2014 Preview - Wigan Warriors

2013 was an incredible year for the cherry and white, surpassing the expectations of the fans after a notable player turnover. If anything, the 2014 player turnover is even more significant, so expectations will be adjusted downwards again, although the bookies odds reflect the fact that the team still has winners in it.

The obvious question is how can Sam Tomkins be replaced? He was certainly irreplaceable in 2013 with Wigan's win ratio being 87% when he played, including all the knock out games, but only 33% when he didn't play. Well, Matt Bowen has been a great player for many years down under. He has played at the highest level with an Australia cap, 10 Queensland Origin outings and 14 finals appearances. He was also voted the NRL's best player at his position in 2007. His knees are a concern after two major surgeries since his 2007 high point but he has played in the majority of Cowboys games for three seasons running and Wigan showed last year that you don't need your stars to play every game, and a long term replacement can be groomed alongside his health being managed.

Pat Richards' goal kicking also needs replacing. Josh Charnley or Matty Smith are most likely to get the job. Who will take his wing spot is also unanswered. Anthony Gelling has the 5 jersey, but youngsters Joe Burgess and Dominic Manfredi are likely to get a chance to stake their claim, as might new signing Dan Sarginson. Whoever plays there will get tries, that is for sure - 22 tries were scored in the 2013 regular season down that side and Richards has been almost a try a game since 2010.

Lee Mossop, Chris Tuson and Harrison Hansen, in particular, are key losses in the forwards. Eddy Pettybourne, impressive in the world cup, experienced Tony Clubb and talented John Bateman will be expected to replace the outgoing champion players. Sam Hopkins is Wigan's attempt to do a Chris Hill or Alex Walmsley and step up from the championship to contribute in the pack.

Whilst the best player in the league has gone, Wigan have as deep a squad as anyone. 37 players have been given squad numbers for 2014, and whilst some are expected to contribute less than others, only five of the squad haven't yet played in Super League or the NRL. They are the youngest fully announced squad in the league (although London are putting together one even younger) at an average age of 22.70, and even the oldest 25 players would only average 24.58 with just three players aged 30 or older. Despite this youth, four of the side have won two Grand Finals and two Challenge Cups, eleven played in both major finals in 2013 and eleven of them have over 100 games in the NRL and/or Super League. There is plenty of winning experience.

With the young players they have been bringing on, the reigning top try scorer and a man of steel nominee from 2013, Wigan should be in contention when the silverware is handed out.

League Leaders Odds: 4/1
Grand Final Odds: 7/2
Cup Odds: 4/1
(source: Oddschecker.com)

Mark's predictions:
League place - 3rd
Key man - Matt Bowen
One to watch - Joe Burgess

Tom's predictions:
League place - 4th
Key man - Matt Bowen
One to watch - John Bateman