Wigan Warriors preview

Last season

While they weren't quite able to retain their Super League title Wigan did still lift the Challenge Cup in 2011, meaning outgoing coach Michael Maguire managed a trophy in each of his two seasons in charge.

The Australian also steered the Warriors to a second-placed finish at the end of the regular season, despite the fact they actually lost one fewer game than minor premiers Warrington.

They ended up a point back of the Wolves, who took over top spot in the closing weeks of the season after completing the double over Maguire's men. St Helens then put paid to their play-off ambitions, beating their arch rivals twice in the space of a fortnight.

Wigan did have better luck against both teams in the cup, knocking them out on their way to the final. There they squeezed out Leeds in a Wembley classic to take the silverware home for a record 18th time.

They had failed to make the most of home advantage in the World Club Challenge, going down to a 21-15 defeat to St George Illwarra Dragons at the DW Stadium. Centre Martin Gleeson limped out of the match through injury and would never be seen in Cherry and White again.

With Maguire announcing he would not be staying on for a third campaign, instead agreeing to take over at South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wigan decided to look internally for a replacement.

Assistant Shaun Wane was promoted to what he described as his "dream job" in charge of his hometown club. The pressure is now on...

Ins and outs

Wane's appointment as coach was followed by the announcement that Iestyn Harris would be his right-hand man after a season in charge at Crusaders. The now-retired Paul Deacon is also a full-time member of the staff.

Harris was followed from Wrexham by Welshmen Gil Dudson, Ben Flower and Rhodri Lloyd, while New Zealand centre Anthony Gelling, who was apparently recommended to the Cherry and Whites by Kevin Iro and Dean Bell, will hope to settle down in England after a rather stinky exit from Sydney Roosters (google his name to find out more).

Epalahame Lauaki was signed for a fee from Hull - the word coming out of Wigan during pre-season is that the second rower is fitter than ever - look out for his barnstorming runs and offloads out of nowhere.

There was mixed news over the Tomkins brothers - Joel decided to try his luck in union, linking up with Wigan legend Andy Farrell at Saracens after playing much of the 2011 season in the centres, but brother Sam signed a new deal that, crucially for both club and country, means he cannot contemplate a change of scenery for three more years. Enjoy him while you can.

Like Deacon, Andy Coley has opted to hang up his boots, while Eamon O'Carroll is now in Hull. The biggest loss in the pack, though, is Ryan Hoffman, who has returned to Melbourne after one stellar season in England.

Stefan Marsh has been allowed out on loan to Widnes, who have also signed forwards Ben Cross and Ben Davies. Meanwhile, Karl Pryce is back where it all started at Bradford after being loaned out last year to Harlequins.

Outlook

The only way Maguire could have worked more magic during his stint is if he had pulled a rabbit out of his wooly hat. He made Super League's nearly men champions again, then marched them all the way to success at Wembley.

Wane doesn't need reminding of what the last man in charge achieved - he was second in command and will have taken on board a great deal.

However he will also be keen to be his own man. He is a Wiganer through and through, so expect him to leave no stone unturned in his desire to be a success in the top job.

The squad at his disposal does not look quite as strong, with a lot of experience being lost. The signings made are more for the long-term future, so Wane must be given a bit of time to gel things together.

That doesn't mean you should expect to see Wigan languishing down in mid-table - any side that contains the attacking trio of Tomkins, Brett Finch and Thomas Leuluai will not struggle to put points on the scoreboard.

The pack should put them in good positions too - Stuart Fielden will be refreshed after an injury-ruined 2011 and there will be a fight on just to get a place in the 17-man squad each week. Write off the Warriors at your peril.