Tautai ready for an important Headingley trip

Wigan forward Taulima Tautai knows how important this Friday’s trip to Headingley to face Leeds is.

The Warriors will have to quickly put behind them the Challenge Cup semi-final win over Salford to get a much-needed Super 8s victory over the Rhinos.

While Leeds sit in second place, Wigan find themselves seven points behind in seventh position, three points back from the play-off positions.

Tautai told the club’s official website: “Our focus is on Leeds now though, we’re seventh in the league at the moment and it’s the first week of the Super 8s. 

“If we’re going to go back-to-back premiers then this week is a big important week for us.

“They’ll be really desperate this week but so will we. Last week was a good win but you’re only as good as your last performance, this Friday night will be a tough one for us a team but also personally in the middle. 

“They’ve got a very big forward pack so I’ve just got to do my job as best I can to help the team.

“It’s always a great atmosphere there, very hostile but it’s great and these are the games the boys love to play in.

“To go to Leeds and get the two points is something that we all want to do.”

Wigan beat an understrength Leeds side 34-0 in their last regular season game, though the Rhinos are back to almost full-strength for this weekend’s clash in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras.