Wigan Warriors 2007 season preview

It might seem a little unfair writing this preview after Wigan have played and lost their first game of the Super League season, but if anything that home defeat at the hands of Warrington will typify the pressures facing the Warriors this year as they aim to climb back from two seasons outside the play-offs to the level of performance expected of this most successful of clubs. Prior to season kick-off markets had Wigan installed as 4th favourites for the title, on the back of their recovery to escape relegation late last season and the now usual off-season recruitment of players from abroad.

But that recovery last season only came about after Wigan had signed no less than the Great Britain coach Brian Noble mid-season, attracting him over from Bradford along with his Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden, and Catalans loan halfback Michael Dobson to help give the side some direction. The new coach was able to get something extra out of most of the players available, although there were some overseas players who on form could hardly manage to make the team of 17 during Wigan