Wigan bring out big guns

Jan 24 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

AUSTRALIAN Test star Trent Barrett is among the big names Wigan will be fielding on Sunday as Steve McCormack’s young guns take on the Warriors at Stobart Stadium Halton, writes IAN CHEVEAU.

Wigan boss Brian Noble has forewarned Vikings duo Steve McCormack and Terry O’Connor he plans to use all of his impressive arsenal against McCormack’s new-look Vikings to conclude the JJB club’s preparations for a make-or-break Super League season.

McCormack said: “Wigan are fielding their strongest possible side.

“We have a very young side and it’s a massive challenge for them, but it’s also a chance to test themselves against the best and show us what they can do.

“It’s our first run-out before the Northern Rail Cup and it Wigan’s last run-out before the start of Super League so it’s an important game for both sides.”

Vikings’ sporting director Terry O’Connor admitted the Vikings will be up against it but he reckons the players will need no motivation.

He said: “Wigan Warriors have always set the standards in rugby league since the glory days in the Challenge Cup and our players are relishing the opportunity to test themselves among the Trent Barretts, the Iafeta Paleaaesinas the Stuart Fieldens of this world.

“I used to like nothing better when I played to be up against a big-name player and that is what the players are thinking.”

The Vikings will hand debuts to at least 12, including this week’s scrum-half signing Steven Roper from rivals Warrington Wolves.

Roper, a product of the Wigan academy system, is a chunky No7 with an excellent kicking game.

The 21-year-old was recommended O’Connor by Wolves’ coach Paul Cullen and will be thrown in the deep end with new centre Danny Speakman.

Vikings are in talks with other players who they hope to unveil before the National League campaign kick-off.

The coach would still like to bring in experience at half-back alongside youngsters Tim Hartley and Roper.

But McCormack stressed: “The signing of Steven isn’t a stop gap – definitely not, as he is a player who can fit right in. It’s a great opportunity for him.’

“Steven is a young player who is hungry and will do a very good job for us. He is a player who, like Bob Beswick, came from Wigan Warriors and was on the verge of breaking through.

“Mick Cassidy wanted to sign him for Barrow and we beat off a few other clubs. We are still looking for some experience though.”

Vikings commercial director Mike Banks anticipates a 5,000 crowd.

He said: “It’s a big game and we want the people of this town to come out and get behind their club.”

There is pre-match entertainment from Stobart dancers IndepenDANCE and a primary schools match between Sts Bede’s and St Gerard’s at 12.45pm, before the big match at 2pm.

William Stobart, chief operating officer of the club’s new sponsor Stobart Group, will be at the game.

Match tickets can be purchased – at £10 adults and £5 juniors/concessions – from www.widnesvikings.co.uk and the ticket helpline, tel 0151 495 4822 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm).

Cash and credit cards will be accepted at the matchday ticket office at Stadium Fitness (West Stand).