Knowles using heartbreak as motivation

“I’d say it’s the biggest derby. It means so much to the fans, the town, there is such a good rivalry there."

MORGAN Knowles is using heartbreak of old as his greatest motivation as St Helens get set for the “biggest derby?? in rugby league.

Saints and Wigan Warriors do battle on Friday with not only bragging rights but a place in the Betfred Super League Grand Final up for grabs.

The two are no strangers to big match-ups but with Wigan defending champions and St Helens topping this year’s regular season, few come much bigger than this.

Knowles’ side missed out last season’s Grand Final after defeat to Warrington Wolves in the play-offs, the same outfit that put them to the sword in this season’s Challenge Cup final.

And it’s those disappointments which the 22-year-old is using to fuel his preparations for Friday’s clash – not that contests with an old enemy need much in the way of incentive.

“It means everything, to the fans and the town, it’s such a great rivalry with Wigan and it doesn’t get much bigger than this,?? said Knowles.

“Playing Wigan gives it an extra bite, the atmosphere will be pumping in a near sell-out and we’re expecting a tough game of rugby.

“I’d say it’s the biggest derby. It means so much to the fans, the town, there is such a good rivalry there.

“You learn from what has gone before, the Challenge Cup final defeat hurt and you want to use that as your motivation and your drive to make sure that you don’t feel that again.

“We’re a more well-rounded team this year. We’ve been fairly consistent for the past two years but this year in particular, we’ve had that well-balanced squad and the way we’re playing our rugby.

“The three games in which we’ve beaten them this season count for nothing. It’s all about Friday, that will be what counts.??

Wigan’s place in the Betfred Super League semi-finals is rather remarkable given a wretched start to the season that saw them fearful of relegation.

Tickets for our @SuperLeague semi final are selling fast with less than 20% capacity left in the Hattons Solicitors West Stand! 😀

2019 Members have until the end of tomorrow (Thursday) to take advantage of the £5 discount off their match ticket! 🎟??https://t.co/d31dnwj7iK

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 25, 2019

But victories in 13 of their last 14 outings have presented a noteworthy turnaround and despite Saints winning all three head-to-head battles in 2019 – Knowles won’t be underestimating the Warriors when the two sides meet at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The forward added: “With Wigan, they’re tough and aggressive, they compete really hard with world-class players across the pitch and it’s a tough proposition but something we’re looking forward to.

“It would be great for the fans to fill it out, get behind us and get singing and hopefully take us to the Grand Final.

“We’re unbeaten at home which is fantastic and hopefully the fans can help us progress that.

“There’s a bit of extra space in this match and the boys will all tell you that these are the games you want to play in.

“You don’t want to get too wound up, too early, but these are the games that you watch on television as a kid and then want to be a part of. Friday night is that game.??

The Betfred Super League Grand Final is the biggest night in Super League and takes place at Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United on Saturday 12 October (6pm KO). Secure your seat by visiting https://www.superleague.co.uk/tickets/grand-final