SPAT’S LIFE
Wigan, Cas ready to roll
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SPARKS could fly on and off the pitch in tonight’s crunch showdown between Wigan and Castleford.
The two clubs’ coaches have been involved in a simmering spat over the years. Tigers boss Daryl Powell accused opposite number Shaun Wane of being “disrespectful” last year. Wane, who had previously hit Cas with the same disrespect tag, wound up Powell after the Warriors’ 33-26 win. He claimed his side’s display was only a “four out of 10” even though they won, and further shots were exchanged before their Challenge Cup game last June. In the close season, Wigan players were angered when Cas star Rangi Chase posted a video of his tackle last August that ended Dom Manfredi’s season. Chase later apologised for the social media posting but tensions are still bubbling between the clubs.
Intense
Wane recently made a point of revealing Powell was the only Super League coach not to congratulate him on their World Club Challenge glory. Both coaches this week tried to play down talk of a grudge match. Powell said: “It’s just competitive – he’s competitive, I’m competitive. We’re both pretty proud of the clubs we represent. “Yes, it’s intense and there’s a really good rivalry there. I think it’s been built up a bit, but it’s a big game.” Wane said: “There’s no grudge. I’m a big admirer of the way they play. “I don’t know Daryl but I’ve got loads of respect for the club and they’re the best team in the competition.” Leaders Cas go into the DW Stadium clash three points ahead of fifth-placed Wigan, who haven’t won in three and are ravaged by injuries.