Previous semi-final defeats still “sting” but superstar Jai Field insists Wigan are ready to put those miserable experiences to bed.
The electric Aussie full-back is geared up to get them across the line and into next week’s Super League Grand Final. The League Leaders’ Shield winners host in-form Hull KR in Saturday's lunchtime shoot-out hoping history doesn’t repeat itself. Wounded Wigan were stunned at home by fifth-placed Leeds in last year’s Super League semi-final.
And then Matty Peet’s side crashed to an agonising golden point extra-time defeat against Saturday's opponents in July’s Challenge Cup semi-final. Field, 26, admitted: “Last year, it was disappointing. But we do have quite a young team here. Obviously, we’re all another year older now and have had another year playing together so we’re definitely going to learn things along the way.
“It still hurts. And missing out on Wembley this time was definitely a bit of a sting, too. But the boys are just looking forward to getting out there on Saturday now and seeing how we go. At the start of the season when the first ball is kicked every team wants to win the comp'. That’s what we set out to do.”
Wigan should be confident; they’re on an eight-match winning run since that Cup exit, are the most prolific - and tightest - team in the comp’ and have Bevan French in stunning form. Last year’s prolific winger is shortlisted for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel having switched positions with Field from full-back to stand-off mid-season, prompting Warriors’ surge in form.
Field, who’s scored 16 tries himself, said: “Bevan’s had a really good season. He’s played three positions this year and excelled in all three. He’s really starting to feel comfortable playing at six now so it’s good to see. Going into this semi, it’s helped us all having the week off and giving the body a rest. Freshening them up after a long season is definitely a positive before facing Hull KR.”
In contrast, fourth-placed Rovers had to see off Leigh in last week’s eliminator. But they have now won six on the bounce, beat Wigan on the opening day and seen two of their other contests go into extra-time. Willie Peters’ side view this as their best chance yet to reach a maiden Grand Final and Field conceded: “They are obviously a really good side. They’ve challenged us every game we’ve played them in this year.
“They play a good attacking style, come through the middle of the field and have great ball carriers in backfield so are dangerous. We will have to be on to win.”
Both sides welcome back key forwards with Willie Isa set for his 200th Wigan appearance and KR’s Dean Hadley chalking up his 200th career game.