Wilkin: Wigan derbies are physical, but key is execution

And that is just how skipper Jon Wilkin recalls his first one on Good Friday 2004 after joining the club as a youngster from Hull KR.

Then aged 20, Wilkin had come off the bench and had scored a try in the 21-all draw with the Warriors.

But the match is still noted for the dust-up that involved most players, with big Samoan wing Dom Feaunati throwing haymakers, and ended up with a face off between the game’s giants Paul Sculthorpe and Andy Farrell.

But that incident was sparked by Wilkin’s refusal to be cowed by Wigan hardman Terry Newton at the ruck and a melee ensued.

Wilkin recalls: “In my first derby I got beat up by Terry Newton so it has been pretty easy since then!

“But Saints v Wigan games are always bigger, more physical and aggressive than any other game you play in.

“But that is only a small part of it.

“I am still as excited approaching each one as I was that first one.

“As a Saints player it is the best game of the year.”

Wilkin expects Wigan to come over the trenches from their Wembley loss up for it and motivated.

Full back Sam Tomkins used the words “let’s smash Saints” in the aftermath of their final defeat, a phrase Wilkin could understand.

“When you have had a disappointing result at Wembley you would expect Sam to say that; his next focus is this game and it is a huge game for both sets of players,” he said.

“The use of that language is Sam’s choice, and I appreciate his emotions when he was being asked that after Wembley.

“Rugby league is a physical game and the intent to go and belt each other is there, but ultimately that only gets you only so far.

“In every derby I have played emotion gets you so far into the game, but the team that executes and plays well wins.”

A few commentators felt Saints were lucky to be handed the finalists straight after such an absorbing final, but nobody at Saints is expecting a cakewalk.

In fact they expect to be forced to battle all the way in a game that is almost like a play-off eliminator.

Wilkin said: “Wigan will scrap. The Challenge Cup final showed what they are all about because they are a dogged team and they kept in there.

“There is no doubt in my mind every one of their players will turn up ready to play on Friday.

“This is a huge game – both teams play-off ambitions ride on this game.

“Although it is not the end if we lose, it certainly becomes difficult to make the four.”

There are special aspects to this game too, which build it up as a potential cracker.

“It has plenty of things in the mix; it is just after the cup final, it is a derby, it is massively important in the context of the season and we have Ben Barba coming into the team,” he said.

The club skipper said the addition of the former Cronulla full back is a real bonus at this time of the year.

And the fact that he comes into a team that is fully fit, gives Saints with a rare headache for this time of the year.

Willkin said: "Ben's attitude has been sensational since he got here.

"He is a really deep thinker about the game that has impressed me no end.

"He is a naturally talented player with a real depth of understanding.

"That is what is exciting – especially when we have Jonny Lomax and Matty Smith in the halves.

"It brings its own challenges of continuity and combinations but to bring a player of Ben's calibre at this time of year is an incredible piece of recruitment by the club."

Saints have taken plaudits for their defensive resolve this year, the second best behind Castleford.

But with the ball they know they will have to ask questions against the stubborn and durable Warriors on Friday.

"The intensity of our game has come through our defence," Wilkin said.

"The challenge for us this week is unlocking Wigan because they are a great defensive side too, we need to get our attack and defence on the pitch of the same time.

"Our defence has been a stand out feature – but bringing Ben Barba in a team with Jonny Lomax, Matty Smith, James Roby and Mark Percival makes us a threat."