Wigan Warriors fell short in the Challenge Cup semi-final at the weekend failing in their efforts to become the first team to retain the title since Hull FC in 2017, with FC’s city rivals Hull KR defeating them to set up a meeting with Leigh Leopards.
That does mean that there will be one side from the borough of Wigan represented at Wembley with the Leopards’ meteoric rise and fairy-tale season continuing.
Wigan host Leigh this weekend in the second ‘Battle of the Borough’ but a lot has changed since that first game back at the Leigh Sports Village in March when the Warriors ran out as comfortable 34-6 victors.
Since then the Leopards have only conceded 30 points or more on one occasion, when away to league leaders Catalans, and they’ve won 13 of 15 games in all competitions.
That’s seen them leapfrog Wigan into second place and Warriors’ coach Matt Peet has admitted that there is even a touch of jealousy about what’s going on down the road at the LSV.
“They’re the standout story of the season so far, and it’s well-deserved, they’re doing so much right,” Peet told Wigan Today.
On his predecessor he added: “I’m a bit jealous that he’s going to be at Wembley and we’re not, but he deserves it.”
When previewing the game and what to be expected from the Leopards after both sides were in bruising cup ties at the weekend the Wigan boss was again full of praise.
In comments made on the club website, he said: “We will be up against a team who are full of confidence, have some class players, and a great work ethic.
“Everything they are getting, they deserve with the way Derek (Beaumont) has assembled the squad, and the way Lammy (Adrian Lam) has got them playing. They’re the standout story of the season.”
He continued to heap praise on Lam: “We all knew Adrian would do a good job at Leigh. We are well aware that he will get the squad playing for one another and with smiles on their faces. I owe a lot to Adrian, and I’m pleased for him.”
It’s been a long time since Leigh were competitive against Wigan and that’s created a new derby to look forward to in Super League, one that could potentially go on to rival some of the biggest if Leigh can continue to improve with the rivalry being something Peet noted
“It’s healthy and it comes because we are local and both teams are competing at the top end of the table. It’s natural that healthy competition is going to evolve due to the history of the locality.”
Saturday’s game is to be broadcast live on Channel 4 and will be a must watch for fans of both sides, as well as being a spectacle for the neutral with kick-off at 1pm.
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