Ahead of our upcoming Good Friday clash with the Wigan Warriors, we spoke to head coach Paul Wellens on the importance of this fixture at The Brick Community Stadium following our joint press conference.
Being from the town, Paul knows the significance of this game beyond just the two competition points up for grabs, and knows that it’s a huge occasion for everyone connected to both clubs.
Following on from our victory over Wakefield, Paul touched on how good it is for us to go into the game off the back of a win after a short turnaround, and he’s looking for us to build on some of our good play early in the game. However, Paul knows that overall we will have to be better than we were, especially in the final 20 minutes of the game to get the better of the Warriors.
Paul also provided an injury update; Harry Robertson is still awaiting the results of a scan, however the signs are not promising. Joe Batchelor will be given time to recover following him picking up a knock making him a doubt for Friday. Mark Percival should be fine to return to the team following him being ruled out due to Concussion Protocol last week. We are also still awaiting an update on Daryl Clark.
A big talking point coming out of the game on Friday was George Whitby, as he stepped in for the injured Jonny Lomax, and put in a Player of the Match performance. Paul heaped the praise on George stating he is “very similar” to Jonny Lomax in the way he prepares for games, and his professionalism.
Coming up against the Champions you always have to be aware of the threats they pose, and Paul said that he feels their collectivness as a team is their biggest threat along with their strike players like Jai Field, Bevan French, and Junior Nsemba.
With a sold out away end awaiting us on Friday as 5,000 Saints fans pack into The Brick Community Stadium, Paul has just asked that you bring the noise, as the 17 players out there will be giving their best for you., and he knows you will do exactly that.
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