Yeah, McManus announcement was almost as funny as Paul Anderson's expression at full-time. Both would be hugely surpassed if Catalan went to Langtree and turned them over, and we got a shot of Haddock McManus and the spherical-faced tub of self-importance that is Cunningham at full-time. We live in hope.

Whatever happens, well done Catalans. Their two victories have been a huge boost to the play-offs, after some of the abysmal fare that's been served up.

Yeah. Warrington have been garbage.

Thought it was a great game to watch. V impressed with Cats. Hudds had a full pack of forward cards to play and Cats matched them and for me Cats backs were more fluent and dangerous which brings me onto Saints. In think Cats could match Saints upfront bar Roby but definitely outmatch Saints in the backs so they have a great chance. I think Saints will just scrape through.

Wire v Pies
We need Westwood back plus Bridge and Harrison to be near full fitness for this. Pies have a full healthy side and I'm just concerned the Widnes and Cas games have taken their toll. The extra day (game on fri rather than Thursday) may be crucial to give our players that extra boost.

We've toughed it through the last 2 and we can do it again.

Only the same time between a normal fixture, if we lose it will just be old fashioned outplayed or a bad ref mistake.

Perks of finishing top EH!

Just feel Wire Yed that if we were at full fitness we could/can, compete/more than compete down the middle with pies.If we lose that battle, then we've been outplayed. But, I still think we can do it. From a positive view, most of the teams who have eventually won the GF have had at some stage had to scrape through the playoffs and have been written off at many stages. I hope this is us in a few weeks time.

We deffo owe wigan one can we lift ourselves for one massive last push to get to the final , that old statement of Tony Barrow comes to mind head says wigan heart says warrington ! . On another note aint this the 1st time in the history of the playoffs there has'nt been any yorkshire clubs involved in the semi's

I am going to say we can do a number on the Pies this time and go on to win this who ever we play in the Grand Final.

I am a great supporter of Westwood but so far this year he hasn't set the world alight & unless he is fully fit we shouldn't play him . Harsh but true .

If he is fit, I'd have him on the bench instead of Wood (who's not had the best season), thought both Laithwaite & Waterhouse got through a ton of work on Thursday night & don't deserve to be left out.

Westwood is not fit and will not play next week. Maybe fit at a push for the GF should we get there!

I'd play Ben Evans if fit before Woody.

Agree

Unfortunately I'd play Asotasi before Wood, all he's done of late is drop the ball (no pun intended)

Personally I'm biased against Westwood purely because of the extreme cringe factor every time someone on here actually types out "Superben" when referring to him. Sorry Ben.

I'm reasonably confident I think the belief is there within the team and they will know what to expect from Wigan, the rough stuff and we'll be ready.

I have been saying thid the last 2 weeks, had he been in Wigan's squad im sure Wane would of played him.His form before the injury was good so i do not get why he as not played.

Come on Yed, you've got to admit it, Roy had a very good game on Thursday. I'd start with him against Wigan.

Roy did play well on Thursday but not well enough to get starting spot. IF Super Ben plays then I think we will see Ben H starting prop along with Hilly.
If no Super Ben but Matty returns then Ratch could play 13 & again Ben H prop.

Wigan have a very structured game plan.

Wigan play the heavy lying on early doors with 3/4 defenders in every tackle, taking a full 4 seconds to release. More often they have also turned the attacker. They will even go to 4.5-5 sec to see what they can get away with.
Through that period of the game they give very few penalties, and look to utilise the pace outside with cut out passes to the wing or flat passes though dummy runners to the centre.

They only resort to roughing it up when that slowing down the play hasn't been effective enough to give them a substantial lead. Smith and Green will then attack running off quick play the balls.

If they have the lead the rough stuff doesn't happen and they resort to a big kicking with Smith.


We have learned to deal with all aspects of the Pie game except how to stop Smith and Green running at us in the second period.

I can't see past Wigan winning the GF... They're the most drilled team with a lot of academy lads playing who through have not only grown up in Wigan but also playing right through the system... Their pride in their Jersey is second to none.

We've shown we can score points past them (the GF and the other week). The worst thing you can do to Wigan is to be battering them at half time. They always come out fired up. Do what We've done over there before. Smash their forwards. Flood theruck and keep hitting the middle.

First 30 minutes 5 drives through the middle and PASS TO O'BRIEN, then smash the ball in the corner, Jan in and keep them there. Keep turning them round and they won't want to know. If we want to beat a team as drilled as Wigan we're goingto need something massive to be pulled out the bag.

I fear this will be one game to far for us.

Agreed.
What we need in the second period is to have an A kicking game.

We must protect the lead and play it like the Rhinos. If there isn't a play on from the kick, then don't go and kick it down the throat of Bowen, kick it out dead under the sticks. Yes I hate that tactic but it stops a quick return and buys time to level the defence and a 10 sec breather.

gotta bad feeling already for this one (hope im wrong )just hope the week off as done wigan a lot of harm...is it better to have a week off and rest up or is it better to keep playing..only time will tell..just hope we dont need any of the neck braces that are on order...wonder who the ref will be

I think who the ref is will play a big part in the outcome of this game.

I can't see us winning this, I want to but I can't see it. As long as we play with pride and give it a hell of a crack, I'll be happy with this season.

We need an official that allows us fast play the ball next week. If Wigan are allowed to wrestle their way through the match we stand absolutely no chance. I'd also like to see us stand up to them a bit more their aggression was key for them last time out.