We'll block out Wane's departure, says Marshall

Sky Sports pundit Brian Carney suggested the pending departure of a coach can have either a disruptive effect or a galvanising effort.
Liam Marshall releases the ball for George Williams' try at the Magic WeekendLiam Marshall releases the ball for George Williams' try at the Magic Weekend
Liam Marshall releases the ball for George Williams' try at the Magic Weekend

What will it do to Wigan?

Liam Marshall reckons it will be secret answer (c) - that it will be a business as usual.

“We’ll put it on the backburner and block it out now,” said the winger.

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People above us will sort it out and we’ll just get on with the rugby.

“We’re all men here, we know what is required.

“When it comes time for it we’ll adapt and we’ll change but for now Shaun Wane’s our coach and we want to be doing the best we can for him.”

Wane broke the news to Marshall and his team-mates during an emotional meeting on Monday morning.

“People were quite a bit upset about it but it is what it is,” said the 22-year-old.

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“He’s been honest with the players and been honest in the press, and after he spoke to us he said our focus is on the rest of the season.

“We have to put that to bed now and see how well we can do this year.”

Asked what he told the players for his reasons, he added: “It was literally exactly the same as what he’s put out there. He’s looking for new opportunities and challenges in his professional career which is acceptable and everybody wants that.

“It’s a good thing for him and I wish him well.”

Marshall was handed his debut last year when injuries bit into Wigan’s squad.

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He did so well - finishing as Super League’s second top tryscorer - he has twice signed contract upgrades since, and is set for a prolonged spell in the side following a season-ending injury to Joe Burgess.

The academy-graduate revealed why he thought Wane was such a good coach. “He’s relentless and never leaves a stone unturned,” said Marshall.

“Sometimes you might think he’s getting on your back but definitely, for me, as a player it helps a lot.

“It’s changed my attitude and changed the player I am so I owe a lot to him for giving me a chance.”

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At his weekly press conference, Wane was keen to draw a line under the discussions about his future and focus on tonight’s showdown at Hull KR.

By any measure, this game doesn’t have the same lure of last weekend’s Magic Weekend or next week’s Challenge Cup tie - but as Marshall points out, they all count.

“You need to go to those tough places and we’ll be disappointed if we don’t put in a performance,” he said.

Wigan beat the Robins 28-10 two weeks ago in the Challenge Cup and Wane is hoping for a better performance, despite the absence of captain Sean O’Loughlin and Kiwi hooker Thomas Leuluai.

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“They threw a lot at us in the Cup game,” said Wane. “We made too many errors and too many pressure releases. We showed the players footage and they recognise we need to be smarter. Hopefully we see a better performance.”