Optimism for Saturday?

[weststand-rich]

How confident are people feeling about our prospects for Saturday? I for one feel quietly confident that we'll win for several reasons.

Firstly we look fit and springy. In the previous 2 years at this point in the proceedings we've looked like we're running on vapours - tired and jaded. We do not look like a side about to run out of steam. Secondly we looked the better rugby playing side last time we met. Thirdly with Mcguire in the halves and Peacock in the pack missing they have very limited options. Rob Burrows doesn't look anything like the threat he has been, so I'm expecting a close fought win.

Rugby is not going to be the issue for us. What is absolutely crucial for us IMO is to rise above the niggle and BS that will doubt come our way.

[mark webster?]

Totally agree, as long as we don't drop down to people like Delaney and Bailey's attitudes.

[Panchitta Marra]

How confident are people feeling about our prospects for Saturday? I for one feel quietly confident that we'll win for several reasons.

Firstly we look fit and springy. In the previous 2 years at this point in the proceedings we've looked like we're running on vapours - tired and jaded. We do not look like a side about to run out of steam. Secondly we looked the better rugby playing side last time we met. Thirdly with Mcguire in the halves and Peacock in the pack missing they have very limited options. Rob Burrows doesn't look anything like the threat he has been, so I'm expecting a close fought win.

Rugby is not going to be the issue for us. What is absolutely crucial for us IMO is to rise above the niggle and BS that will doubt come our way.

This match is going to be tough, but it is winnable.
Our discipline and error rate on the day could well be the main contributing factor.
As we have proven if we dont give much away and dont spill the ball, we are a very tough nut to crack.
Our attack, when right can split any team.
Improve our kicking game is important too, make the ball hit the turf & between players.

[Matthew]

If we play like we can; then it shouldn't matter what the whinos do - provided Silverwood stops leeds using their thug tactics! If he penalises the inevitable torrent of dissent then it could be a comfortable victory!

[Kittwazzer]

As Marra said, a good kicking game is vital and could see us through comfortably. I will feel a lot more confident if Deacs is declared fit.

If he hadn't got injured last time out, we'd be playing at home on Friday night!

[MrDave]

Wigan need to make sure they are not dragged down into a game of 'dirty' tactics because very few teams are better than Leeds at winding up players.

In a game of rugby league I think Wigan would come out the winners but it would be tough. No silly penalties or silly errors and a decent kicking game Wigan could beat any team.

[stephen lord]

Wigan just, by 8.

[ste lord]

dont know what happened then, im posting as my sunday name !!!

[KOOCH]

Of course we will win.No doubt about it. Just as long as it is instilled in the players minds that they need to rise above the dirty tactics Leeds will throw our way. And you can bet your life on the fact that they will target Sam in a big way! Why would I say that I can hear you asking.Well the logical thing for the Rhino's would be to rough Sam up thus winding up big brother who like everyone else is very protective of him. We would then incur the wrath of Silverwood who lets be honest is not a favourite of ours considering the amount of penalties he dishes out our way. I am also aware that other teams try the tactic of laying on,but we are often penalised for the laying on a little to long.Our kicking game is of paramount importance on Saturday. We need to keep them on the back foot throughout the game. And keeping Sinfields kicking game quiet. But all this apart we can and will be better than Leeds. Remember 2010 is the year of the Warriors.

[stevethegas]

Our biggest problem this season hasn't been the rugby so much as the "silly penalties that we keep giving away" (thank you Stevo).
I realise as I write this that every fan's true right is to be paranoid, but I actually don't think this is paranoia.
Watching a couple of our previous games it appears we've been very harshly treated by referees. Time and again there's been a penalty and for the life of me I can't see what was wrong. What the players can do to protect against that is difficult to see, but I hope we get a fair crack of the whip. No doubt Leeds will do what they can to wind up our lads, but as so many have said above, we simply mustn't let it get to us.
Sadly I can't make Headingley, but I shall be at Old Trafford again, as I have for the last 20 years or so, come what may. Let's hope this year I won't be a neutral spectator.
In my crystal ball I see a Wigan/Huddersfield match. What do others think?