AFTER a disappointing year for English Rugby League following a disastrous World Cup.

MEN Sport columnist Adrian Morley answers the big questions facing the game going into 2009.

Q: Is 2009 finally going to be the year when Warrington Wolves come good?

AM: I think so because in the past we have promised a lot and we just haven't delivered. It's been so frustrating but everything is now in place. We have the roster, there's a great mood in the camp and we have a young fresh energetic coach in Jimmy Lowes. There's a good feeling about the whole place and on our day we know we can beat anyone. When you look at the squad it's as good as anything around, arguably the best and it's about time we performed to full potential. This is the aim, there are no more excuses because the fans have been starved of success for too long. We owe it to them to perform and to come good.

Q: What are your goals for the year ahead?

AM: I was really pleased and honoured to be made Warrington captain. The extra responsibility is something I enjoy and I was reasonably happy with my form last season. I again want to lead the team the best way I can and to lead from the front. I want us to be competitive and the big goal is to go all the way to Old Trafford. I would love to lift a trophy with Warrington because success is long overdue. Our Australian players have now had their honeymoon period and I'm sure we'll see a lot more of them this season. I simply want success.

Q: Who can we look out for at Warrington in 2009?

AM: Big Gareth Carvell is going to prove a tremendous signing, he could just be the man who gets us over the finishing line because he will bolster the pack, he's a thickset lad and he's very much a forward's forward. I've always rated Carvell, he's been a tough opponent to play against and if he stays injury-free I feel he's due a very big year. He would have gone to the World Cup had he been fully fit, I know Tony Smith is a big fan of his. I'm looking forward to packing down with Gareth, he will really give us a lot of go-forward. Young Matty Blyth is another talented young forward coming through and he is one to look out for.

Q: Have Wigan slipped up allowing Micky Higham to leave and join Warrington?

AM: I'd like to think so because I was certainly surprised but I'm delighted to have Micky alongside me at Warrington. He impressed me greatly during the World Cup and I'm sure he'll prove to be a fantastic signing. Wigan's loss could well prove to be Warrington's big gain. Last season I felt Wigan were at their best when Higham was on the field, he's one of those blokes who plays his heart out, gives everything and can cause so many problems for the opposition. I do rate him highly. We already have a great hooker in Jon Clarke so the arrival of Micky at the Halliwell Jones means excellent competition is guaranteed.

Q: Can Salford make their mark in Super League?

AM: Hull KR did so why shouldn't Salford. They certainly won't be the whipping boys. They had a fantastic season last year and the success they enjoyed breeds confidence. The Reds already have some fantastic players and have made some good additions. I feel few teams will again relish going to Salford. The Reds are my second team, I obviously want to see them do well, if anyone deserves success it's the chairman John Wilkinson, a great man who has stood by the club through thick and thin. I don't think Salford will be a pushover and they will give a good account of themselves because they have the talent and they're certainly ambitious.

Q: Is it fair to say time may be catching up with a few players in the Saints ranks?

AM: Yes I do, I know this has happened in the past because my dad has told me about it. Father Time catches up with everyone. The likes of Paul Wellens, Sean Long and Keiron Cunningham have been fantastic players but time is possibly catching up with them right now. Having said that, I still expect Saints to really be a force and to set the standards but it's going to be a very closely contested competitive Super League. Standards will have again risen but I can't see there being one stand-out team and that is good for the competition.

Q: Is Tony Smith the right man to continue as England coach following the World Cup debacle in Australia?

AM: I think so. What happened was totally disappointing but Tony has a great record as a coach and don't forget it's only last year when he led us to a series win over the Kiwis for the first time in ages. Much better was expected of his team in Australia but I say keep faith in him, see how things pan out this season and then decide. He's certainly a very innovative coach, I rate him and he does have good ideas but it just didn't happen in the World Cup. A number of players simply didn't play to potential on the big stage and were found out.

Q: How hurt were you by England's failings in Australia?

AM: I was terribly disappointed because I went to Australia genuinely believing England would be there or thereabouts. I have a lot of ties in Australia from my time there and obviously copped a considerable amount of stick with the way things went for England. We didn't perform and crashing out of the tournament was a very bitter pill to swallow. New Zealand showed what can be achieved, we could have been there but for some unknown reason it just didn't happen. It's now gone, we've had to try and get it out of our system and look ahead but the way things went did hurt me and disappoint me.

Q: Was it a mistake to disband Great Britain in favour of the home nations?

AM: I don't think so because the England side was not weakened. In my view it was a smart move, I've no problems with the home nations system. Scotland and Ireland did extremely well at the World Cup and could hold their heads high. I just hope they can now build on what they did in Australia. I'm quite happy to play under the England banner but right now my thoughts are totally focused on Warrington and nothing else.

Q: What does 2009 hold for clubs outside Super League?

AM: My advice to teams like Leigh and Widnes would be don't throw the toys out of the pram, keep on battling because they must live the dream of eventually being part of Super League. They're ambitious and they have the potential. The franchise system is exciting. Celtic have been given a licence and if you can prove everything is in place then clubs will be given a shout to become involved. I also feel Swinton, Oldham and Rochdale have everything to play for, they're great clubs, they have to keep going because they have a key role to play within the set-up of the game. Clubs outside Super League must be supported and helped.

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