12:18pm Wednesday 3rd March 2010 in
MICHAEL Maguire celebrated with world champions Melbourne — and now wants to take their crown.
The Wigan coach was in the Storm’s dressing room after their 18-10 victory against Leeds on Sunday.
The Aussie was assistant coach at the NRL club for five years before taking over at the DW Stadium this summer.
Warriors have blazed a trail at the top of Super League after their 100 per cent start to the season and Maguire would love to lead them into next year’s World Club Challenge.
“I think every team wants to be in that position,” said Maguire, who was on the Storm’s coaching staff when they lost to Leeds in 2008. “It would be great to get there one day and play Melbourne. I snuck into the dressing room after and it was great to see the boys celebrating because there was unfinished business from 2008.”
Maguire takes in-form Wigan to Bradford on Friday night chasing a fifth successive win. And he praised Stuart Fielden, who is beginning to reproduce the type of form which made him one of the most feared props in the world, ahead of his return to his former club.
“Stuart’s been a real pro and is working extremely hard at his game,” said the Wigan coach. “I have brought a lot of different things to the team in the way I wanted to play and he’s worked very hard to adapt to that.
“He’s performing really well and enjoying what he’s doing. He’s the first one in the office asking what he needs to do and how to improve on what he has been doing, and that’s a credit to him.”
Fielden, along with another Bulls old boy Paul Deacon, has also been helping Maguire with his preparations for his first trip to Odsal.
Maguire added: “I’ve spoken to them about the ground and found out a little bit about the place.
“It’s a tough place to go to and we’re preparing for a tough game. I know a few of the players, Matty Orford and Steve Menzies, from working in Australia and they’ve got a good front row.
“They are a team who are improving too and it’s not going to be easy.”
Iafeta Paleaaesina is set to return against Bradford after being dropped for Wigan’s 58-0 rout over Catalans, while Cameron Phelps could also figure after recovering from an ankle injury.
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