Singleton: Massive occasion
- Brad Singleton previews Wigan’s Betfred Super League fixture against Hull KR.
- Singleton: “It’ll be the first time my partner and my two kids will get to see me play in the Wigan shirt, so I’d love to get a win.”
- Wigan Warriors v Hull Kingston Rovers, Friday 18th June, DW Stadium, K.O. 7:45pm.
Brad Singleton states he is excited to play at the DW Stadium for the first in front of a crowd as a Wigan Warriors player.
Adrian Lam’s side welcome Hull KR this evening (K.O. 7:45pm) with fans allowed in the ground for the first time since last March.
Singleton states the occasion will be special to be him for multiple reasons and expects them to give the side an additional lift.
He said: “I know from the Salford game how much the fans get behind the side, so it will be a great experience, which I’m looking forward to. For me, it’ll be the first time my partner and my two kids will get to see me play in the Wigan shirt, so I’d love to get a win.”
From his experiences as a visiting player, the 28-year-old knows the impact the Warriors fans can have on a game.
“It’s always been a massive occasion, especially at my time at Leeds, because they were the two giants in the league. The crowd were always quite hostile and very loud, which played a part.”
Singleton believes the return of fans across the last month is crucial for Rugby League.
“It’s a really tough game, but the fans make it, we play for the atmosphere. Looking back over this period, I’d say there has been no real atmosphere that has gripped the viewer, bar a couple of Finals.
“For a player, the crowd make the big games even bigger and creates an occasion. I think they will make every game more enjoyable.”
Following the postponement of their game against Huddersfield Giants last week, Wigan enter this fixture nearly three weeks on from their first defeat of the Betfred Super League season against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
Singleton says the squad are well equipped to deal with disruption caused by Covid-19 and are eager to return to winning ways.
He said: “It’s quite frustrating we haven’t been able to get back out there, but it is the card you get dealt in sport. I think the whole world have had to get used to the normality of the pandemic. You just need to be prepared for whatever is next, if an opponent drops out then you have to be ready.
“The opportunity to put things now comes against a very good Hull KR side, and I think all the lads are excited for the challenge.”
Singleton says Wigan are not taking Friday’s opponents lightly, with Hull KR scoring 80 points in their last two outings.
“They’re a very enthusiastic unit, it will be a very tough test. Tony Smith and Danny McGuire have got them believing in themselves and playing some good rugby. I believe they can go a long way in the competition, because they’ve got all the ingredients for a great side.”
Singleton believes there is tough competition at both end of the Betfred Super League table.
“On paper everyone is pretty even, I think things will begin to pan out. I know people are questioning Leigh and Salford, but they gave us a tough running. Top to bottom anyone can win, it’s a great time for the competition.”
Written by Amos Wynn
