Wane: We’re still hurting from last year
Shaun Wane says Wigan are still hurting from their two-point defeat to Brisbane in the World Club Series in 2015 and want to make ammends tonight.
The Warriors went down to the Broncos last year thanks a last-minute penalty. Wane said Wigan deserved more from their performance 12 months ago.
“Brisbane are really well coached,” he told Love Rugby League.
“They’ve got some great athletes and my young players will respond. They’re still hurting from the loss last year from a poor refere’s decision at the end.
“I thought we dominated large parts of that game. Brisbane knew they were in that game last year. We need to do it again and hopefully get the win and what we deserve.”
With St Helens heavily beaten last night and Leeds struggling with injury, Wigan appear to be Super League‘s best chance of a World Club Series win against the NRL.
“I know if we got pumped like Leeds, I’m sure Brian would be really motivated to get his players to respond and that’s what I’m expecting from Brian’s team,” Wane said.
“Even though we’ve won two games we haven’t played that well. I’ve got into my players, it’s not been an easy two weeks because we’ve dipped below the standards I expect.
“Even though we’ve got four points the players have had a tough two weeks. We’ll be ready for Saturday, we’ll improve. And we need to. This is an iconic fixture, Wigan vs Brisbane.
“All the Wigan fans will turn out, it will be a great atmosphere again and I just want Brisbane to see the best of us.”
Last year Anthony Gelling was sin-binned for a bizarre charge down of Corey Parker‘s penalty, which won the Broncos the game.
Wane said the centre is in “serious mode” ahead of this match.
“We had a laugh and joke about it last year,” he said.
“But he’s in a serious mode. He’s trained unbelievably well in pre-season and in the games this year he’s been outstanding.
“On his day, he can be one of the best outside backs in the competition. He seems very, very focused and hopefully they won’t get a penalty that he can charge down.”