SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook reckons Wigan's form and absentees will not stop Thursday night's clash at the DW Stadium from being a typical hammer and tongs derby.

Local rivalry and the chance to end Wigan’s unbeaten home record - are two key motivating factors in making it a big game.

Should Saints win, and secure their first regular season derby double since 2009, they would open a 10-point lead over their rivals.

Holbrook said: “Wigan are still sitting in second spot and although they have been a bit patchy the last few weeks that is for the other opposition to take advantage of because we know they will be at their best against us.

“It is no point looking at their past few weeks results and reading something into the fact they because they haven’t won.

“They are sitting second and we have got the biggest rivalry in rugby league.”

For all the players missing, one thing will not change from this encounter — the sheer physicality and the Warriors featuring Ben Flower, Tony Clubb, Taulima Tautai and Willie Isa will still challenge the Saints pack.

Holbrook said: “It is always a physical game.

“Wigan base a lot of their game around that we are fine with that – but they are a very skilful team too, so they build it up that way but the next minute Sam Tomkins is throwing the ball around.

“They are still a very dangerous attacking team.

“It does not matter if they have players out, they still have a lot of depth in their club – as we do.”

One player who could make an appearance is former Saint Joe Greenwood, who has been named in the 19-man squad.

Greenwood was famously a match winner in the red vee against the Warriors, but left for Gold Coast last season when Zeb Taia came in the opposite direction.

He returned to Super League with Wigan a few weeks ago - and this will be a huge game for him should he play.