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Wane ready to roll
SHAUN Wane is banking on his Warriors team to get off to a flyer tomorrow.
The 47-year-old will realise a life-time dream when he takes his first competitive match as he takes charge of his first competitive match as Wigan head coach.
A bumper crowd is expected to brave the cold as Huddersfield visit the DW Stadium for a mouth-watering Super League opener (kick-off 3pm).
Wane has made no secret of the fact he has made several changes since stepping up as Michael Maguire’s assistant, as he puts his own stamp on the side.
Sometimes, it can take time for new coaches to make their mark – Catalan, for example, made a slow start under Trent Robinson before finishing the campaign strongly.
But Wane doesn’t expect a ‘bedding in’ period as the players adjust to his methods and demands, insisting: “We’ve changed a bit with how we attack and defend, but I won’t be expecting a period when we’re not firing.
“I won’t accept that and the players understand that.
“The players want their best performance against Huddersfield, and so do I.
“This is a demanding environment, we’re Wigan – that’s the way it is.”
Stuart Fielden, Amos Roberts and Paul Prescott are the only first-team players ruled out through injury.
Gareth Hock will play his first competitive match since being suspended in September, and Wane will hand debuts to props Epalahame Lauaki and Ben Flower.
“I’ve got to give a big rap to the players, they’ve turned up ready to work every day,” Wane added. “Now it’s time to put all that into practice.”
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
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