Ex-player explains why these fixtures were “horrendous” to play in

In the biggest game of the Round and one of the biggest of the season, unbeaten League Leaders Warrington Wolves host rivals Wigan Warriors who sit second and defeated Champions St Helens last week.

A man who knows what it is like to play in these games, Sky Sports’ Terry O’Connor who used to play for Wigan Warriors, stated that these fixtures between two rivals are “horrendous” to play in.

“I remember those games against Warrington when playing for Wigan. Those games were horrendous especially when Paul Cullen was around and they called it “Wigan week.” Those games were honestly horrendous.

“It was no holds barred.”

A huge and fiery game is expected.

But when the team news came in for the game, a concern was raised for the Wolves.

The Wolves have lost Gil Dudson and Joe Philbin to bans.

James Harrison is still absent but Daryl Clark returns to the mix.

The Wolves have youngsters Lucas Green, Leon Hayes, Jamie Reddecliff, Luke Thomas and Tom Whitehead in the squad.

A lack of forwards and a reliance on youth has some making excuses for the Wolves but former Wigan Warriors man Terry O’Connor rejected the notion on Sky Sports ahead of the game:

“Let’s not forget they have Sam Kasiano with some size, Paul Vaughan and Josh McGuire. They have players available and playing well in the middle of the park who are making the likes of George Williams stand out.

“Daryl Powell said last year that he wanted to make some changes and he has done and this is his team but Matty Peet will be licking his lips tomorrow at a chance to be the first team to beat them this year.

“Those young guns in the Wigan shirts they will be well up for it. They will be loving it.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Jones-Buchanan said Wigan always find a way to win:

“They always find a way to win. I just want to keep watching.”