Wigan Warriors are riding high in 2022.

After their meek 2021 campaign came to an end at the hands of Leeds in the play-offs with Leeds claiming an 8-0 win nilling Wigan away for the second time in a matter of weeks, the Warriors have bounced back having the season Leeds fans dreamed of at the start of the campaign.

The Challenge Cup holders, they’re perhaps the most exciting team in the league to watch and come to Headingley after putting 60 passed Hull FC last week with Bevan French scoring seven tries to break Lesley Vainikolo’s Super League record of tries in a game which also came at the expense of Hull FC in 2005.

The form of the Warriors coupled with Leeds depleted squad indicates it could be a long night on Thursday for Leeds fans but Wigan coach was not so sure describing the Rhinos as “dangerous.”

Here’s what he said on the Rhinos in his press conference today: “If you look at them at their best, it’s dangerous. There’s a lot of exciting players across their squad and the venue itself is one of the great Rugby League venues.”

💬 MP on Leeds: “If you look at them at their best, it’s dangerous. There’s a lot of exciting players across their squad and the venue itself is one of the great Rugby League venues.”#WWRL #SLLEEWIG

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 18, 2022

Verdict

Oddly I do think he is right. Yes, Leeds have struggled this year but in recent weeks with a full team on the field Leeds have played some amazing rugby and I was keen to see this match between two attacking sides.

However, Leeds’ injuries and suspensions mean that the Rhinos will host Wigan with a much depleted team and won’t have the attacking rhythm they showed at Warrington and Hull FC earlier this season.

It is also nice to see Headingley’s majesty acknowledged. The old girl still looks grand and is to me the finest rugby league stadium around.