The 18th Man Column...Wigan Warriors fans give their views on the Magic Weekend

The Magic Weekend - keep, tweak, overhaul or ditch?

Robert Kenyon: For me, the Magic Weekend should be a season opener with the league reverting back to winter rugby. It should be played August Bank Holiday weekend with the Challenge Cup Final moving back to May and being a season closer.

Failing that, if we were to stay a summer league, then maybe a 9s competition with some invitation teams from Union or the NRL or international sides.

Ste Ford: I’ve never been a fan as I think that it is major contributing factor for reduced attendances at Wembley.

If it must be retained then I’d love a 9 a side competition. The biggest issues would be getting Sky’s buy-in and a suitable sponsor.

Jon Lyon: I am a huge fan of the event, if it’s organised well then it makes for a wonderful day/weekend away.

Of all the venues so far, Newcastle has been my favourite.

Being situated right in the city centre makes a big difference and I think has a much bigger impact on the locals.

I would be a fan of moving around every few years as it is an ideal concept to spread the word.

We need to hold the event in areas where we can try and attract new fans.

I’d love to see it held in Dublin one year, what a weekend that would be!

The only other thing I’d change is who plays who.

It does become a bit dull playing first Leeds then mostly Warrington year on year. Either make it a “derbies” round or at least mix the opposition up a little.

Darren Wrudd: I think the concept of an away day is fine with our game, not all fans will get to see their team on the big stage.

So a Magic Weekend can be good from that point of view. The only thing that needs a tweak is the fixtures our players must face each season.

So yes, keep the Magic Weekend concept but stick with home and away fixtures without the need for extra loop games added on to the end, and the extra time created could lead to other concepts like Lancashire v Yorkshire starting up again and the odd international break for touring sides, which could be the extra excitement we all crave.

What are Wigan’s chances of beating Warrington?

Robert Kenyon: First and foremost, I think the team need some sort of bonding exersize to galvanise them ahead of the play-offs.

They are still playing like a bunch of strangers.

If we are to beat Warrington we need to keep our cool, Hastings needs to orchestrate the game more like Barrett used to do, our props need to start offloading, and whether it’s Powell or someone else, whoever is at 9 needs to get us on the front foot and speed us up.

Brad O’Neill looks like he could do that, and I’d have him in ths bench to provide a bit of zip and up the tempo.

I’d also get the ball the our centres early to give them time and space to create space and overlaps.

Ste Ford: I can’t see us getting close let alone win.

The two issues that consistently hold us back are we have a painfully slow approach to all aspects of the game and the seemingly inability to start a game well.

Jon Lyon: We’re obviously still huge underdogs but if we defend like we did against Castleford we would have a chance against anyone.

We need to bring that togetherness and determination to every game from now until the season’s end.

Closing George Williams down will be hugely important, and Hastings will need to be in his face all game, and I’ve no doubt he will be.

Daryl Clark is also a big part of their go forward, so either Joe Shorrocks or Sam Powell, if he is back, will need to win that battle, which is a big ask.

If we can score early, not something we are renowned for this year, then we can keep the home crowd quiet, and if we give the likes of Gildart and Marshall some space then anything could happen.

Let’s have a go and move the ball around and see what happens, and let’s mix up the last tackle plays as well.

Darren Wrudd: We certainly do have a great chance of beating Warrington.

George Williams will no doubt be getting some stick from his old Wigan colleagues, but his sideways running is easy to deal with.

The biggest challenge is the pace at which Wire cycle the ball.

Our defence at Castleford was eager and committed and we need to see much more of that.

The hunger to do the hard running is what we are all about but, with careful guidance from our halves, the direction can be far more effective.

One weakness I do think Warrington suffer from is their rushing defence.

A chip over or through the linecould really open them up and sow the seeds of doubt in their eagerness to rush up.

So a few more grubbers through the line is what I would like to see.

What impressed you most about the victory against Castleford on Monday?