Derby is no ‘dead rubber’
Warrington v Widnes Kick-off 8pm
WIDNES coach Denis Betts insists tonight’s derby isn’t meaningless – even though the winning team will have their points scrubbed off next week.
Both clubs are already condemned to the Qualifiers, where every team starts on zero points.
But Betts said: “It’s not a dead rubber – it’s a local derby against a fierce rival.
“They will want to put us to the sword, if we don’t turn up with the right kind of attitude, and that’s not good for us, the town or the players.”
Warrington, who won the league leaders’ shield just 12 months ago, are guaranteed to finish in ninth spot but pulled off a surprise win at Wigan in their last match.
Coach Tony Smith says it is important they take that form into the business end of the season.
“We feel we’ve made some progress over the last couple of weeks. We want to keep that momentum and that feeling of confidence, particularly in defence.
“We need to keep that progressing, rather than feeling like we’re starting a whole new competition. That’s a big focus for us.”