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World Club Challenge discussion

G

Godz Illa

Coach
Messages
18,745
We've reluctantly bid farewell to 2010, so we may as well start looking forward again. I'm probably keener on the WCC than the start of the NRL season right now. It's a special event in it's own right, and remarkably will be the first time in our history that the Dragons will take the field in England. And to be taking on Wigan, probably the most well-known English club, a club synonymous with English rugby league, adds to the prestige of the event.

So let's discuss it huh. Under Bennett, our early season form has been either solid or good. Through both 09 and 10 we lost only one trial, and won 4 of our first 5 NRL games. So I'm expecting us to be competitive despite a hectic travel schedule.

The expected Wigan side

1. Sam Tomkins
2. Darrell Goulding
3. Martin Gleeson
4. George Carmont
5. Pat Richards
6. Paul Deacon
7. Brett Finch
8. Stuart Fielden
9. Thomas Leuluai
10. Jeff Lima
11. Ryan Hoffman
12. Joel Tomkins
13. Sean O'Loughlin

Amos Roberts, Harrison Hansen, Karl Pryce

Sam Tomkins looked a star in Superleague but was easily handled in the Four Nations by Aus and NZ.
Sean O'Loughlin also seemed less than average in the Four Nations.
I recall Gaz making George Carmont look foolish in a game v Newcastle back in 2006. Hopefully a repeat occurs here.

The strengths for them will be the props Fielden and Lima, and the scrumbase pairing of Finch and Leuluai. Pat Richards is also a big danger on the wing
 
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boxa777

boxa777

Coach
Messages
12,388
The major strength and advantage for Wigan will be the weather..

Gleason is probably their most dangerous back. He is a very difficult centre to handle but I think with Coops there he will be nullified.

The addition of Hoffman and Lima really lifts their pack in my opinion. Guys like Fielden and O'Loughlin have been playin well for some time but throw in a couple of Storm forwards and there is a good challenge there.

Deacon will probably play in the halves with Finch and he could be someone to target for Ben Creagh running on the fringe.
 
Scott Gourley's Lovechild

Scott Gourley's Lovechild

Referee
Messages
23,986
Wigan also will have already played a few trials and are a couple of games into the season proper by the time we get over there (I think). If so that is a huge plus for them.
 
G

Godz Illa

Coach
Messages
18,745
Here's Wigan's home jersey for 2011. Think both teams should be fine wearing the home kit, which is nice

Image.aspx
 
J

JasonE

Bench
Messages
3,107
Pat Richards won't be playing because he snapped his achillies in the GF and Andy Coley will start at prop instead of Jeff Lima.
 
STG-MACCA

STG-MACCA

Bench
Messages
4,321
boxa777 said:
The major strength and advantage for Wigan will be the weather..
Click to expand...

I will be packing layers that's for sure. Cold weather is my kryptonite, but I'm confident I can tough it out :D

Can't wait, only 7 weeks till I take off!
 
The Major

The Major

Bench
Messages
3,151
Can you believe they sell their new next season jerseys for only about $55 AUD. The merchandise is so much cheaper over there. Comparing our $170 odd for a jersey is just ridiculous!
 
B

Benny

First Grade
Messages
9,500
I think our style of play suits winning early in the season. Tough defence and no frills attack is perfect to win particularly against flashy sides before combinations click into gear and get some form on the board when the passes start sticking (no idea what style of football Wigan play).

I can't wait as well for this experience. Quick stopover in Sydney from Vanuatu to catch the Charity Shield, a concert and swap the boardies and singlets for warm clothes and then on to experience the World Club Challenge, my beloved Leyton Orient (League 1) and hopefully 1 or 2 EPL games. Not to mention tours of Wembley, Wimbeldon, Lords and Anfield - throw in a 100 other awesome attractions on offer and maybe a show or two at West End. Then back to Sydney to trade back for my boardies and singlets before going home via the Gold Coast for Round 1.
 
The Major

The Major

Bench
Messages
3,151
Im trying to think of a good banner to make for the game when i head over. I quite like a particular verse from a chant at the Ashes from the aussies to the poms. They have a chant about our convict heritage. Our one back was along the lines of "id rather be a prisoner in paradise then live in your sh*t country!" Gold!
 
A

Acka

Coach
Messages
14,295
The Major said:
Can you believe they sell their new next season jerseys for only about $55 AUD. The merchandise is so much cheaper over there. Comparing our $170 odd for a jersey is just ridiculous!
Click to expand...

Supply and demand my friend.
 
God-King Dean

God-King Dean

Immortal
Messages
46,614
The weather is the only thing that makes me doubt a victory. If this was in Australia, there'd be no question in my mind.

I still think we'll win. Don't think Super League has encountered a team quite like ours.
 
G

Godz Illa

Coach
Messages
18,745
pixi said:
Would like to know the side wayne is going to take over with him.
Click to expand...
Wonder if they'll take the entire full-time squad to help, for preparations purposes, like opposed sessions etc. Or do they take a 20 man squad and partner with a local Superleague club for opposed ballwork sessions (would be interesting to see them training with Huddersfield, and Brownie!). What have Melb and Manly done in this circumstance in recent years? Anyway here's my guess at the 20 man squad

Boyd, Morris, Gaz, Coops, Soward, Hornby, Hunt, Fien, Weyman, Scott, Creagh, Young, Prior, Merrin, Green, Emmett, Stanley, Greenfield, King.
 
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