FARRELL ROOTING FOR HIS HOMETOWN TEAM
WIGAN’S players will stand in the footsteps of giants against Sydney Roosters tomorrow – and they’ll need some 11/10 performances to win the Betfred World Club Challenge.
The club has a rich history in this competition, from beating Manly in 1987 to Penrith four years later, Brisbane away in 1994 and Cronulla two years ago.
It’s in the DNA of the town – and the current squad will understand the importance of that. Sometimes as a player that allows you to rise above your week-to-week performance, ENGLAND rugby union fly-half Owen Farrell is backing his hometown Wigan to lift a fifth World Club Challenge title against Sydney Roosters tomorrow.
He started his rugby career at amateur club which is what they’re going to need to do if they are to beat a very good Roosters side.
There is a big difference in the salary cap spend of the two sides, and talent normally goes where the money is.
But what Wigan can control is how well they play as individuals, and that’s what they need to focus on.
Players like Zak Hardaker, George Williams and skipper Sean O’Loughlin are crucial to their chances of winning at the DW Stadium.
But I also think you can chuck Oliver Gildart in there if he can replicate his Wigan St Pat’s and remains a keen supporter of dad Andy’s former team.
Farrell (right) said: “Adrian Lam has only had two games in charge so far, but from what I’ve seen, the team has got better and better. I’m taking a lot of performances for England against New Zealand in the autumn.
He should be looking to produce another try or assist and have a real impact on the game. For the Roosters, Cooper Cronk is the main man and someone who showed his confidence from that and hopefully it’s a good sign.
“I’m sure they’re excited to take it up another notch on Sunday. The World Club Challenge is a big part of Wigan’s history and to be in with a chance of winning another one is massive, but toughness by playing in last year’s Grand Final with a fractured shoulder blade.
The World Club Challenge is a fixture that attracts people’s attention from outside of rugby league – and it’s one that I loved playing in.
It’s almost like a fourth Test match against Australia – if you don’t play in the NRL then these are the games you look to benchmark yourself in.
I’ve got great memories from them - winning the first one with Bradford Bulls against Newcastle, and then beating Penrith when we hopefully to win it would be even bigger.”
Farrell is currently in camp with England, but is keen to see the game.
He added: “Hopefully we’ll have time to sit down and watch it all. I’m really looking forward to it.” were massively down on numbers. At Leeds Rhinos we won the ‘Battle of Elland Road’ against Melbourne, and then won one at Headingley when we faced Manly.
It’s going to be tough for Wigan to lift their fifth title – but I believe they can win a tight, close game. I’ll be Cherry and White for the day and hope the vast majority of the rest of Super League fans are too.
They have to do the basics at a world-class level to give themselves a chance.