Warriors hunting new coach

His decision to leave Wigan at the end of the season has left them seeking a new head coach for 2019.

Chairman Ian Lenagan and executive director Kris Radlinski must decide whether to appoint from within or bring in a newcomer.

Wane is one of few head coaches who operates with only one assistant coach, John Winder.

He is highly-regarded by the players and obviously knows the club’s systems and personnel, having worked his way up from his role of head of youth.

But his lack of experience may work against him, having never held a head coaching role before.

Current head of youth Matty Peet and academy coach Darrell Goulding also lack top-level experience.

Steve McCormack, a scholarship coach and welfare officer who has a match-day role with the senior squad, has coached at senior level with Widnes, Whitehaven and was in charge of Scotland until the end of last year.

Warriors’ staff also include head of performance Mark Bitcon and head strength and conditioning coach Paul Johnson.

Appointing from within would keep the continuity, and it has another obvious benefit; freeing up space lower down the chain for Thomas Leuluai and Sean O’Loughlin, who both have deals which see them join the club’s coaching staff when they hang up the boots.

Should Wigan decide to look elsewhere, there will be no shortage of candidates from here and overseas.

Shaun Edwards would be a popular choice given his legendary status with fans. He has recently admitted he would be open to a return to league after years making his mark in the 15-a-side code with Wasps and then Wales, but the drawback would be his long absence from the sport in which he cast his legacy.

Chairman Ian Lenagan said: “In terms of a replacement, Wigan will not rush into an appointment as Shaun goes on to complete his final season.”

Related: Wane to depart