Wigan ‘feeling great’ after trip Down Under

WIGAN coach Shaun Wane insists there will be no excuses if his side fail to extend their winning start to the Betfred Super League season at Warrington tonight.

The Warriors are the first of three Super League clubs to return to domestic action following their trips to Australia.

Hull, who played Wigan in the first Super League fixture to be staged outside Europe, take on Castleford tomorrow while Leeds, who lost to Melbourne in the World Club Challenge, have the longest recovery time as they prepare to face Widnes on Sunday.

Wigan, one of only four teams with 100 per cent records after the first two rounds, arrived back from their two-week trip to New South Wales on Monday and Wane says they are ready to face the Wolves.

“The jet lag has gone and training has gone really well,” he said.

“There’s no excuses, our medical staff have worked wonders with the players and the recovery protocols have been adhered to. “They’ll be feeling great. “It’s perfect that it’s Warrington because they got their first win and it will be a great atmosphere. Our record is quite good there.”

Warrington coach Steve Price said: “It won’t be easy for Wigan after their trip to Australia and we’ll see how they handle it, but it’s more about us getting our own backyard in order and building on what we did well last week in the win over Widnes.”

Wane has dropped winger Joe Burgess and will switch second rower John Bateman to centre in place of Dan Sarginson, who took a knock on his shoulder against Hull.

England coach Wayne Bennett was roundly criticised for playing Bateman at centre throughout the World Cup and, although Wane was among the critics, he says the current lack of adequate cover has forced his hand.

“If I had been Wayne Bennett, I wouldn’t have picked him as a centre,” Wane said. “I’m probably going to do the same.”

Like Bateman, England winger Jermaine McGillvary will make his first appearance since the World Cup final when Huddersfield host early pacesetter St Helens tonight.

McGillvary, who enjoyed an outstanding tournament, sat out the first two rounds with a niggling knee injury.

“I think it’s a big lift to have Jerry back,” said Giants coach Rick Stone.

“After what he did in the World Cup everyone is looking at him.”