ETHAN HAVARD is ready to up his game and try to get Wigan back on the title track.
The 25-year-old England prop was part of the Warriors side beaten 24-6 by Hull KR in the Super League Grand Final.
Then he figured in the first Ashes Test at Wembley, where Australia won 26-6 before going on to seal a 3-0 series success.
Both results were big blows for the Academy product, with Wigan thwarted in their bid to become champions for a third season in succession.
It was Matt Peet’s first trophy-less year since he took the reins ahead of 2022, when Havard played his part in the Challenge Cup final victory over Huddersfield.
He also featured in the Grand Finals of 2023 and 2024, when he collected a second Challenge Cup winners’ medal.
Havard knows the importance of Wigan bouncing back from their blank campaign, and also has this autumn’s World Cup in his sights.
At this stage, the Wigan St Patricks junior product (his father and former Salford player Keiron was a coach there) is laying the foundations – and using the frustrations of last season as extra motivation to put in the hard yards.
“I’m just working as much as I can and trying to build my confidence back up,” he explained.
“I had a bit of a rest, but also did a good bit of work during the off-season, so my body feels good and I’m ready and raring to go.
“I have tried to put a bit more size on, and a big focus has been on adding some more power and punch to my game.”
Wigan have pre-season work-outs at North Wales Crusaders on Saturday then at home to Hull FC in Liam Marshall’s testimonial match on Sunday, February 1.
Their Super League opener is at Castleford on Sunday, February 15.