Wigan Warriors head coach Shaun Wane insists his side’s pressure game against Castleford will bring the best out of his team.
Wane’s men could clinch the league leaders’ shield tonight with a win against the Tigers, providing Huddersfield defeat Leeds in this evening’s other semi-final deciding fixture.
Tonight sees the climax of the closest ever end to a Super League campaign with Wigan, Leeds and Huddersfield all standing a chance of claiming the league leaders’ shield.
‘‘These are the games I want to be coaching in,’’ Wane said.
‘‘I don’t ever want to finish outside the top four with nothing to play for, it would kill me if we were in that position.
‘‘I want these pressure games, it’s when we are at our best.’’
Wigan face an in-form Castleford at the DW Stadium whilst Huddersfield will be taking on Leeds in West Yorkshire.
Super League officials will have a helicopter on stand-by at the Huddersfield game, poised to deliver the shield to Wigan, should this be necessary.
These circumstances have earned tonight the label ‘frantic Friday’ and with all three teams on the brink of clinching top-spot, it is sure to live up to that title.
‘Frantic Friday’s’ results will also determine next weekend’s semi-final fixtures, hence Wane’s excitement, however the Wigan coach is intent on not getting too carried away with the occasion and events at The John Smith’s Stadium.
Instead his side must focus on doing their job and Wane believes it will not be easy against a Castleford team who last weekend enjoyed victory over Challenge Cup winners Leeds.
‘‘They’re playing with a free rein,’’ said Wane.
‘‘I had a feeling that they would turn Leeds over last week.
‘‘They’ve got some talent in their team and they’re probably the best attacking team at the moment.’’
Whatever happens at Wigan, there will be two teams across the Pennines intent on ensuring there will be no helicopter making its way to the DW.
Image courtesy of Super League TV via YouTube, with thanks.
