Defence delights Noble
Wigan coach Brian Noble insists his side will be a different proposition in Friday's Grand Final eliminator against Leeds compared to the one that surrendered so meekly at Headingley 12 months ago.
The Warriors looked a tired and bedraggled bunch as they slipped to a 36-6 defeat away to the Rhinos in last season's eliminator.
But Noble said: "I think we were patched together last year. We had a fair few injuries and people playing with jabs, but we aren't in that situation any more."
On the evidence of Saturday's superb 50-26 victory over Catalans Dragons in the sudden-death semi-final in Perpignan, as well as their solid 30-14 win against Bradford a week earlier, Noble's men look the real deal this year.
The former Great Britain coach, whose side have a decent recent record at Headingley, certainly thinks so.
"We have some momentum about us," he said.
"I sense a lot more energy about us and we've more determination.
"If you can't go to Headingley and play good rugby league, you're in trouble. It is a fantastic environment - it's going to be absolutely packed.
"We live for these great occasions. We live to be involved in these big games.
"But we are not kidding ourselves. Leeds are pretty good at home and while we have a good record there, it's still going to be all about our performance next week, not what we've done previously."
