Wigan Warriors boss Shaun Wane has revealed he requested to play the Huddersfield Giants in the opening game of the new Super League season.
Huddersfield travel to Wigan for the season opener on Friday night, in a game that pits last season’s Super League Leaders against the Challenge Cup and Grand Final Winners.
And Wane, whose Wigan side face Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge on February 22, revealed he requested to play the Giants before his side head Down Under.
“I asked for Huddersfield specifically because they’re big, athletic and they’re very skilful,” said Wane.
“They’re the perfect opposition. I requested it and they (Huddersfield) were good enough to accept it.
“I just wanted to get the players used to managing bigger bodies and Huddersfield were very good, as were the RFL – who have been very supportive.”
Wane believes the Giants have a lot in common with the Roosters team they will be facing in Sydney, and that was the reason he was so keen to face them first up.
“They have a lot of offloads in their game – very similar to the Roosters.
“It’s a great preparation for us to go over to New Zealand and Australia (there is a warm-up for the main game), because we know they’re going to be two very physical encounters.
“I imagine with the way Huddersfield finished the season they’re going to be chomping at the bit, so it could be a superb game.”
