Wigan Warriors’ Joel Tomkins says last season’s Super League runners-up are focused on winning every competition in 2015.
The Warriors came painstakingly close to a fourth Super League crown last term, only to be pipped at the post by local rivals St Helens in the Grand Final.
And, speaking exclusively to MM, Tomkins was adamant that the squad will be able to take it one step further this term – and they are looking to start with a victory in the World Club Series.
“We’re not looking to do too much differently,” he said.
“Last year we were pretty consistent. We let a few games go that we maybe should’ve got a result in so we’ll work on that but in general we’ll try to stick to what we did last year but take it further.
“We want to win trophies. Firstly we’re going into the World Club Series with the mindset that we need to win that.
“We’ve lost two now against St. George and Sydney Roosters so I think we owe it to our fans to get a win there.
“Ultimately our season will be judged on silverware this year. We got nothing last year and it was so disappointing so we’ll be looking to win the Super League and the Challenge Cup as well.
“It’s a big ask for any team obviously but that’s how we’ll be judged at the end of it.”
Shaun Wane’s Wigan kick-off the campaign on Thursday evening with a tough trip to Widnes Vikings before facing play-off regulars Huddersfield Giants in the second round.
They then host Australian NRL outfit Brisbane Broncos in the new-look World Club Series.
But the World Club Series is not the only competition to have a new-look format to it in 2015.
After 23 rounds of fixtures the Super League will then split into two separate divisions.
While the top eight clubs after the 23 matches will fight it out for a place in the play-offs and Grand Final, the bottom four clubs will scrap for Super League survival against the top four Championship teams.
And Tomkins is under no illusion as to how important a fast start will be in 2015 to ensure that the Warriors solidify their top eight place.
“I think two points this year is probably more valuable than two points were last year,” he added.
“I think it really puts an emphasis on consistency – you can’t turn up to games with a weaker team one week because if you slip up that could be it.
“Teams will need to go into every game going for the win 100%, so I think it’s going to be a really close competition this year.
“I think the teams who were in the top four last year will be there or thereabouts again this year, but there’ll be more who will be really pushing.”
