Bennett has got us pretty pumped, says Sarginson

And he has hailed the impact new coach Wayne Bennett has made ahead of their opening match against New Zealand this Saturday.

“The boys have all bought into what Wayne has brought to the team,” said Sarginson, one of four Wigan players in the squad. “We’re looking in good shape, and we’re really looking to do something special.

“A lot of what Wayne brings is about believing in yourself. He’s not a motivational speaker but you come out of a lot of the meetings pretty pumped, and realising you’re here to do one job.

“On top of that, the knowledge he provides is unreal.

“He has more than 20-plus years of coaching at the top level. Any question you ask him from a real technical point, he knows... everyone will come out of this as better players.” Sarginson, who is moving to Gold Coast Titans, was in the England side which went agonisingly close to reaching the Four Nations final two years ago.

He was injured for the 2-1 series win against New Zealand in a series last autumn.

The departing Wigan star is waiting to find out if he will get the nod to face the Kiwis in Saturday’s mouthwatering opener at a sold-out John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield.

All the Warriors players were rested for last weekend’s 40-6 win in Avignon following their involvement in the Grand Final.

Sarginson faces competition for a centre spot from St Helens’ Mark Percival and Leeds’ Kallum Watkins, though he has the ability to play at full-back.

“I spoke to Wayne, and he said he was impressed with how I went in the semi and the Grand Final, and hopefully that works in my favour,” said the ex-London Bronco.

“I can play centre and full-back, and I know Ratch (Stefan Ratchford) can do the same thing so just see how it goes.

“It would have been nice to play against France, but he said at the start of the week he was going to rest us, and it was class for the boys to go and get that win.”

Sarginson, sporting a shaved head from Mad Monday antics, says there are no clicks within the squad.

“Both times I’ve been involved, I’ve never felt a team bonded so quickly,” he added. “If anything I’m sick of the Wigan boys, I’ve had a year of them! We’re a really tight knit group.”