DENIS BETTS believes he has a stronger Wigan Warriors team this year than last, as they bid to win a second straight treble.
No women’s team has previously completed a clean sweep of Super League, League Leaders’ Shield and Challenge Cup titles two years running.
But under club legend Betts, Wigan have raised the bar, and are on the cusp of more history ahead of facing York Valkyrie in Sunday’s Grand Final.
Finishing top in the regular season – losing only one match, just like last year – means they host the fixture at The Brick Community Stadium, where they beat St Helens 16-12 in last October’s decider.
The core of the squad remains the same as last time, including Woman of Steel contenders Jenna Foubister, Eva Hunter and Megan Williams.
Losing Vicky Molyneux to retirement, along with Australians Shaniah Power and Emily Veivers, hasn’t weakened the side, with Bethan Dainton and Kelsey Gentles proving quality replacements as the Warriors won twelve of their 13 league games.
Wigan have stayed clear of the field – they finished eight points clear of second-placed Leeds – despite the new split-season structure providing extra fixtures against the leading opposition.
Head coach Betts said: “These Super Four games have created a tougher environment and that’s been good for our girls, and all the girls across the game.
“Last year I didn’t know how good we were going to be – we were too far ahead for anyone to catch us.
“This year we’ve had to make some changes with the Australian girls that left, but we’ve recruited really well with Bethan Dainton and Kelsey Gentles, who have been great, and Beri Salihi has really added to our outside backs as well.
“(Loose-forward) Meg Williams has grown another leg and been fantastic all year.
“Our spine (Grace Banks, Foubister and Isabel Rowe) are all 19-20 years of age, Meg is 21, Eva Hunter is 21. It’s a pretty good core group to rely on for the next few years.
“Across the board we’ve been better this year, but we’ve had to be because everybody is shooting at us.”
Wigan are also competing to win a record third Super League title, currently jointly holding that honour with Leeds and York.