SUPER LEAGUE WARR CRY

Wane calls on his men to atone for Aussie World Club horror

SHAUN WANE wants Wigan to showcase the club’s power on Australian soil this morning when they take on Hull FC in Sydney.

Wane is still haunted by the Warriors’ disappointing 36-14 World Club Challenge defeat to Sydney Roosters four years ago, ahead of the first Super League game outside Europe.

The clubs will play for two competition points in rugby league stronghold Wollongong, and their coach is keen to make a local impression.

Wane said: “We need to make sure they see the best of us because our memories of playing over here are not great.

“The last time we were here playing against the Roosters (right) we were poor and undersold ourselves. I want people to see Wigan back at their best and show them what we can do.

“I think it’s going to be a full house and there are a lot of people in Australia who support Wigan or Hull and we’re expecting them to and make it a great atmosphere.

“The stadium is great – it’s right next to the sea – and the surface is fantastic. I’m really pumped to get going on Saturday.”

Wane also dismissed notions Hull will be weaker this season following the exits of key men Mahe Fonua and Gareth Ellis.

Wane said: “I see them being stronger – the new winger they’ve got Bureta Faraimo is a handful, and through the middle Scott Taylor, Liam Watts and Danny Houghton are all a year on. We have to defend there really strong, and they’ve got good players on the edges as well.

“They’re very motivated, they’ve won the last two Challenge Cup finals at Wembley and I’d say they’re pretty strong favourites.

“They have lots of threats, but as a coaching team and a team of players we need to make sure they see the best of us and the threats we have.”

The match will be refereed by Aussie Matt Cecchin, but played under Super League rules rather than the two officials approach used by the NRL.

Wane insists that isn’t a concern, adding: “We won’t adjust anything at all.

“He came and refereed a session we had against St George, and told us a few things and that he’ll referee it as best he can and as close as he can to Super League.

“As long as he’s the same with Hull as he is with us, I’ll be happy. I know it’ll be slightly difficult for him.”

FIGHTING SPIRIT Wane (right) wants his Warriors to show the Aussie crowd what they are capable of