Wigan Warriors head coach Shaun Wane has heaped praise upon the clubs fans ahead of Thursday’s play-off clash with Huddersfield Giants at the DW Stadium.
The Warriors, the current holders of the Super League title, finished second in this year’s table, losing out to rivals St. Helens by just a point and face the daunting prospect of third-placed Huddersfield in the first-round.
And while the loser of the game will still get a second chance of progressing thanks to their lofty finishes, Wane is confident his side will grasp the opportunity at the first time of asking… especially if the Wigan fans are in full voice.
“We’re treating this as a sudden death game, I want the right desire and attitude from my team and they know what I am expecting on Thursday night,” the 50-year-old, who has been at the helm since 2012, told the club’s official site.
“The fans have been excellent all season and hopefully they can back us in good numbers again this week.
“The DW Stadium has been pumping this last two weeks and we need the fans again.”
Wigan lost star player Sam Tomkins to the New Zealand Warriors at the end of last term, but Wane is adamant that his squad has proved they still have enough quality to retain their crown.
“It’s good at this stage of the season to have a very strong squad to choose from, I’m happy to be able to name the same 19 players again after the injuries we have had this season.
“They (Huddersfield) play a really good brand of rugby, they have good middles and they play the game tough so we are expecting a real arm-wrestle.”
Main image courtesy of WhiteLineFeverTV via YouTube, with thanks.
