Wardle Previews Leeds
- Jake Wardle looks ahead to Saturday’s Super League clash against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium.
- Wardle: “We need to take things week-by-week which starts by giving it our all against Leeds and after that we can then focus on the next game.”
- Watch previews with Matt Peet and Bevan French on Wigan TV HERE.
Centre Jake Wardle says things must be taken ‘week-by-week’ as Wigan Warriors prepare for Saturday’s Super League clash against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium.
The Warriors climbed to the top of the Super League table on points difference following a 26-8 win over Salford Red Devils at the DW Stadium last time out, and the Cherry and Whites will be looking to remain at the top come the end of the Round 25 matches.
Looking ahead to the clash with Leeds Rhinos, Wardle said: “We’re expecting a lot of energy as they’re still in a position where they’re fighting for the top six. They’re going to offer a lot with ball in hand as well as testing us defensively so we need to make sure we are on it mentally and at the top of our form.
“We had a really good session this morning and we’re all very positive going into this week. We’ve got three big games to go but we don’t want to look any further ahead than Leeds as we know the challenge we will face.”
Wardle has scored 10 Super League tries so far this season, which includes four in his last four appearances. On the scoring run, he said: “The way we’ve been playing has given me more opportunities to finish off tries. For me though it’s not about the tries, but just playing as consistently as I can and hoping that tries can come off the back of that.”
The Warriors have won their last five Super League matches, and on confidence, Wardle said: “The belief we have as players and individuals comes from the belief Matty and the other coaches have instilled into us. It’s just been about backing our ability and I’m hoping the confidence and consistency is showing.”
The Warriors were beaten in golden point to Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-final on their last visit to Headingley Stadium, however, Wardle believes the defeat has played a part in the recent change of form.
He said: “Losing the semi-final in that way hurt. Each person in the squad took it personally and as a group we came together to set a few goals which we’re all buying into. Our performances haven’t been perfect by any means, but we’re all turning up for each other in our performances.”
Looking ahead to the final three rounds of the regular season, Wardle said: “For us now it’s just about being psychologically right. We know what we can do on the field so it’s just about being there mentally. We need to take things week-by-week which starts by giving it our all against Leeds and after that we can focus on the next game.”
Speaking on his time at the Warriors so far, Wardle said: “It’s a great club and I’d like to hope that my performances are showing just how much I’m enjoying my time here which is credit to the lads, the coaching staff, and the fans.”
Match tickets, which include entry to both the Men’s and Women’s games, are available to buy online HERE and in-Store at Robin Park Arena (open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm). Tickets will be taken off sale online and in-store at 12pm Friday 8 September.
