Wigan half-back Matty Smith believes tonight’s battle with Widnes is the ultimate clash of attack against defence.
The unbeaten Warriors face their biggest challenge of the season so far in the shape of the Vikings, who are the current league leaders.
Denis Betts’ side have scored more points than any other in the competition this season, currently averaging over 35 points a game. In contrast, the Warriors have the meanest defence after six rounds, conceding just 13 points per match.
Wigan will go top with victory, but Smith knows it is going to be a gruelling match.
“It’s expected to be a good game with their attack and our defence,” he told Wigan TV.
“Attack-wise, they are probably the in-form side. They’ve put some big scores on good teams, like Leeds and Hull. We’re going to have to be on it. We have defended well so far this year but we’re going to have to be really consistent with our defence to keep their score down. And our attack will have to be better.
“We’ll go into that game confident. We’re five out of five at the minute and we’re at home again, we take some beating at home so I’m sure we’ll give them a game.”
An intriguing factor ahead of the match is the number of former Wigan stars that will play in Widnes colours. Kevin Brown, Joe Mellor and Gil Dudson are just three former Warriors, and Smith admits it makes it a tastier affair.
“It’s going to be a close game, but they’ve got that added thing of having ex-Wigan players. Kev Brown and people like that are playing really well so we’ll have to be on our toes.”