The last coaching revolution at Wigan happened with the arrival of Graham Lowe. There were stories that some of the old stagers in the team didn't respond well initially, resisting the extra workload, the new, more demanding culture, etc. Hanley's spat with Graham Lowe was well documented - it led to the Wigan and GB skipper being dropped for about eight matches. That wasn't because Hanley wouldn't do the extra training, but because there was some kind of minor power-struggle going on, which Lowe eventually won.

The question is, do we have any personalities in the current team that are big enough or abrasisve enough to try and resist the imposition of a new, stricter culture?

Who, if anyone, will, or should, be dropped first?

The only possible one I can see is Fielden but I hope it's not the case as he is probably one who could gain most.

Fielden by the way had surgery on Monday, an operation on his feet I believe.

Anything is possible, personally don't seeing it happening due the fact we don't seem to have many outlandish characters or players that seem that head strong or cocky.

The only person who could get a rough time could be piggy, he's an easy target with his weight and personality but more importantly for him the coaching staff will know he's not performed any where near to the standard he should have and that will certainly count against him and so it should.

A few very hard months ahead for all but more so for the underachievers.

If and its a massive IF, any of the players resist the new systems, they should be shown the door, and could be as it would be breach of contract.

However I cannot see any of them thinking its a bad idea.

In a perverse type of way im sure they love pre-season. I obviously never played at anywhere even near the same level, but pre-season was my favorite time, and we were comparitivley (for our very low standard) flogged!

Why would fielden resist? Didnt BN single out his proffesionalism as a large reason why he brought him over to Wigan

Agreed.

Whilst underperforming I don't think Fielden shirks any work.

Only because of his loyalty to Noble, as I said I hope not as Fielden could be one of those players who has most to gain by a change of coach.

Well i agree with you there, a new coach could be exactly what fielden needs, however if he pops off to Celtic with nobby, i wont be loosing any sleep.

If we can keep a clean bill of health at prop then potentially Fielden will be dropped, especially if Eamon O'Carroll can keep up his early season form this year, prior to injury.

Oh matron.

It must be an exciting time for the players. Melbourne are at the top of the world's RL tree, and having some of that expertise brought in at Wigan should be a mouth-watering prospect for all concerned.

Of course, that depends on just how tough it's actually going to be. Apparently, Graham Lowe's first few training sessions were nightmarish, but what dividends they soon started to pay.

I'm like the rest; I can't single out any players who I don't feel will respond, so long as they're given encouragement as well as being brutalised. If they know what the finished product could turn out to be, I'm sure they'll all buy into it.

A couple however, will need to work harder than others. Fielden's been named already. I don't doubt his fitness and his commitment, but he's clearly lost his way a little. Perhaps having someone like MM in charge, rather than an old mucker like Nobby, will be good for him. Feka and Riddell both need to get a lot fitter, but then both are antipodeans, so they'll already know the Melbourne way, and I doubt it will come as too much of a shock to them.

thought it was his hand as he broke it v Cas

TBH I can see Stuart reacting in the best possible way, if you read some of the stuff from his past, he trained extremely hard and lapped it all up in his Bradford days.

Have they turned them to face in the right direction?

They know were the door is if any start acting up.

My own personal take for next season is to wipe the slate clean.

Lets see what MMag and SW do with the players, and let them sort out who needs to stay or go over the course of the season.

I honestly think some people might be suprised.

I always used the example of Cowie and McGinty. Two nobodies when they arrived at Wigan, yet after only a couple of months being subjected to a proper training regime, they'd bloth blossomed into top quality international forwards.

The future is very exciting.

OUCH!!!!!! But very funny...

It all depends what MM's attitude to players sinking a 'few' pints is as to whether some of the players in the team are in for a shake up.

Not wanting to name any names but there are at least a couple who like their ale who I think would do far better if they had a couple of pints less every week..........

The player I can see having a tough time is Karl Pryce.

He wont know what's hit him.

And he's the one, who, if he applies himself will benefit most.

I thought you said Fielden would?



It was a point I should have added on really. Karl Pryce could be devastating if he could apply himself more and push himself to achieve his potential.

He could be one of the best centres in the league IMO and I truely mean that.

But at the moment he is miles off.

Thats is a bif if, because up to press he has look nowt like a decent or confident rugby player

After the comments, in the RLE (although I dont always believe evertything I read) Harrison Hansen could have a problem.
Although I doubt really see any of the current squad having a problem, they are all professionals and the fact that Wane and Radz will be there will help bridge the gap.

The big question is who will the new coach have a problem with