Powell: Must be smart

• Sam Powell looks ahead to Wigan’s season opener against Leigh
• Powell: “It’s a big derby and one we certainly don’t want to lose.”
• Leigh Centurions v Wigan Warriors, Fri 26th March, K.O. 8:15pm

Sam Powell expects to face a Leigh side ‘hungry’ for a victory when they meet in Round 1 of the Betfred Super League this Friday (K.O. 8:15pm).

Both clubs will travel to Leeds to play at the neutral venue of Emerald Headingley Stadium in a double header which also includes St Helens v Salford in the early kick off (6pm).

Speaking to Wigan TV, the hooker discussed the challenge posed by the division’s new club.

“Leigh love nothing more than knocking us off our perch. It’s a big derby and one we certainly don’t want to lose. 

“They are going to be hungry, they’ll want to start the game well. I’m sure John Duffy will have them fired up. We have to match what they bring and bring our smarts in when the game begins to slow down.”

The 28-year-old proved as successful in attack as defence in 2020, scoring 12 tries in all competitions.

The Englishman explained it’s something he has worked on in training and in off-field preparations, particularly scoring from dummy half.

“We do a lot of video work in the week. Some players you know are big and a bit slow at getting low. So I don’t mind having a go at it. We want to get better as a unit and I want to take control of that more.”

Hear more from Sam on his pre-season preparations, facing Leigh and more with the full interview, available on Wigan TV here.

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