Good news:Wigan warriors supporters receive classy response from Penrith panthers like……
Huddersfield Giants boss Ian Watson is not banking on a Wigan Warriors hangover in tonight’s clash at the DW Stadium.
The Warriors were crowned the best club side in the world last Saturday after beating Penrith Panthers in a bruising contest on home soil.
Matt Peet’s men celebrated long into the weekend but the Super League schedule has quickly brought the defending champions back to reality.
Fresh from losing 28-0 to the previous World Club Challenge winners St Helens, Huddersfield will be out to spoil Wigan’s party.
If you don’t think Wigan will be on top of their game, you don’t understand how hard they’ve worked to get where they are,” he said.
“We expect the best of Wigan. It was huge for the game what they did on Saturday.
To back up what Saints did last year (beating Penrith) and do it again here is a real shot in the arm for our sport and probably makes people take us more seriously. It’s outstanding from Matty Peet and he’s a good role model for young British coaches.
Despite our result last week, we took a lot of positives. Hopefully the team won’t look too different; we want a settled team.”
Jake Connor is available in a timely boost for Watson after the full-back sat out the nilling by Saints due to a concussion sustained in the win at Leigh Leopards in round one.
Tui Lolohea and Olly Russell appear most at risk of dropping out of the team but Watson was giving nothing away ahead of the trip to Wigan.
“It’s a good problem to have,” he said.
It’s got to be on performance. Once the team start finding their feet, it’ll be a case of staying with that and building to improve as we go through the season.
“Early doors, it’s finding out what the best spine is for the team and getting the balance right.
“We’ll know after the next few games where that is.”
Esan Marsters has caught the eye in the opening two rounds as he looks to put a disappointing first season in Super League behind him.
