Brian Noble's decision to swap Super League high-flyers Bradford for bottom-of-the-table Wigan is a bit of an odd one and a real surprise, but I reckon he knows what he's doing.
I don't know the circumstances of his exit - who knows what's gone on behind the scenes - but I'm sure that'll all come out in the ensuing days.
 Noble has decided to step away from the bright lights of Bradford |
Irrespective of why he's gone, he is a quality coach - one of the best in the world, let alone in Britain. And Wigan will be well aware they've got themselves a class act - he's a good talent spotter and has been a shrewd investor on the market in his time at Odsal.
Wigan may be rooted to the bottom of the Super League but Brian has clearly seen a lot of ability in the Warriors... and to a degree you can see the sense of him moving.
Wigan is a hotbed of rugby league, they have massive raw talent and the simple fact is there's potentially never been a better time for him to switch sides.
Had he joined Wigan when they were higher up the league, no-one would have questioned it. They simply would have said top club, top coach. It's their league position that gets people talking, which could be the greatest plus.
Brian has got nothing to lose in many ways. He's proved what he can do at Bradford and has won everything there. And I'd like to think he'll have a totally free rein at the JJB Stadium.
 | WIGAN'S SUPER LEAGUE ANNUS HORRIBILIS |
There's no denying it's a hell of a challenge but, if he pulls it off - which I'm sure he can, people will be even more impressed with him than they are now. I'm not Brian so I can't say what he's going to do but I don't imagine he'll arrive at the job kicking and screaming to get the best out of his players.
He'll talk and listen to everyone - his man-management skills are perhaps his greatest asset - but also he's the sort of character that can laugh and joke and have a blast with the players.
And that's much needed. They're caught in a vicious circle of defeat and that's not fun for anyone.
Most coaches when they move to a new club take players and coaching staff with them and I expect Brian will be no different. That'll undoubtedly be high on his to-do list.
But the name of Wigan - they've been arguably the greatest British club in the last two decades - and that of Noble should also bring other big names knocking at the door of the JJB. Brian has a great ability to get the best out of players and the Warriors have a lot of young guys as well as some key injuries. For sure, it's a challenge but also one he can cope with.
He loves the underdog's tag, which is what Wigan are right now. He's experienced that with Great Britain in the Tri-Nations and they've certainly performed above expectation.
Additionally this'll be a springboard for his long-term desire to coach in Australia. Should he turn around Wigan, which I expect him to, it'll be the ideal opportunity for him to showcase whatever's thrown at him.
I think he'll pull it off. It's not for me to say how - I simply don't know - but knowing Brian he'll do it.
MMIX
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I just hope and pray that Lindsay doesn't destroy Nobby's career through unrealistic expectations