Maguire wants Wigan fans to back Souths

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire wants supporters of Wigan to get behind his team when they meet St Helens at Langtree Park on Sunday evening.

Souths and Saints clash in the final World Club Series game, and Maguire, a former Wigan coach, is hoping that the Warriors fans come along to support his side against their fierce local rivals.

“We looking forward to getting all the Wigan fans out on our side,” he said.

“To be back here in England is great. The way the boys performed throughout the season, they worked really hard to get this opportunity.

“Our boys have been really looking forward to this trip. I think it’ll be such a great game. The Saints fans are loud, and we’re looking forward to playing in a very tough game.

“St Helens have been playing some great footy. I’ve watched the last few games, and they’ve been performing well.

“They’ve got a strong forward pack, and their halves are moving well, and Roby still gets out of dummy half like I remember from two or three years ago.

“He’s doing plenty from dummy half there, so we’re expecting a real tough game.

“We’re preparing over this week to make sure that we get everything spot on.”

Maguire feels that Saints have quality all over the park, and expects them to ask questions of the Rabbitohs’ defence.

“The Saints have got a lot of quality. Their forward pack’s laying a real good platform for them,” he said.

“They’re rolling forward with their two big boys, and when they shift sideways they’re very clever with their hands.

“So for us defensively we have to be spot on with how we go about things. For us, it’s about doing the job for each other, and learning a bit more about each other being this far away from home.

“It’s an enjoyable trip to be part of, but we’ll make it more enjoyable by how we perform.

“Attackwise they’re a very crafty team, and out of yardage coming off their own in-goal they will shift the ball at times if they need to, or they will sneak up a short side and try to pinch yards.

“But when they get close to the line, they’ve got their combinations.

“Both teams will, no doubt, be putting their focus on defence.”