As part of our build-up to Friday's epic showdown between Wigan and St Helens, we touched base with fans from either side of the divide to give us their thoughts ahead of the game.
Sean Evans (Wigan) and Jack Walmsley (St Helens) talk us through their thoughts and emotions ahead of the game.
How are you feeling heading into the game?
SE: Excited, it’s the biggest game of the year, whether it’s at home, away or at a final, there’s nothing that comes close in sport.
JW: I'm feeling very confident in the team to bounce back after a tough loss against Castleford last week. I feel as though Lewis Dodd has had a good start in the halves and he will bring speed to our attack along with Roby and Lomax.
Can you sum up how it feels to be heading back to a derby game with a massive crowd?
SE: I didn’t realise how much I missed the crowd until I went to Warrington. I can’t wait to hear the South Stand in full flow, hopefully the lads follow it with a big performance.
JW: The Derby is are always better with fans there. It’s a great day out for all and it brings out the best of the players. I’m sure the fans will be a massive part of the game and our away following always helps give the team a needed boost.
Are you confident you'll win? If so, why?
SE: Honestly, I’ve never been confident for the derby but I think we can win this one. Field looks fresh, Hastings is the best half in the league and Bateman has been itching to prove he’s still one of the best in the world. It’s the time for it to all come together.
JW: I think our defence will win us the game. Form is out of the equation when it comes to big derby games so you can never predict how a team will come out. Wigan haven’t been up to scratch as of late, however in a big derby game with a crowd there for the first time since restrictions have been lifted both teams will certainly be up for it.
Are there any players from the other side who concern you?
SE: Annoyingly there’s a few, there’s the obvious Lomax/Walmsley/Coote but I look at the size and experience of someone like Kyle Amor off the bench too and think, ‘this side will not stop for 80 minutes’.
JW: I’m a fan of Jackson Hastings, he is definitely Wigan’s danger man. I think he’ll be a big miss for them next year but I’m sure our boys can keep him quiet.
Finally, have you a message for the rival fans?
SE: Four words come to mind but they aren’t family-friendly!
JW: All I have to say to the Wigan fans is “Welsby 80"
