Jukes: No margin for error against Wigan

Leigh head coach Neil Jukes has stressed the level of performance which his time will required against Wigan on Friday.

The Warriors, Super League’s defending champions, have won all three of their opening matches this season including beating Cronulla to become world champions.

“Without doubt we’re probably going to have to give our best performance of the year,” Jukes told Love Rugby League.

“It’s a new atmosphere that’s not been created for a number of years and it’s teed up to what’s hopefully going to be a good game.”

Jukes is not dwelling on the win over St Helens ahead of the derby clash against Wigan.

The Centurions picked up their first two points since earning promotion back to Super League after defeats to Castleford and Leeds.

“Any win lifts the mood in the camp and gives you a little bit more confidence for the following week,” he told Love Rugby League.

“We can’t get carried away because we’re coming up against the world champions this week.”

Giving the maximum amount of effort is key for Jukes when the Centurions travel to the DW Stadium.

“We’ve got to take confidence from our performance however we look at it and however we measure that the following day,” he added.

“We’ve got to be happy in big aspects of our game because they’re a team that can blow you away.”

The Warriors have lost three of their last ten Super League matches at home and Jukes is well aware of how formidable they are in their own back yard.

“Their home record is brilliant,” he said.

“They’ve made it into a bit of a fortress and the fans get right behind them so we know how big the task is but it’s one that we’re really looking forward to.”

Although Jukes, who is spending his first year as a head coach in Super League, is looking forward to pitting his wits against Shaun Wane he did highlight the quality of coaches in the Championship.

“It’s something that’s part of our challenge as staff that we look forward to,” he said.

“That being said there are a lot of good coaches in the Championship never mind Super League.”