Wigan Warriors boss Shaun Wane expecting physical test from Hull KR

Warriors are making their first appearance in the competition this season with a place in the quarter-final at stake, and are heavy favourites to be in the hat for the next round.

But Wane is wary of this weekend’s opponents, who Wigan beat 44-6 on Easter Monday to spark a six-game winning run, despite Rovers losing their last three Super League games.

“I’m expecting a very physical, very focused Hull KR team,” he said.

“At the end of the day it’s knock-out. If you turn up you’re in the next round and that’s how we’re approaching it.

“I love going there. I class it as a real rugby league place, it’s a good atmosphere and it’s a test of your coaching ability because you get everything thrown at you.”

Hull KR knocked Wigan out of the competition at this stage in 2015 on their way to the final.

And this clash also produced one of the finalists in 2013 when Wigan won 46-14 at Hull KR in the fifth round before going on to beat Hull FC at Wembley.

“Greeny (Blake Green) got knocked-out and I put Sam (Tomkins) in the halves,” Wane recalled.

“We ground a win out there but it was pressure.

“It was the same in the 80s, you know no matter how they’re playing they’ll front-up and be physical and that’s why I like going there, it’s a test for everybody.”

The game, which is not being televised, kicks off at 3.30pm at KCOM Craven Park.