The Cherry and Whites are currently away on a pre-season training camp in Tenerife, with Matt Peet putting his side through their paces in the warm weather climate. Wigan aren’t the only team to travel to the Canaries this pre-season, with Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos being amongst those to make the same journey.
However, Wigan are working hard as they bid to bounce back from a trophyless season and the disappointment of losing in the Super League Grand Final.
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There won’t be too many changes to Peet’s side this season, but Zach Eckersley looks likely to claim a starting spot on the wing come round one over Abbas Miski. The youngster has been awarded the number two jersey this year and he’s made huge strides over the winter.
He’s been one of Radlinski’s top performers over pre-season with the CEO claiming the outside back has put on five kilos of lean muscle since the end of last season, which is no mean feat.
Radlinski has also hailed the work he has seen from Brad O’Neill, suggesting the hooker is personally motivated by the Grand Final loss and being overlooked for Ashes selection, while he has also drawn comparisons to Wigan great Terry Newton.
Writing in his third and final daily diary entry from Tenerife, Radlinski said: “For the last eight weeks of pre-season, Matt has repeatedly referenced Zach Eckersley – and with good reason.
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“He’s trained the house down, adding around five kilos of lean muscle. He was already athletic, but now looks stronger and more powerful, something that was evident in the contact session. He goes about his work quietly, without fuss, and that unassuming nature has made him a popular figure within the group.
“The other standout has been Brad O’Neill. He has trained like a man with a point to prove. The Grand Final disappointment and missing out on England selection for the Ashes clearly sit with him, and he’s channelled that the right way.
“We’ve always known Brad has leadership potential. He leads through action, but away from the pitch he’s a genuine spirit-lifter. He makes people laugh simply by being himself. He’s authentic. If I may say so, he reminds me a great deal of my good mate Terry Newton and I can’t offer a much bigger compliment than that.”
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