They are seeing this as a given ... their outlook has changed a little due to a slight change in both our fortunes but I contend that if we get behind the team then even with our considerable injuries we still have enough firepower to bet them - we'll need an off-day and they'll need to play extra special to pull off a win.
Do I really mean this? Yes I think I do, am quietly confident but they'll need our support.
We are pretty confident because we have been playing well. I honestly hand on heart think Saints will win by 4-8 points but I will take that for a Semi Final win the week after to be honest.
I would fancy our chances at Wembley more than Knowsley Road to be honest
very honest post there bazdev
not sure myself,we have a semi and a load of players missing,you've got a semi v wire and a chance of a trip to the capital first for a while-alot to think about for both teams-if we get a win and no more injuries I'll be a very happy man and I think 4-8 Saints win is spot on
I know we have to look at the big picture here, but I hope next weeks semi's dont take any of the intensity out of this game? This is the first derby I've truly looked forward to all week since the QF in 2005. If players aren't ready to go then fair enough, just don't play them and leave them till next week, but every player on that park should be out there as if it's a must-win IMO.
Its just a pity that the awful weather is making a bit of a lottery of everything - with more rain forecast Thurs/Friday - takes the shine off it for me.
THIS YEAR LENDING SUPPORT TO:- St. Helens RLFC, Manchester City, Celtic, Alemannia Aachen, Steps 1 to 6 Non-League Football
I think you are forgetting the innate attitude of the Wiganer that once you get to Wembley unless something totally unexpected (like Sheffield) happens they have more or less got it in the bag
If anything they are worse that us on the really big stage - we do harbour doubts, they seem to really have an uncanny belief it's a done deal lol
I would fancy it at wembley or Old Trafford more to be honest as the playing surface seems to be much bigger than KR. We have far more pace and strength out wide than Saints. At full strength I dont feel our pack stands up to yours so getting it out wide is the way to go.
How many men were missing in our first 2 games because we dominated both of them this season. We didnt take our chances in the first but we did at Murrayfield and I feel that this year our side matches up well to Saints.
Interesting points.
Firstly I'd say if Eastmond continues as he is doing, I would question whether Long would play at Wembley or OT. It would be a tough call to drop him. I'm not convinced in the slightest that the Wigan side has 'far more pace' than a Saints side with Pryce and Eastmond through the middle. Strength not a cat in hells chance quite frankly. In terms of the pack, if we get a full strength pack out, then not only does the Wigan pack not stand up to ours, it gets obliterated in all honesty. I would suggest Saints would beat Wigan in a final by at least 18 points.
Murrayfield it was clear that we didn't turn up as the players didn't want to be there. At Wigan we played poorly and won. God help Wigan if we actually show up.
Or maybe you haven't been "showing up" because we do indeed match up to you.
As for your pack obliterating ours, I dont think that is the case
Graham/Cunningham/Roby are all top class players admittedly
Puletua is in and out and for me doesn't do any work. faasavalu is not my fav player and Hargreaves is no Better than O Carroll or Prescot.
We have Feka - IMO is better than Faas.
Fielden/coley and Prescot/O Carrol. and I think Saints do have a better front row.
But at full strength our back row is equally as good as yours.
Bailey/J Tomkins/Hansen/O Loughlin etc are more than a match for Wilkin/Clough/Gilmour (past his best)/Flannery.
Our 1-7 is as good as anything in the league and that leaves the likes of Goulding/K Pryce/Tim Smith and Ainscough to come in also
All this chat is great. Proving once again its the greatest game in the world. Lets have some great noise from both sets of speccies
I'm looking forward to all the"what went wrong posts"after the game.
Wouldn't be surprised to see another Graham v Feka confrontation tomorrow night. Whatever happens i think it's gonna be the best atmosphere for a Saints v Wigan game at Knowsley Road for a while. Especially with the pies confident they can beat us. Anyone know the last time they beat us at KR?
I'm so nervous, just wish it was all over.
Every fan who can should get down there tomorrow and support the lads.
LETS MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!
Saint until I die - For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, through good times and bad.
I have to say I agree with you that ability wise, yes, he is a much better player with his carries etc. However, for me Feka's fitness is the big question, after a couple of good drives he doesnt seem to make the same yards after that. Get him on his back, target him when we attack and he will be ineffective. If he was a much fitter player then I would love him at saints.
really can't wait gunna be a real cracker ... COME ON YOU SAINTS