Isa can't wait to feel derby heat

Willie Isa says Friday's 'grudge' match is the perfect preparation for their Challenge Cup showdown.
Willie IsaWillie Isa
Willie Isa

Wigan face a mouthwatering two weeks, with the derby against St Helens on Friday followed a week later by a crunch semi-final against Hull FC.

Shaun Wane’s side are just 80 minutes away from Wembley and are desperate for success in the Cup competition.

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But first, they have Saints to contend with and Isa - preparing for his first derby - says the timing of this epic tussle makes it even more significant.

He said: “This is probably a good game to go into next week.

“The Cup game is going to be very physical, very intense and having a derby first is good preparation for that, and a good test for ourselves.”

Isa arrived in the off-season from Widnes as a middle but has seen action in the second-row in recent weeks, filling in for injured Liam Farrell.

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He is expected to stay in that role for the next two weeks, with the returning John Bateman taking the right-side slot - allowing Ryan Sutton to return to his preferred position of prop.

And the 27-year-old Isa is hoping to use the derby as a chance to exhibit his big-game credentials.

He said: “It will be awesome.

“It’s a big game for us, and for me individually, I want to test myself in a derby, in a big game.

“You don’t need to get up for these kind of games, it will be an awesome experience.

“I’m looking forward to it - it’s one of those games you keep an eye out for and after last week’s defeat (to Leeds, 18-16), we need to be better.”