Shaun Wane insists Wigan Warriors’ right to top the table will face a stern test against rivals Salford City Reds at the DW Stadium.
The Warriors battled to a tight win at Hull F.C. last week and but cannot afford to slip up if they are to ensure Huddersfield Giants don’t leapfrog them into first place.
Despite Salford’s lowly position, Wane is aware an ex-Wigan contingent of Martin Gleeson, Stephen Wild, Wayne Godwin and new coach Brian Noble will be looking to topple their former club.
“They will come to the DW and will want to play,” said Wane.
“They have some players with a lot of Super League experience and some ex-Wigan players with a lot of games under their belt.
“I have seen them do some good things in recent weeks and we will not be underestimating them.”
Salford defeated Castleford Tigers by four points last weekend, lifting them off the foot of the table.
The RFL are investigating a period in the dying moments where they fielded 14 players, meaning they could face a fine or even a points deduction.
But Wane does not expect the investigation to affect the Reds in the crucial Super League fixture.
“Salford had an important win last week and we are expecting a tough game,” he said.
“I am wanting a really good performance from the team, I don’t want to limp into the Hull K.R. Challenge Cup game the week after.
“I want us to go into that game on the back of a good performance, a good win and with confidence.
“The lads have been great after the Hull F.C. game and they understand we were not at our best – we were quite harsh on them this week.”
Wigan have never lost to Salford at the DW Stadium, with the Manchester outfit’s last win at Wigan coming at Central Park in 1997 but Wane won’t be taking that record for granted.
He added: “There is no room for any complacency at this club and we have a strong group who have taken that on board.”
Image courtesy of SuperLeague TV, via YouTube, with thanks
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