WIGAN chiefs are prepared for some tough bargaining as they battle to beat the salary cap.

They are incensed by the RFL's tough stance on the new scheme which has resulted in them being docked £33,000 per month in Murdoch money.

That will turn into a fine if the Warriors fail to get under the cap.

Wigan's chairman and chief executive will gather with other Super League clubs at Headingley today when they will review the salary cap.

The Riversiders want the RFL to give them more time to meet the new limits and to take into account the new £1million per season sponsorship deal announced with Tesco last week.

Ambitious plans to strengthen the squad could also rest with their ability to unload at least a dozen 'unwanted players'. Coach John Monie has identified the 25 which make up his first team squad, but that leaves several players, including Lee Hansen and Martin Hall, who are too old for the new U21s competition which replaces the Alliance League next season.

Monie said: "I have 20 players who I think are first graders and they are complemented by another five youngsters who we believe will come through.

"But in the long term I am looking to improve the squad and it will take a couple of years to build up to the strength I will be happy with.

"With the start of the U21s next season we have to look to the youngsters and that leaves several players who are too old."

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