NEW Wigan coach Michael Maguire's first match in charge of the Warriors will be against arch rivals St Helens after the clubs agreed to revive their festive fixture.

The neighbours will clash at the GPW Recruitment Stadium, formerly known as Knowsley Road, on Sunday, December 27 in the first pre-season friendly for both clubs.

Wigan will also play matches against Wakefield, Leigh and Warrington in the build-up to engage Super League XV.

Maguire, who took charge of the start of pre-season training yesterday, said: "We have a tough pre-season training schedule planned but we are also looking forward to getting some game action."

Meanwhile, former Bradford Bulls skipper Paul Deacon has joined Wigan as an assistant coach on a three-year deal.