Quote ="cadoo"I just hope to see a clean, classic game, that is a testament to the talents of both sides and the sport in general. Leeds v Wigan encounters are always excellent affairs and I suspect this one will be no different. I'm quietly confident of a Wigan win.
I just hope that the antics in the media by Phil Clarke, the twitter brigade and Jamie Peacock doesn't serve to add to the mounting tensions between both sets of supporters and this bring the game into disrepute. With the ability to mix around the ground freely and with people no doubt drinking before the game, I have to admit I think there could be trouble. I sincerely hope not.
As for the match itself, Wigan just need to stay professional as they have done this season. If Leeds want to come out taking our heads off, starting fights, trying to wind us up - then let them. It will only serve to hurt them if we keep our discipline and they concede cheap field position/get a man sent to the sin bin. With Danny McGuire absent, Leeds will be missing some spark. Although their forward pack is depleted, they still managed to get on top of us last time round. We must therefore go with four props - Feka, Prescott, Coley, Fielden - as we did against Hull KR. Hopefully Deacon is fit so he can amend our atrocious kicking game.
I hope when everything is said and done, no matter what has been said in the last couple of weeks, Leeds & Wigan fans put their differences aside and enjoy an excellent game of Rugby League, which this fixture and the sport deserves.'"
Is anyone else getting fed up of all this Phil Clarke outrage and fans from both sides trying to take the moral high ground all of a sudden? I know I am. Unfortunately now that the media are trying to fan the flames it will be made into an issue in the build-up to the game. I think we will see a clean game FWIW.
The avatars from some of the Leeds fans are a bit embarrassing and just asking for egg on face if/when Leeds get turned over. I'd prefer them to be gloating after we've won 'when it matters' (two weeks ago didn't really count).