St Helens forward Mark Flanagan ready for 'spice' of Wigan derby
Friday 12 June 2015 08:51, UK
Sky Sports News HQ's Fraser Dainton speaks to St Helens forward Mark Flanagan, who is expecting a 'spicy' derby with Wigan...
There’s no sitting on the fence when it comes to this one. St Helens v Wigan is arguably the biggest, most hotly contended, and most entertaining derby Super League has to offer.
It divides families, work places - even marriages. The two towns come to a standstill as local pride and honour are put on the line.
But Saints forward Mark Flanagan has an unusual insight - he’s one of the few players to have turned out for both sides. His early professional career was spent in cherry and white, before heading off to Wests Tigers in Australia. Nowadays he gives his all for the Red V.
"It's very similar on both sides," says Flanagan. "They're both great teams, great set-ups and really passionate fans. There are some differences - like the way the teams approach each game. But the fans' respect for the game and respect for each other is very similar."
The excitement begins in the week leading up to the game, out on the paddock, as Flanagan explains.
"There's always a bit more spice in training, a bit more tension, the lads are on edge. They’re ready for it in that respect. When you go round town all the fans are pestering you about it, they want to ask questions and want to know what’s going on. I’m sure it’s the same in Wigan for those lads."
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The result is a match that is always eventful.
“The atmosphere is different," says Flanagan. "As soon as it kicks off, the noise is huge, and it’s always tasty for the first 20 minutes. It’s quick, and there’s a lot of big hits that go in. It’s the kind of game you dream of playing in as a kid.”
The two teams seem to be coming into form at just the right time, as we approach the high-stakes end of the season.
Saints are second in the table having won five of their last six games, while Wigan are just behind them in third – the recent trouncing at Catalans seemingly just a blip.
“Sometimes you need a bit of adversity to have a look in the mirror and take stock, and get back to the training pitch, back to the hard work," added Flanagan. "They’ve probably done that this past few weeks. I think a lot of teams have ups and downs in a season.”
And while both sides have quality all over the pitch, many eyes have been on Wigan skipper Shaun O’Loughlin after he clocked up his 350th appearance for the Warriors – a record Flanagan admires.
“He’s quite an inspirational player for them, a lot of their play goes through him. With him and Micky McIllorum in the middle they defend really well, and get their hands on the ball a lot.
"But they’ve got a great pair of halves, and I think Josh Charnley and Liam Farrell are back this week as well, so they’ve got a great squad – as have we – so I think we’ll be able to match fire with fire.”
Flanagan is preparing himself for the possibility of playing the game at hooker, if James Roby’s finger injury doesn’t heal in time. He’s one of several Saints players that frequently find themselves playing out of position due to injuries, and he believes that’s a factor in why the squad continues to defy the odds with their spirit.
“We’ve got a lot of character within individuals, and collectively. We all get on really well both on the field and off it. I think it’s just that winning mindset. When you win, you get in the habit of it and you don’t want to let go. These last three or four weeks, we’ve really showed that.”
So the current Super League champions are well placed as they attempt to retain the title. Their nearest and dearest rivals would like nothing more than to stop them.
Watch St Helens v Wigan live on Sky Sports 3 on Friday from 7.30pm
