RUCK 'N' ROLL STARS

How new rules help Wigan smash their way to victory

- BY DAN TOMLINSON

LUKE THOMPSON has revealed the preseason plan Wigan used to fire them to the top of Super League by winning their opening three games.

In the early weeks of the season there has been an increase in play-the-ball speed by a whole second, which might not seem like a lot to the average punter, but for Warriors has made the world of difference.

The new ruck interpretations implemented in Super League are tailor-made for them. Boasting a big and mobile pack of forwards, Wigan have the athleticism and the speed to cause havoc, winning the collisions, the floor, and territorial battle.

"We've spent a fair bit of time on the ruck and making sure that were on top of it," prop Thompson said. “We've looked at ways we can win it and how we can go after teams and make it hard for them to get out of the backfield.