You can always expect a few things from Anthony Gelling.
A funny story or an inventive prank aside, the Wigan centre is also supremely confident about his and Wigan’s title credentials no matter what the situation.
Even a few months ago, the Cook Islands international spoke about having a Grand Final winner’s ring on his finger at the end of the season. And now, the 25-year-old has put full faith in the Warriors making the Grand Final, by claiming he is ‘looking forward’ to playing at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
The epic Challenge Cup Final between Wigan’s top four rivals Hull FC and Warrington has done little to deter his confidence ahead of Thursday’s Super 8s clash with Widnes.
Wigan, who will go joint top of Super League with victory over the Vikings, can also confirm their place in the top four should they claim the two points.
That would effectively move them 80 minutes away from Old Trafford, and Gelling is expecting a cherry and white presence at the season’s showpiece in October.
“I’m looking forward to going to Old Trafford,” he said.
“It’s not like a question of if we make Old Trafford, we’re set up like we will be at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
“You don’t want to talk about it too much and jinx it, but there is a real culture at the club that we can go there and will go there at the end of the season.
“We’re pretty good at the moment. That win against Saints was a good way to get the momentum going. Even this weekend just gone, we have trained really well. Things are looking good.”
Gelling’s confidence in his team comes despite a frustrating year individually. The centre has impressed in his 16 appearances this season, however, injuries have meant his year has stuttered throughout, hindering the progress he was keen to make this season.
“I wanted to make this year my year and push for Man Of Steel and Dream Team and all that stuff,” he said.
“It’s a question of what could have been. There’s not much I can do about it really, I just need to take what I can from this season. But there’s still a lot up for grabs, there are six weeks left for us and if we can win a trophy, the League Leaders’ or get a winning ring, that would be perfect for us.”
Wigan suffered a shock defeat at the expense of the Vikings earlier in the season when Widnes were flying high at the top of the table. Although Widnes haven’t been able to maintain their stunning early season form, Gelling is expecting a thorough assessment of their title credentials.
“I don’t know why, they always seem to be up for it when they play us.
“We need to win to stay in touch will Hull FC at the top there so we’re around them when we play them later on.”
The game also sees Gelling go up against friend and former teammate Greg Burke, who left the club to join Widnes earlier in the season.
“I’m good mates with Burkey, he’s loving life at Widnes at the minute and he’ll be pumped coming back to Wigan. The way he left the club midway through the season, he will be well up for it, so I’m looking forward to that.
“There will be some words exchanged, definitely. I don’t know what I’ll say, his hairline isn’t the best, so I might give him something about that.”
