Obviously it was a joke but IMO we don't want to be getting them more fired up for this because we have the softest pack in super league.

I don't think we can match fire with fire as they will just blow us away.

Well I think we'll have to.I cant see us winning It any other way.

If they play like they did against leeds and wire, we'll have it won by 20 mins.

Problem is, weve no plays like that since.

indeed, but we are capable of it, so we can do it again, but will we?

I doubt it very much. That was mainly post-sacking reaction. And besides, Wigan could prepare for us by watching our previous two matches. They did their homework and got us where we are weak: in the forward pack. They'll do the same on Saturday.

By the way, we have yet to sell our initial allocation of 3500 tickets.

I had to go up to the stadium this morning just before lunch and there wasn't a soul about buying tickets.

It's his job prepare the team with a game plan and tactics but if the players can't get themselves motivated for a challenge cup derby with the lies then they shouldn't be playing rugby.

i'm not surprised. we play them again in three weeks and alot of peope (myself included) have allocated their months spare cash for the magic weekend

Oh I'm sorry. I thought you said often enough in times gone by that it is the job of the coach to motivate the players?

I've opted the other way around. I can't afford both so I've gone for the CC match.

No not me.

Obviously a coach will get you up for games the players should want to play for him but if a player can't get up for a game as big as this then he might as well pack in.

It definately is, in my opinion. Not just with a stirring pre match/half time speech, but also with the team spirit created, seeds of desire planted and confidence instilled in a squad over time.

You'll always have some players that are more easily motivated than others, but its going to be a variable in every player that the coach has a massive influence on.

Patience is the key for this match: Wigan will look to control the floor, the ruck area and keep a condensed defensive line. As we seen on GF they will bring this sort of tactic for at least the first half, but they won't be able to stick to it for 80mins especially at home.

The problem from GF was that we lost our shape after Lomax went off which is frustrating as we had a few decent opportunities to get back into the game and we didn't take them due to a lack of composure and structure.

Strong words? Give over.