Ian Watson urges Huddersfield players to ignore Wigan hype

Ian Watson is urging his Huddersfield players to ignore the hype around Wigan and remember their own quality ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup final.

The Warriors are big favourites to land a 20th Challenge Cup when they meet the Giants at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Watson though will be walking out for his third big final in recent years. He guided Salford to the 2019 Grand Final and then Wembley the following year. 

And while Huddersfield’s unassuming boss is hoping it will be third time lucky personally, he knows his players need to shut out the magnitude of the occasion if they are to compete with Wigan.

Watson told Love Rugby League: “I don’t want us to play the game on emotion or play the game too early. Your energy levels will just be gone.

“We need to keep things as normal as they can be. We need to cap the excitement of the young lads but make sure we use their energy.

“The biggest thing for us is to ignore Wigan and focus on what we do. We need to not get too carried away with what Wigan do and what they present.”

Huddersfield have gone up another level, says Ian Watson

Watson is poised to bring Will Pryce straight back in after the youngster’s 10-match ban. Watson revealed Pryce has looked “outstanding” in training this week.

Senior heads Tui Lolohea, Chris Hill, Theo Fages and Chris McQueen will be key to Huddersfield’s hopes. Watson is confident that his side can produce a big shock and lift the trophy given how far they have already come under his guidance. 

He added: “Halfway through last year was a real turning point for me in terms of enjoying the project; and then this year has just been another level.

“We must remember what we are about as a group, what we have tried to educate ourselves to be; and put that performance out there. I’m sure it will be good enough to win.”

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