Another chance to see how far we have come under Peet. Wish we were playing a full strength Saints side to truly measure up, but not sure they have played a full strength Wigan side for about 6 seasons so it is what it is.

Should be a decent game either way.

I'll bet redvee has been full of well thought out and completely neutral comments with no form of bias at all.

We're Wigan fans, we'll big up our chances in the same way you'll big up yours (actually read my explanation of the luck, covid, cheating comment) in the same way every other two sets of fans will prior to a game. We'll think your arrogant, you'll think we're deluded etc etc, but don't come on here expecting Wigan fans to talk about how good you are and how we stand no chance because it just won't happen. Similarly, I doubt many Liverpool fans will say how good Utd are and vice versa.

FWIW - I would still have you as favourites because frankly, you're better than we are in most areas.

It doesn’t feel much different to any other Derby week to me, in fact the only difference I sense is that the sides are a bit closer than they’ve been for a while. That will lead to comments either side might find a bit out there but when we’ve been used to us just hoping we can get close to Saints, it’s little surprise Wigan fans are showing a bit more confidence and Saints fans then see that as being disrespectful.

I’ve not seen any comments from Saints fans claiming none of our players (or very very few) would get in a combined 17, so it’s been a bit weird on that score

Edited for accuracy.

Something else you need to learn, Wigan did it 8 times in a row and we did it without having any luck. That is one of the reasons why we are the most successful rugby club ever.

Ha ha your last bit let you down to a decent riposte. It's game week, I'm merely pointing out that we cannot possible win (apparently) so when we get beat everything is normal. You used the Penrith Panthers as a comparison to your defence. You said it not me, no point trying to back track on it or explain it. Why is my post pathetic btw? I'm just quoting what has been said by your inane lot. Well it's time for my hair cut, then a brekky, then meeting up with my mates, guess who is coming with me, you will like this..... It's only a woman. What do I do with one?

In all seriousness. Good luck (well not really) see you tomorrow, though maybe not

Just on here I mean but clearly it’s a small sample size. I’ve not ventured on to Red Vee this week. I’m sure most on there are claiming they have a better player in ever position, right down to the tea lady.

I’m pretty excited for the rivalry going forward tbh. We looked miles off last season and whilst we’ve closed the gap, there is still work to do. I’m confident we can keep getting closer though as players develop and gain more confidence. As much as Saints fans will have enjoyed the one sided nature of the rivalry (most of the time) these past few seasons, there’s nothing better than going in to a Derby when both sides are going well and you don’t know who’ll win.

No bigger test for our forwards than against a full strength motivated Saints pack.

They’ll all need to be excellent today.

Saints will want to dominate the middle and Roby play off quick ruck speed so we need numbers in every tackle.

Kind of annoying we play Saints at magic this year (a nice walk over of Leeds/Wire would have been fun).

If we meet in the playoffs it will be 5 times playing each other this year, bit overkill but probably good for us to get used to matching their intensity.

Personally, I can't wait until this game week has passed. We play Saints and it turns into silly week (from both sides) on here.

I've said these two points a million times. 1 - I couldn't care less with the whataboutism of "on Redvee" they said this, or "I wonder what Redvee is saying". I can't believe people who don't support Saints, go on there and then cry about what they read. Easy to call them sad, but it also takes a sad person to go on there and login to respond.

2 - People from both clubs need to hear this one. Saints are our biggest rivals, but they certainly aren't the enemy. There's plenty of teams in this league who do more damage to Wigan & the sport than Saints. They produce their own top players, bring plenty of fans to every game and have a rich heritage that sells the sport (now what other club does that remind me of?? )

Instead of squabbling about who's better between the plethora of players both sides have produced, fans should be sticking it to the other clubs who instead of investing in young lads, just poach them. Or the clubs who over inflate the salaries of half decent players, as they want the weaken the top teams. Making life difficult for everyone.

Absolutely

Great post.

I’m a Utd fan and I think similar towards Liverpool. Both have way more in common than they want to admit. Working class cities, production of Academy players, great history and a global fan base. Problem is they’ll never respect each other.

You are right about Saints and Wigan. Indeed Peet was very astute pre-match Good Friday when he was asked about his thoughts on Saints. He was very mature and complimentary. Now granted he’s probably thinking of his media image and wants to be liked but he certainly endeared himself to Saints fans when he spoke about both clubs producing youth and doing things the right way.

When did we last have a perceived easy tie at Magic? Leeds in 2016?

I don't tire of playing the big sides TBH. They're the games I look forward to and enjoy. Rather see 5 close battles with Saints than 5 crap games against the rest.

Yeah, I'm not much of a footy fan, but I love Liverpool city centre. Sadly, most of my mates are Utd fans and won't have anything positive said about the place.

Same with Wigan and Saints fans, Saints produce a talent like Welsby and all some Wigan fans have to say is "he's no Tomkins".