A Noble way to go

by Rebecca Stephenson
Rugby League Extra, BBC Radio Manchester

Brian Noble has been Wigan coach since April 2006

It's the end of an era at Wigan following Brian Noble's announcement that he is to leave the club. But we can reveal that he could have stayed on as coach had Wigan won the Challenge Cup.

Wigan Chairman Ian Lenegan told BBC Radio Manchester's Rugby League Extra: "Brian is a superb coach, but it was time for a change at the club," he said.

"Had we won the Challenge Cup then I may well have extended his contract for another year, but that didn't happen and you have to make a judgement based on the facts of the time."

It's not taken long for the club to find a replacement.

Michael McGuire, the assistant coach of the Melbourne Storm will take over next season, assisted by Shaun Wane - a man who has been associated with the club as a player and a coach since the age of 14.

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Wane joined the final Rugby League Extra of the 2009 season to talk about his appointment. He said he was excited about the challenge.

"I can only see positive things ahead," he said. "We've got a big change happening at the club and Michael Mcguire is so focused that its going to be great times for the next few years at Wigan."

McGuire himself said he had little hesitation in taking the job.

"I met Ian Lenegan early on in the year, and what he wanted in a coach really appealed to me. He's a very adventurous top person who wants to find the best in every part of the organisation.

"That's how I like to work. It seemed like Wigan were looking for someone like me, and what they were offering really suited me."

"I'm very hungry to get over there and I'm very honoured to have the job of coaching Wigan."

Men of Steel

Men of Steel: Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt

And finally, as a reward for another season bringing the best rugby debate to their listeners, we allowed our presenters Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt a night out.

The pair attended Monday's Man of Steel Dinner, as Brett Hodgson was announced as winner of the coveted end of season award. And as you can see, they 'scrub up' quite well!

Jack and Trevor will be back in February for another season, as Super League 15 kicks off. Make sure you join us.

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Rugby League Extra returns in February 2010.

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