Never considered the Widnes game as any different to say Salford or Huddersfield, just another game that I want us to win.

We do need to put in an eighty minute performance though, just to gain some confidence. So far this season the only glimmer of form was the second half against Huddersfield.

Those fans that tell us this is not a true derby were probably not around to see the derbies in the 70's, 80's and 90's, both sides had players that the others disliked somewhat. There were battles all over the pitch and in most cases the stands too

The hardtimes that Widnes suffered whosever making they were have perhaps dumbed down a truley great derby. Two stongish sides again will reverse this trend.

Wouldn't normally be that fussed about a Widnes game. However having lost to Wigan Saints and Leeds already i can't deal with a loss tomorrow.

I think the Wire game to Widnes fans is the same as the Wigan game to us.

As above, think its an age thing. Losing to our three eyed friends hurts just as much as Saints and Wigan for me.

I dont know how some people class it the same as playing teams like Huddersfield.

Well said Rico and LW. Anybody over the age of 40 who classes this as a zero emotion game or no different to salford needs to have a word with themselves. As for those youngsters, go and talk to a warrington fan who attended the premiership semi at naughton park in the summer of 1988 and they will tell you what a true derby atmosphere is like. There has NEVER been a game in my lifetime(including any game with saints or wigan)with an atmosphere as intense. Even the Hull clubs wouldn't be able to match what it was like there that day.

I am 39 and i remember as a kid the importance of these games.Les Boyd and Kurt Sorenson where top battles and i remember there was pitch battles with opposite fans too. I could be arrogant and say Leigh was not a big game now, but i love to play the local teams with a atmosphere. If Widnes stay up for a few years and expand these games could get bigger again.Once we regularly hit the top 8 and Warrington too, it will be a massive game.

Teams like Huddersfield, London, Bradford,Salford, Castleford and other clubs be lucky to bring over 200 to Widnes.
Warrington,Wigan and Saints bring the best following.

This is the derby for me,after a horrific experience at the nortonautoqueststobartselect stadium last year I will not be going to the game. But adds extra spice as my wife is a widnes fan

Reading the posts about Widnes fans being animals...whoahhhh hold on a minute!!! Whilst I don't condone throwing the smoke bombs, the Widnes lad who got filled in by that numpty of a steward didn't throw the smoke bombs. For the steward to get one of his steward mates to hold the lads hands behind his back whilst he filled him in was nothing short of disgraceful..what a coward. And then outside of the stadium Widnes fans were singing and celebrating the victory and certain Wire scumbags couldn't resist getting in the middle of our celebrations and starting fights with innocent Widnes fans. I think you need to take a look at yourselves, yous are from a nice bunch!!!!

I was about to agree with you then you trolled about wire being scumbags.

Every game since we have been back up (2012-) against the wire, has been a pretty tasty atmosphere on each occasion. Not condoning trouble or any type of violence however, but definitely a bit more spice. About 2006 ish, I attended two Stains V Wire games, and whilst there was the atmosphere was probably much better at those games, the feeling of dislike didn't seem to surface. However I am neither Saints or Wire so perhaps I am wrong. I know Wire and Wigan are not overly fond of each other going back a long time.

I think he must have been singing and some Wire fans jumped in for no reason, but to cause trouble. Their is idiots in Widnes and Warrington fans to be honest. So i would say always a minority, and most are geniuine. Anyway hopefully a good game and the best side win.

was there that day and i agree with you about how intense the atmosphere was..but if i had the choice of victory over wigan or victory over widnes id choose the pie gobblers every time..also recall the hatred against wigan in the cc semi at maine road,that was on a par with the widnes semi

I'm of an age (modesty forbids) when I can well remember the feeling between Wires & Widnes back in the 70s and 80s particularly but here's why I have always preferred Wigan & Saints games.

The feeling between Warrington & Widnes isn't just rivalry it is intense, violent, ugly HATRED and I don't want any part of that.

I've always loathed Wigan but I also cheered them to the rafters against Bath, Brisbane and Sydney, and I share the same emotions for Saints. I love beating them (especially Saints after the wilderness years), I love seeing them slip up against "lesser" teams but I also admire them. That is rivalry, that is sport.

The only thing I care about in the Widnes game is two points, and everyone there for the rugby getting out in one piece.