Wigan Warriors' Liam Marshall details historic bid and "frightening" team-mate

Super League's top tryscorer is arrowing in on more glory for Matt Peet's side and explains how one team-mate is making his life easy

Liam Marshall says all-conquering Wigan are primed to make yet more history.

The prolific winger faces Salford tomorrow knowing victory will seal No1 spot again for Matt Peet’s side. Warriors already hold all four trophies: Super League, Challenge Cup, World Club Challenge and the League Leaders’ Shield. But they are targeting a Old Trafford return and Marshall said: “Hopefully we can retain that League Leaders’ as well which is something we’ve never done before.

“It’s exciting. It’d be good to do it because it shows consistency and where we’ve got to as a team. But we’re not overlooking Salford. They play good rugby, are unpredictable and are heading into the play-offs, too.”

However, the Red Devils have named a vastly under-strength side as boss Paul Rowley - knowing their top-six spot is secured - keeps his big guns dry ready for next week’s eliminator. Barring a huge shock, that’s ended Hull KR’s hopes of pipping Wigan to the League Leaders’ Shield on Friday. Youngsters including Charlie McCurrie, Leunbou Bardyel-Wells and Charlie Glover could all make Super League debuts having been drafted in from Salford’s reserves.

But all Marshall wants to do is make sure of victory for his side who are seeking a sixth straight win. They walloped Leeds 38-0 on Friday in a game when they surged 10-0 ahead inside just eight minutes. Marshall, Super League’s leading tryscorer on 25, said: “We have to start well. We saw that the week before [against Hull KR]. We started poorly and ended up chasing our tails for a lot of the game so you make it more difficult for yourself.

“But when you start well and post points early, like against Leeds, it’s good. The most pleasing thing about Friday was the zero. The defence was really good. Leeds threw a lot at us and were a very hungry team, so to keep them to nil is exciting because we know that’s what wins you those big games.”

Marshall chalked up his 150th try for his hometown club in only his 181st appearance. The 28 year-old admitted: “I didn’t even know that! It’s obviously a nice individual achievement but it’s a credit to the lads inside me. They put them on a plate most times for me. We have some outstanding talent and if I can keep scoring the tries it will help for the team’s success.”

England centre Jake Wardle has, indeed, formed a devastating partnership with Marshall. He said: “It’s frightening the player Jake is - and the player he could probably become. He’s one of those who I mentioned who I’m privileged to play alongside. We have a decent connection going on at the minute and he’s still only young.

“When the ball’s in his hands you’re excited. I never know what he’s going to do but it usually leads to me getting the chance to score. He’s a great player and he does it on both sides of the ball: it’s not just his attacking, he’s really solid in defence and goes about his business in a really great manner.”