Flanagan out for revenge

It’s Wigan v St Helens part three this weekend, and Saints forward Mark Flanagan is out for revenge.

Flanagan, 24, now dons the red vee having returned to Super League in the close season from Wests Tigers, but started his career with Wigan.

The Warriors have got the better of Saints in both meetings this season – a league match at Langtree Park and the recent Challenge Cup tie at DW Stadium.

The arch rivals meet again at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and Flanagan is looking forward to his first experience of a Magic Weekend.

He said: “I’ve never had the chance to play in a Magic event before so I am really looking forward to my debut this year.

“We have played against Wigan twice already this season and lost both times, so the Magic Weekend will be our chance to get our own back.

“The local derby matches against Wigan are great spectacles for fans and great games to be involved in. The rivalry between the two clubs is massive.

“It’s a bit different playing against your old team-mates and I have some good friends at Wigan but as soon as I pull on the club shirt on I am fully focused on the upcoming 80 minutes. I am fully committed to St Helens and I am looking to get the two points on Sunday.”

Flanagan, who made his Super League debut with Wigan against Celtic Crusaders back in 2009, has made 14 appearances for Saints this season after joining on a two-year deal from Wests, where he played 27 games in the NRL.

Unreserved tickets for the Magic Weekend have sold out, but reserved seating tickets are still available and cost from just £45 adult and £22.50 concession for day tickets. Tickets for the full weekend cost from just £60 adult and £30 concessions and are available by calling 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk.