Leigh star compares Wigan rivalry with huge NRL rivalry

Leigh Leopards star and captain John Asiata is preparing for his first clash against Wigan Warriors in an exciting battle of the Borough.

Speaking ahead of this game ahead of the game which will be live on Sky Sports, Asiata said on Leigh’s YouTube channel that he was excited for the game and compared it to the rivalry between Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys.

He said:

“I’m pretty excited for it, Wigan have been a very good team for a very long time.

“I think the rivalry here can be just as good as what it was back home for say the Brisbane Broncos and the Cowboys back in 2015.

“I think the squad that we have we’re looking to challenge a lot of teams and this is another test for us to make sure that we can stick it with them.”

Meanwhile coach Adrian Lam compared it to Wigan’s rivalry with St Helens:

“I remember playing for Wigan and coming to play against Leigh and the talk between not only the players, but the supporters. The love hate relationship in the borough is building nicely.

“With the game on Sky on Thursday night I think it’s great for rugby league to see that rivalry. I know Wigan are forever going to have that rivalry with Saints but I think this is as tough and as close, so I’m looking forward to it.

“I still live in Wigan so I’ve got to be careful of what I say and what I do but obviously I played at Wigan

“I’ll always be indebted to the club for that opportunity but my time here at Leigh has been unbelievable for my development as a coach, and what we’re building here has been a real important time of my life.

“When you look at the tickets sold I think we could potentially break our home ground record and what a great club to do it against.”