Huddersfield Giants hooker Kruise Leeming is expecting a “tough, physical” game when the Wigan Warriors visit the John Smith’s Stadium.
The 22-year-old, who will miss the clash after failing to recover from a shoulder injury, warned the Giants would have to be on top of their game in what is a must-win fixture for their season.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played against Wigan in my career and it’s been an easy game,” he said.
“We always expect a tough, physical game. They always come prepared no matter what squad they put out.”
Leeming highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum as the Giants look to secure their place in the top eight but said he was thankful recent results had left them in the driving seat.
He continued: “We need to win most of our games, if not all of them.
“With results at the weekend it’s in our hands now. If we win the last three, we’re out of there.”
Wigan, who currently sit second in the Super League, have a number of physical players but none more so than notorious tackler Thomas Leuluai - Leeming’s opposite number.
“Over at their place I dummied and he hit me as I dummied,” recalled Leeming with a grin.
“Yeah, he winded me. He’s a tough opponent but it’s always good to play against these players and learn from them.”
Giants Head Coach Simon Woolford will be without the injured Sebastine Ikahihfo and the banned Ukuma Ta’ai as well for the Wigan game.
Shedding some more light on Leeming’s injury, Woolford said: “Kruise copped a knock on his shoulder the week before and didn’t quite settle enough.
“He still had some pain late in the week so we just thought it’s not worth risking him and gave him the week off and let it settle.”
