Joel Tomkins reveals his favourite derby between Wigan and St Helens

Wigan beating local rivals St Helens in the last ever Good Friday derby at Knowsley Road will live long in the memory for Joel Tomkins.

The Warriors won 18-10 in a thrilling game in front of a packed house in St Helens and Tomkins started the game alongside brother, Sam.

Tomkins has played in many great battles between the arch enemies, but the 31-year-old has a personal favourite.

He told loverugbyleague.com: “The last game at Knowsley Road in 2010 stands out for me.

“Getting the win in that one was brilliant and the atmosphere was absolutely electric that day.

“I don’t know how many there was on at Knowsley Road but it was definitely more than the capacity! It was just absolutely buzzing that day, there are no other ways to describe it.

“To get the win there on such an historic date and get the win was great, not because it was spoiling Saints’ party, but because it was a massive game for us. That year was special in itself as we went on to win the Grand Final.”

Wigan battered Huddersfield 48-10 on Friday night but Tomkins thinks the team need to be even better to beat league leaders Saints on Good Friday.

He added: “The win over Huddersfield gives us a big boost.

“But I think we will still probably have to improve next week to get a result against Saints.

“Good Friday is a massive game, both physically and mentally. We need to back it up on Monday as well, not that we will be thinking about that until after the Saints game.

“We have got a good record over the Easter period since 2010 and hopefully we can carry that on this year.”