Wellens ready for unmissable Derby Day clash

St Helens and Wigan Warriors are set to reignite their fierce and historic rivalry in Betfred Super League on Friday Night.

They meet for the first time since their memorable Good Friday clash - a contest which saw the Warriors defeat the Saints in a low scoring, yet utterly absorbing battle.  

Their Good Friday showdown was played in front of a sold-out crowd at the DW Stadium, and this time round will be no different. St Helens is the destination on Friday Night and all roads lead to a sold out Totally Wicked Stadium.

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens, a man with vast experience playing in these pulsating affairs, is expecting a raucous atmosphere to help spur his side on when Wigan come to town.

"The atmosphere will be unbelievable [on Friday]," Explained Wellens, who is preparing to coach his first home Saints Wigan Derby.

"For me it's the biggest game in Rugby League" ?

Where does .@Saints1890 v @WiganWarriorsRL rank in your #SuperLeague match-ups? ?
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 8, 2023

"It's great that we're getting back to the level where these games are selling out again. We went through a period where the fans had sort of fallen out of love with it for a short while, but certainly with the way the team have been playing and the success we've had in recent years - and Wigan's resurgence and how competitive they are now - these games are at the forefront of everybody's mind.

"Not just the supporters of St Helens and Wigan, but everyone involved in rugby league, whether on this side of the world or not. The Saints Wigan game is one you want to tune into. The fact that we've got a sell out is clear evidence of that."

?? "Come eight o'clock on Friday, it'll be a real exciting place to be..." @batjoelor is excited for ??? ????? at the Totally Wicked Stadium ?

Watch in full on Saints TV

? https://t.co/6uYbM3ToU2#COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) June 8, 2023

St Helens have found their feet in recent weeks after a turbulent first half of the season. The immeasurable high of winning the World Club Challenge in Australia has been met with inconsistent league form which has resulted in five defeats from their first 13 games.

Similarly, the Warriors head into Round 15 with five losses to their name, although their recent form is a cause for concern. Wigan have tasted defeat in three of their last four games, including a performance against Catalans at Magic Weekend last week which was a far cry from the usual gritty, never say die attitude synonymous with the club. Matt Peet's men were outclassed and outmuscled against a red-hot Catalans and will need to see vast improvements if they want to topple the Champions on Friday Night.

However, irrespective of recent form, Saints head coach Wellens understands the threat Wigan pose as he looks to register his first win against the Cherry & Whites since becoming St Helens' boss.

"We know how competitive they are. We experienced that on Good Friday when we last played them. I think like most teams in the competition this year, they've had good patches, but they've also had periods where by their own standards they would have liked to have been better. 

"It's been that kind of year for everybody, but certainly Wigan as a team and the calibre of players they've got, their coach and how driven they are, you expect them to be in the mix at the end of the year."

Watch St Helens take on Wigan Warriors LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event & Arena from 7.30pm on Friday 9 June.