We're ready - Tautai
Taulima Tautai previews Wigan Warriors’ Round 10 Betfred Super League trip to Wakefield Trinity.
Prop forward set to return to his former club on Friday night.
Tautai: “It’s going to be a tough game for us. We’ve done some work on Wakefield and their strength is definitely through the middle.”
Taulima Tautai says Wigan Warriors have had the ‘best preparation’ ahead of Friday evening’s trip to Wakefield Trinity.
The prop has admitted there has been a key focus on defence in training in the past week, as the Warriors let slip a 20-0 lead to lose 38-28 against Castleford last time out.
Tautai, who made 26 appearances for Wakefield between 2013 and 2014, revealed his excitement of going back to the Mobile Rocket Stadium in Round 10 of the Betfred Super League.
“It was a very tough review to watch from the Castleford game, especially after having a big lead at the start,” Tautai said.
A lot of their tries came through the middle, so we’ve worked a lot on our contact, defensively, this week. We feel we have prepared the best we can.
“I’m looking forward to going back. I’ve been there a couple of times since I left, and the fans haven’t been too harsh on me!
“I have very favourable memories there, but when it comes to Friday, I’m looking to do the best for my team and help us take away the two points.”
The 31-year-old forward is expecting a hard battle on Friday night and has picked out Trinity’s middle pack as the main threat for the Warriors.
Tautai added: “It’s going to be a tough game for us. We’ve done some work on Wakefield and their strength is definitely through the middle.
“They’ve got a lot of big players like David Fifita and Tinirau Arona who are a threat for us. David has been great for them and he’s their heartbeat in the middle of the park.
“It’s not a coincidence that they’re scoring a lot of points. It’s our challenge to try and stop him as much as we can to keep him contained.”
Tautai also commented on the recent news that Dom Manfredi will be out for the season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury against Castleford.
“As a club and a group of men, we’re all behind him and will support him as best as we can.
“It’s so sad for it to happen to someone as talented as Dom. All the boys have taken the news hard because he’s such a good bloke to have around the team.”
You can get your tickets for Friday night’s game by calling 01942 311111 or visiting the DW Stadium Ticket office in person.
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