Wigan: Super 8s preview

We preview the road ahead as Wigan look to go one better this year and take the Super League title.

Story so far:

A solid showing from the Warriors who finished third, just two points behind the Rhinos. You get the feeling Shaun Wane thinks his side have considerably more up their sleeve going into the Super 8s as well.

But away form is a concern, with all seven of their defeats and a draw coming on the road. Shaun Wane is continuing the strong Warriors tradition of introducing young stars to the first team, with George Williams really finding his feet in the halves in 2015. Expect a lot more in the business end of the year.

What’s gone right:

Imperious at home. Wigan are unbeaten at the DW Stadium in the league this season, with just one blot on the copybook - against Hull KR in the Challenge Cup. So that should work to their advantage in the Super 8s, given the four games on home turf.

There’s been some impressive showings too, nilling Castleford, Hull KR and Catalans, and nicking tight games against Leeds, St Helens, Hull FC and Warrington. With the crowd behind them, it’s difficult to see anyone getting out of the DW Stadium with a win.

What’s gone wrong:

No side can lose seven games away from home and expect to be challenging at the end of the season. It’s not just the results, it’s the manner of the defeats as well. Castleford ran in 42 points, Catalans 58 and St Helens 30; indeed that derby game was a display littered with Warriors errors.

They were beaten by Salford, lost to Hull KR and drew with Widnes, so it’s clear there’s something really bugging the Warriors about travelling this season.

Super 8 chances:

You’d be a brave man to bet against Wigan finishing outside of that top three. But Shaun Wane will be desperate to overtake either Leeds or St Helens to secure a home play-off berth.

The problem is that means beating either Leeds or Saints away from the DW Stadium in the Super 8s. Solve that travel sickness and there’s a good chance you’ll see the Cherry-and-White contingent back at Old Trafford.

One to watch:

Sean O’Loughlin’s the driving force behind this side, Anthony Gelling looks like one of the most dangerous players in Super League on his day but the stand-out player this season has been John Bateman. Destined for big things since he broke through with the Bulls, Bateman’s showed just why Wigan forked out a sizeable fee to bring him across the Pennines.

He’s made the most tackles, the second-most tackle busts, the third-most offloads and the third-most carries in the side. With all-round stats like that, Bateman is a coach’s dream.