NATHAN Brown says Saints need to be hungrier than Wigan if they are to be successful this Friday.
His table-topping side face the Warriors at the DW Stadium knowing a win would take them four points clear of their fiercest rivals.
“We’re looking forward to the derby,” he said. “The intensity is higher and it is usually a higher quality game than most other Super League matches. The local Saints and Wigan lads look forward to it in particular and there is a lot of good rivalry there.
“They beat us physically last time and we know they can start quite well. They started better than us, then we fought back, and then their start was better in the second half. We need to start better and be hungrier.
“At the end of the day it will be the forwards that decide who wins the game. Wigan know what we do and we know what they do so it will be who is more capable on the day. Our effort and commitment needs to be spot on.
“A win will give us a four point break from Wigan but they can come level with us. It should be a great game.”
Saints come into the clash on the back of a 38-16 win over Castleford.
“I’m happy with the way the boys played but defensively we still have some work to do,” he continued. “In the last ten minutes we died off a little but as a whole it was good and the best we have attacked for a while too.
“Castleford have been playing well and they don’t sit in the top four and have a Challenge Cup Semi Final to look forward to without earning it.
“People thought they would only be there for a short time but I think they’ve proven they will be there in the latter part if the competition as well. To get such a comprehensive win was pleasing.”
Winger Adam Swift could return this week whilst Anthony Laffranchi and Kyle Amor continue to make good improvement.
Richard Beaumont will play at Rochdale on Sunday too – his first appearance since joining the club.
“Richie has been in rehab since he has been here and thankfully he will finally get a game. He has good size, carries the ball well and we think he will be a reliable player for us.”
Tickets for the game remain on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park or by logging on here.
Price details can be found here.
