Leeds could not have picked a worse time to play Wigan. Even though Leeds have had the wood over them for a few years, I still think they are in for a very hard game.

Three weeks ago the bookies would have probably given Wigan a 20-point lead but they would have changed their tune this week, that is for sure!

Wigan have changed their style and have become a lot more adventurous. The likes of Sam Tomkins has certainly injected some pace but for me the main man for Wigan is Gareth Hock. He was man of the match against Bradford by a county mile and he just gets better and better. If he keeps up these rampaging runs then he will tear Leeds apart.

Diskin: Key man for Stevo

Leeds realise that they have had a few problems with injury and are not quite settled. They have certainly missed the attacking flair of Brent Webb at fullback and his return will be a big boost for them.

Rob Burrows has not got back into the swing of things and I think Wigan coach Brian Noble will be thinking that this is a golden opportunity for him and his boys to get one over Leeds.

That is not an easy task and let's not forget that although Leeds are far from settled, they are still unbeaten in Super League this season and are top of the table. So Leeds have that confidence and know that even though they have yet to hit the high spots, they are still winning.

The Diskin factor

Now that the World Club Challenge has settled down, I am sure Leeds will start to concentrate on getting back into the same form that saw them obliterate St Helens in the Grand Final. Their key man is Matt Diskin who has certainly taken up the challenge of Danny Buderus.

Buderus may be injured, but Diskin has shown that he can handle any pressure thrown at him.

He has taken on more responsibility and coach Brian McClennan will be very happy with how Diskin has reacted. Leeds have the potential and the players to win even when they are not playing particularly well and they rely on the likes of Danny McGuire.

McGuire may not get many opportunities, but when needs be, he performs. Like Diskin he is another player who has developed his confidence and his all round game - no longer are they the young apprentices learning their trades, they are the masters and boy are they revelling in it. I think the combining of these two is going to be pretty sensational.

It would not surprise me if McGuire was considered for skipper because he has certainly shown his maturity on and off the field. When Rob Burrow has not been out on the paddock, McGuire has been calling the shots a lot more. If ever they were in need of leaders on the field, it is now. I know he is way down the list with Peacock in the team, but I certainly would not have any problem with him taking on that responsibility.

I think this is going to be a cracking game. Noble will want to play the same high-octane stuff that we saw against Bradford last week, and if one side can match them in the high-octane stuff it is Leeds.

Stevo says

Leeds win: I think Wigan will be tough, but I am not so sure how bad Bradford were last week. I am taking nothing away from Wigan because it was quite exhilarating. However I have looked at the tape and thought that Bradford looked absolutely lost. They had no idea what to do when they had the ball and were all over the place in defence. So did they just make Wigan look good? Therefore I am going to go for a Leeds win because they know how to win these tough games.

Star man: Matt Diskin. As I said above, Diskin has risen to the challenge and is taking the rest of the team with him. He gets better and better each game and I think he will give Leeds that slight edge. It's going to be close though!

back to top