The Super League finals start this week and defending champions Wigan are in a good position to go back-to-back.
After finishing second on the ladder, the Warriors face Huddersfield at home on Thursday night.
Wigan missed out on top by a point, to St Helens, but signalled their intent with a stirring come-from-behind 24-20 victory over Warrington in the final regular round of the Super League season.
Wigan were behind 18-4 but clawed their way back, demonstrating great character and spirit to score two tries in a hectic final 20 minutes.
That enthralling win, easily one of the best games of the season, showed that the Warriors can’t be underestimated.
The Warriors have lost once in their last five matches, and have accounted for rivals Warrington and Leeds in the past fortnight. They have lost twice in their past nine, dropping three games in their past twelve. They have a number of players in good form and are largely injury-free.
Wingers Josh Charnley and Joe Burgess are finding the try-line regularly, with 18 and 17 each, while Matty Bowen has hit his straps by setting up 12 tries and scoring 11 himself in his first campaign in the Old Dart.
Dan Sarginson is sixth in the competition for tackle busts and the return of Blake Green from injury has been a big boost.
Up front John Bateman is enjoying a great year, Liam Farrell remains a workhorse and Sean O’Loughlin is still the key. Joel Tomkins has returned and there is depth and experience in the pack with Eddy Pettybourne, Tony Clubb, Ben Flower and Michael McIlorum.
Most of all, Wigan has the class and nous from 2013’s Super League and Challenge Cup double-winning season to draw on.
Shaun Wane is a talented coach and knows how to get the best out of his side.
Admittedly, Wigan have a battle on their hands with Huddersfield on Thursday night. The Giants are unbeaten in their past seven matches but have to go to the DW Stadium to upset the home team. If Danny Brough isn’t fit though, it is a huge ask for the Yorkshiremen.
If Wigan beat Huddersfield, they get a week off and are just one game from the grand final.
Looking at the rest of the semi-final contenders, Wigan are in a good spot.
Saints might have finished first but they are still a team in disarray thanks to injury. St Helens have lost two in a row, winning just two of their past five, and are missing Luke Walsh, Jon Wilkin and Jonny Lomax. Without several key members, it’s hard to see them going all the way and winning three games in a row against top opposition.
Castleford seem to have hit a bit of a bubble of late and were unable to beat Catalans away on Saturday when they really needed to, with first place on the line. It will be their first finals campaign in years, and they also lost the Challenge Cup final to Leeds, igniting some doubts about how they handle big games.
The Rhinos themselves might have won the Cup and ended their hoodoo, but they have been very poor in Super League. Leeds are on a five-game losing streak and have won once in their past seven.
Is there enough in their old legs to secure another trophy? Like Saints they have limped into the semis, finishing in sixth place. They have the talent but need to shake off their poor form fast.
Widnes and Catalans should make up the numbers in the finals, finishing seventh and eighth, but Warrington and Huddersfield could be dangerous.
The Giants have a monster pack and, with Brough, the best 7 in the competition. Meanwhile, Warrington have the right mix of youth and experience, and will want to send out long-time hooker Michael Monaghan a winner.
The Wolves went down to Leeds in the Challenge Cup semi-final this year and were pipped by Wigan in 2013’s grand final at Old Tarfford. They are a team in transition, but still possess enough weapons to hurt any side.
But it is Wigan in pole position for another grand final tilt. The pie-eaters are in top shape at the business end of the season once again.
As they showed Warrington last week, ignore them at your peril.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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