Wigan's Shane Millard is desperate to reach the Grand Final to erase the memories of their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat.
Leeds v Wigan, Friday 5th October, live on Sky Sports 1, 7.30pm
Wigan's Shane Millard is desperate to reach the Grand Final to help erase the memories of the club's worst moment of the season - their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat.
Warriors hooker Millard says Brian Noble's men are still smarting from their Challenge Cup semi-final upset, when Catalans Dragons produced a shock victory to book a place in the final.
Wigan have gone from strength to strength from that low point though, and after scraping their way into the play-offs, have battled to within just a game of the Grand Final.
A tough trip to Headingley to face Leeds Rhinos now awaits, with champions St Helens lying in wait at Old Trafford.
Motivation
Former Rhino Millard is looking to hit new heights in his own career by making the Grand Final, and says that making up for the Challenge Cup loss is a big motivation.
"This is the furthest I've got," said Millard, who was a member of the Widnes team relegated from the engage Super League two years ago.
"Winning on Friday would make up for a lot of things. Everyone wanted to make the Challenge Cup final but it didn't happen but to make Old Trafford would be a dream for anyone.
"Whilst the Challenge Cup has probably the most prestige in world rugby league, I think there is nothing better than having to play 30 rounds of footie with your mates and winning the Grand Final on the back of that.
"Whether it would make up for the semi-final loss I don't know but we've got to beat Leeds first."
Millard can count himself lucky to even be appearing in the final eliminator after getting away with what looked a dangerous high tackle in the 21-18 win over Hull.
After being placed on report, the Rugby Football League have cleared Millard and he can take his place in the line-up against Leeds.
Knee injury
The 32-year-old is also lucky to be playing at all as he battles a career-threatening knee injury and has put off surgery in order to help Wigan continue their remarkable bid to win the Super League crown from sixth place.
"I've basically got a degenerative knee and I'm due to have a ninth operation on it at the end of the year," he said. "It's bone on bone, there is no cartilage there.
"The decision will be made by the surgeon whether I can continue playing or not. I've got a contract for next year and the plan is to play that out but I'll have to wait and see.
"Actually playing is not a problem, it's the training that is the toughest part. The adrenalin helps you get through the games."
