Shaun Edwards favourite for Wigan job

James Gordon

Wigan legend Shaun Edwards is favourite to take over from Shaun Wane as the club’s head coach, according to Super League sponsors Betfred.

Edwards, 51, made 467 appearances for Wigan during a glittering playing career but has made his name as a coach in rugby union, working with Wasps, Wales and the British Lions.

He is the 3/1 favourite to succeed Wane, who announced on Monday that he would leave the club at the end of the season.

Other names in the frame include Wane’s former assistant, Paul Deacon (5/1), who is also currently in rugby union with Sale Sharks.

Current assistant John Winder (8/1) is third favourite followed by two former players from Down Under – David Furner and Trent Barrett (10/1).

In terms of existing Super League coaches, Castleford boss Daryl Powell is 10/1, Widnes coach Denis Betts is 16/1 and Wakefield’s Chris Chester is 25/1 – the latter two having both played for the Warriors during their careers.

List in full:

Shaun Edwards 3/1
Paul Deacon 5/1
John Winder 8/1
David Furner 10/1
Trent Barrett 10/1
Daryl Powell 10/1
Sean O’Loughlin 12/1
Kris Radlinski 16/1
Wayne Bennett 16/1
Denis Betts 16/1
Tony Smith 20/1
Jason Demetriou 20/1
Michael Hagan 20/1
Andrew Farrell 20/1
John Cartwright 20/1
Brett White 20/1
Neil Henry 20/1
Matty Peet 20/1
Adrian Lam 25/1
Adam O’Brien 25/1
Chris Chester 25/1
Jim Dymock 25/1
Steve McNamara 33/1
Craig Bellamy 33/1
Shane Flanagan 33/1
Mick Potter 33/1
Ian Watson 40/1
Steve McCormack 50/1
Ian Millward 100/1