MICHAEL Shenton has admitted he’d like nothing more than to put one over Wigan and give all Saints’ fans a boost.
The former Castleford Tiger joined the club in the close season and has already played in three Derbies.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t been on the winning side yet – but knows Saints are more than capable.
“Quite simply, everyone has to turn up and play at 100 per cent,” he said. “It’s clear that Wigan are well coached and they all know what they are doing and know their roles. We have to turn up and believe in ourselves and show the confidence we have gained from the past few weeks.
“We will continue to work hard in training this week too… but simply we need to believe.
“We know that the Derby is all about – if we win it gives our fans a lot of bounce for the rest of the week and there’s nothing we would like more than put a number over Wigan. It’s in our hands and we have to sort it out. This is a final for us; it’s the most important game so far this year and it is our sole focus.
“We have to concentrate for 80 minutes as we know what they can do. In the Good Friday game we were in a position to win but had a ten minute lapse and they caught us. We can’t let that happen again.”
Shenny has played 24 times for the club since his signing and has scored 12 tries – including one at Castleford last Sunday.
“I was nervous with that game coming up and going back to Cas, but it was fine. The fans create a great atmosphere but the reception was good.
“We put in a good first half performance and showed some class at times… and some stuff that wasn’t so good.
“It has been a building process this season and now we have a settled side which means the combinations are beginning to grow again. I’m learning to run off Leon [Pryce] now – he shows the ball a lot which is great for me and he has that ‘catch and throw’ so sometimes I get early ball.
“Leon is a proven international – and that is no disrespect to Lee Gaskell who did a great job. He took the opportunity with both hands.
“It was a massive step up for him in his first year in Super League, especially in such a dominating position on the field. It was a tough ask and he did well. He will learn even more now that Leon is back too.”
Limited tickets remain for the Semi Final and are onsale from Saints Town Centre Store, by calling 01744 455 052 or from here.
What If Forms for the final are also available below.
