Thursday 23 February 2017 19:32, UK
Wigan head coach Shaun Wane admits his side cannot afford to slip up when they return to Betfred Super League action against Widnes this weekend.
The Warriors were crowned world champions on Sunday after thrashing NRL side Cronulla Sharks 22-6 in the World Club Challenge at the DW Stadium.
The reigning Super League champions return to domestic action against the Vikings on Friday, live on Sky Sports, and Wane admits his players face a tough test of their mental strength following their impressive result last weekend.
"We celebrated what was a massive win for the club and enjoyed the night but now it's back in the grind of Super League and we've got a must-win game on Friday against Widnes," Wane said.
"I know it's going to be tough for the players, it's tough for us as coaches, to change your concentration onto another game. But that's our challenge.
"This is a mental week for the players, we can't get them on the field that much."
Wane will resist the temptation to make wholesale changes to his starting line-up for this weekend's fixture, although Willie Isa is set to start against his former club after missing out against Cronulla.
"Every single player came up to me in the pub on Sunday night and said they want to play on Friday," Wane said. "Nobody wants resting.
"We've lots of bumps and bruises because it was a tough game but nothing major. When you win those big games, nobody gets injured. We'll be smart with the players and make sure they are fresh for Friday.
"I'll make a couple of changes. Willie Isa will come in and play against his old club.
"I was gutted about him not playing last week. It was probably the toughest decision I've ever made. I left Jake Shorrocks out of the Grand Final last year but this was a lot tougher because he'd done nothing wrong.
"I just needed a big bench and he understood it. His attitude was great."
Wane believes his side still has much room for improvement, despite the comfortable margin of victory against Cronulla.
The 52-year-old insists the Warriors will now become an even bigger target for their Super League rivals, having claimed the title of world champions.
"That's great, more pressure," Wane said. "There was a huge amount of pressure on Sunday and the players loved it.
"If I'm honest, I don't think we were outstanding against Cronulla. We can play a lot better and we need to play a lot better to keep on winning games in Super League."
