Cipriani KO’d for 12 weeks as ‘special’ 18-year-old rival is tipped for greatness
HARRISON HANSEN hopes that Saturday’s Catalans-Widnes survival shoot-out will work in Leigh’s favour as they look to secure their own Super League status.
The Vikings travel to Perpignan with the winner retaining their top-flight place – while the losers then face Leigh a week later in the Million Pound Game. The Centurions – who travel to London on Friday in their final Qualifiers game – have already begun planning for the sport’s most controversial fixture and will be watching events in France with a keen eye.
Hansen said: “Catalans and Widnes will be in a huge battle on Saturday, whereas we know that we’re in the Million Pound Game and we’re already preparing for it. “I hope Catalans and Widnes batter each other to try and secure safety – that could be in our favour because next week we’ll be ready.” Leigh secured promotion through the Qualifiers last season (left) and Hansen admits being on the other side of the fence this year is tough.
The Kiwi forward added: “Last year in the middle eight was a totally different feeling.
“We had a different air of confidence, we were scoring good tries and defending well too.
“We’ve been more hit and miss this time and are stuck in this position now.
“Mentally it’s been a test, but there’s nothing we can do other than concentrate on performing in the last two games.”