Wane wary of wounded Giants
February 02, 2012 11:19:58 UK
Wigan Warriors coach Shaun Wane believes first round opponents Huddersfield Giants will provide a stern test, despite their current injury crisis.
Luke O'Donnell is an injury absentee for Huddersfield Giants.The Giants will be without several first team regulars for Saturday's clash, including influential forwards Luke O'Donnell and David Fa'alogo and half-back Kevin Brown.
But Wane is refusing to read anything into the number of absentees, insisting that Nathan Brown's side has the strength in depth to be competitive.
"They do have one or two injuries, but I know Nathan's keen to focus on the guys he does have playing and I'll be the same.
"Most Super League clubs have decent strength in depth these days and both teams will be capable of winning on Saturday," said Wane, who is preparing for his first competitive match as Warriors boss.
"I'm really looking forward to Saturday, as are my players. The matches between ourselves and Huddersfield have been fiery encounters in recent years and I'm expecting nothing different this time around. It should be a cracker."
The matches between ourselves and Huddersfield have been fiery encounters in recent years and I'm expecting nothing different this time around.
Shaun Wane
New signings Gil Dudson, Ben Flower and Epalahame Lauaki could all make their Super League debuts for Wigan, but fellow new recruit Anthony Gelling is unlikely to feature.
"Anthony won't play for the first few weeks. He's still getting up to speed with how we play and the intensity of the competition and I'm happy to be patient while he adjusts. In the meantime, I have other quality centres capable of doing a fantastic job."
The Warriors are 1.12 to get off to a winning start at the DW Stadium, with the Giants 6.00 to spring a major shock.
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