Wigan v Leeds Rhinos: Gildart expects close game against Leeds

Wigan will take a 100 per cent winning record into First Utility Super League round five, while injury-hit Rhinos broke their duck at the fourth attempt a week ago. Results have been going their way, but Gildart, who is hoping to hang on to a place in the 17 tonight despite Sean O’Loughlin’s return from injury, insisted Wigan have not yet hit top gear and will need to improve to keep their run going.

“Leeds have not been travelling great but neither have we,” said Gildart, who was among Wigan’s substitutes for last Friday’s one-point win at Hull. “I know we’ve had four wins, but we’re nowhere near our best.

“As soon as we start getting some form we’ll be looking a lot better.

“We’ve still got big personnel missing as well and we’re nowhere near what we can do on the pitch. This should be a good game. They’ve got some great individuals, so it’s about being on your game all the time.”

Wigan boast the best defence in the competition with an average of 15 points conceded, but also the poorest attack, having chalked up just 76 points in four games.

With a for-and-against of 16 points, it underlines how Wigan have been scraping home.

“They’ve been pretty tense games, but it’s good to get the wins,” added Gildart.

“Last year we only just lost out on the league leaders’ shield so we know the importance of getting these points now. As the year progresses we’ll get better and better.

“We just need to pick up the wins along the way.”