which did us all the world of good.”

Wane, the first ex-player to coach Wigan since Denis Betts in 2005, wants to stamp his own mark on the team and believes there are improvements to be made.

“I’ve explained to the players there were games last year we were winning quite comfortably at half-time and teams came back at us in the second half,” he said.

“That’s a problem with our mental attitude and I won’t accept that. I want us to grind teams into the ground.”