Wigan Warriors are looking to get one over Hull KR this Saturday to book their place in the Grand Final for the 12th time.
The Robins stopped the Warriors from doing the double as they beat Matt Peet’s side 11-10 in the Challenge Cup semi-final back in July to reach Wembley.
Now, as they prepare for another sudden-death showdown with KR, Peet admits the pain of that loss was used in the aftermath to inject life into their Super League campaign as they went on to clinch the League Leaders’ Shield.
“We spoke short term about channelling our pain into energy, but it hasn’t been mentioned this week,” he said.
“We talk more on the excitement of progressing and the people we want to prove right, rather than righting the wrongs.
“We’re confident that if we bring the best of us then we can be a match for anybody and we can’t wait for it.”
Wigan have only won both the League Leaders’ Shield and the Grand Final in the same season twice in their history.
With a potential trip to Old Trafford on the horizon, to face the winners of Friday’s semi between Catalans and St Helens, Peet has urged supporters not to take victory for granted.
“I encourage all our fans to support us and to not look past this game as in recent years we’ve learned these fixtures can go either way,” he said.
Out of the three meetings so far this season, Wigan have won two. However, two out of three fixtures were won by a single score – Hull KR’s win by one point and the Warriors win by four.
Winger Liam Marshall said: “They’re a very talented side with a lot of quality individuals and we’ll need to be on top of our game to get the win.
“We won’t be taking them lightly and it’s important we turn up with the right attitude to give ourselves the best chance of reaching the Grand Final.”
Embed from Getty ImagesIf Marshall is selected, he will make his 150th appearance for his hometown club.
“I’m really humbled and proud to have played this many games for this great club, but Saturday is just about getting the win,” he said.
Peet has no new injury concerns and Willie Isa could be available after recovering from injury.
