Wigan's Wane Gamble.

Micheal Maguire has announced that he will be leaving the Wigan Warriors at the end of the season to head back down under to take charge of Russel Crowe's South Sydney Rabbitohs side.

Shaun Wane

The usual name of Shaun Edwards was thrown into the mix very early on, but Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan stated that assistant coach Shaun Wane was in pole position to take the job.  I know nothing of Wade and his achievements going up through the ranks at Wigan, but are assistants moved to quickly in from assistant coaching to head coach?

Coaches such as Brian Noble and Rob Powell were also produced internally, and although Powell is still somewhat unproven in super league, he has started out well, with Harlequins playing some decent rugby.

But other recent appointments that follow similar decision paths seem to suggest they are, with Richard Agar currently unloved at Hull KR, Jimmy Lowes' unsuccessful stint as head of the Warrington and Steve McNamara's uninspiring job at Bradford before taking the England mantle.

But if not promotion from within, what other options do Wigan have? In terms of Englishman, current Championship coaches i think could be better choices that internally promoting.  Daryll Powell is doing a great job at Featherstone, and has experience at different levels.  Dennis Betts may have been mentioned before Widnes' successful application to Super League, but he has not really been touted. Australian Ian Millward may not be the best choice after his ill fated stint with them a few years ago, but i think that some kind of club experience is necessary when leading a top side.

The positives are that they may be settled in the area and have affiliation with the players but I think that the risk in internally promoting a coach is huge.  Players will never know how they will respond to a coaches training techniques, team talks, press conferences and tough losses, and fans may also take a dislike, which can cause increased tension.

I think Edwards would be a better choice, but best of look to Wane if we does get the job.  It will be interesting to see what players they sign, if any, and in Wane's case, if he can handles the pressure of Super League.  Other s haven't...