Now the time to break Saints duck, says Oliver Gildart

It’s been a long time between drinks for the Warriors, who haven’t beaten Saints since August 2018 – a 30-10 triumph at Langtree Park.

Since then, Saints have won five on the bounce – including a 42-0 victory in the only meeting this year, on neutral territory at Salford – and Gildart says enough is enough.

“We definitely owe them one, and it would be nice to get one over them,” he told the Wigan Observer.

“It’ll be a tough test, but we’ve had a couple of very good performances in the last couple of weeks.

“They’re still the most special games, the ones you look forward to most in the season.

“Obviously it’s going to be a bit different without the fans, because they make the game what it is.

“It’s probably a good time to play them, to see where we’re at and also to see where they’re at, leading into the back end of the year.”

If any extra spice was needed, second-placed Wigan go into the game knowing victory would see them leapfrog their opponents at the top of the Super League ladder.

“It’s always that little bit more special when it’s first against second in the table,” acknowledged the Test centre.

“I mean, the games would be special if it was first against last but, especially coming to the end of the season, everyone’s thinking about the top four as well.

“We’ll probably have to play them again, whether it’s a semi-final or a final, and it’s a good game to get ready for that part of the season.

“We’ve still got our eyes on that number one spot.

“It’s what you work hard for, week in week out, to be recognised as the best team in the league.

“But it all comes down to form, and making sure you’re ready for the play-offs.

“There’s been a few times when we’ve managed to come from a lower position and reach the Grand Final.

“Even with the home advantage, with there being no fans, and us not using the DW Stadium, there’s not even that this year.

“We’ve just got to keep winning, and see where it takes us at the end of the regular season.”

Derby week would ordinarily see a rush to secure tickets, but again there will be no fans inside the Totally Wicked Stadium due to Covid-19.

While many have bemoaned the televised spectacle compared to the authentic matchday experience, Gildart says it’s not been as strange as he’d first thought.

“I’ve only played a few of the games, after coming back from injury, and I was expecting to see a really big difference,” he said.

“But having played a few games without the fans, it’s not as bad as you’d think.

“I thought it would be a lot harder to get into games, but it’s not been too bad so far.

“Obviously the fans are great for making an atmosphere, but the intensity is still there, and you kind of create your own atmosphere.

“Of course we all miss the fans being there, especially for the derby game.

“I felt really jealous watching the NRL Grand Final at the weekend, with so many fans inside the stadium.

“The sooner we can get our fans back into the grounds safely, the better.”

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