Sean: Beast must be tamed

SEAN O’LOUGHLIN has warned Wigan to tame ‘The Beast’ to keep alive their Challenge Cup dream.

Tomorrow’s semi-final opponents Salford will unleash new signing Manu Vatuvei, who earned his nickname for his sheer power and speed.

The ex-New Zealand winger, 31, is likely to be rusty after an injury-hit year at New Zealand Warriors. But Wigan captain O’Loughlin says he is a danger and one that needs snuffing out.

He said: “He is a massive signing for them and to have him here is great for our competition.

“It is about doing our homework on him but the majority of the lads know what he brings – he’s tough, carries up the middle as well as finishing on the edge.”

Salford finished fourth after the regular season, three places and three points better than Wigan.

But their form is poor, losing six of their last seven Super League games.

Red Devils coach Ian Watson has called for his men to respond to reach the club’s first Challenge Cup Final since 1969. He said: “It would be massive for the town and the club if we got to Wembley and this is where our main guys step forward.

“We have had a bit of a blip in performances. But this is a different competition and big games fuel you and big players rise.

“We have not started games fast enough over the last few weeks and we need to remedy that. I have no worries.”