The Warriors’ 2011 trophy defence came to an abrupt end 12 months ago when they went down 39-28 in the semi-finals to Leeds but coach Shaun Wane admits there are even more painful memories of their shock loss to Catalan Dragons in 2007.
If the Broncos, who are three points adrift at the bottom of Super League, win on Saturday, it would be the biggest cup upset since the Catalans beat Wigan 37-24 at Warrington six years ago.
“I went to that game and the players have reminded me about it,” Wane told a news conference at Orrell. “They’ve had a chat about it.
“That should have been a dead-set win for us, a similar position to what London are in. Catalan turned up and before our players got off the coach they scored 24 points. We don’t want that feeling again.”
Sean O’Loughlin, Pat Richards, Harrison Hansen, Darrell Goulding and Michael McIlorum are Wigan’s survivors from that day, along with winger Liam Colbon, who is expected to be lining up for London on Saturday.
Wane took the precaution of resting his captain O’Loughlin, along with Sam Tomkins and Hansen for Monday’s Super League derby at St Helens and he was unrepentant despite his side suffering a 22-16 defeat.
London coach Tony Rea also fielded an under-strength team for their league game at Widnes last Friday as they set their sights on a second appearance at Wembley, where they lost to Leeds in 1999.
“I understand what Tony has done and I fully support him,” Wane said. “It’s a big competition and the finances of the competition and the prestige of winning this trophy is fantastic.
“They rested players to make sure they’re at their best this weekend.”
Rugby League - Wigan motivated by cup shocks
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