WIGAN aim to keep the pressure on arch-rivals St Helens with a resounding victory over the much-improved Bradford Bulls tonight.

The first televised clash at Central Park this season poses another intriguing test for the champions, who will be looking for a repeat of the solid display they produced at Castleford last week.

Distractions off the field have again impeded their preparations with prop Kel Skerrett failing to make contact with the club after turning down Warrington's advances. He is included in the squad, but there is still a doubt over Jason Robinson.

The unhappy GB winger has asked for a transfer after failing to agree to an improved contract but hasn't decided whether he will play.

Coach Graeme West, putting those problems behind him, accepts the Bulls will be charged up for the clash.

He said: "They will be looking for a fine performance coming just a week before Wembley. We will be looking to continue our improvement in defence and control of the ball.." The champions exciting Kiwi Henry Paul is relishing the challenge of facing his brother Robbie, the Bulls skipper.

"I look forward to playing against good players and I think Robbie is exceptionally gifted. But I will look on him as just any other player.

"It is important that we collect two more league points and consolidate our position in the league. I know we lost to St Helens but I have said all along that the title would not be won at the start of the season."

If Skerrett and Robinson are available Wigan will field the same 17 players that won at Wheldon Road last week. Skipper Shaun Edwards will make his 500th appearance for the Central Park club. WIGAN: Radlinski, Robinson, Tuigamala, Connolly, Smyth, Paul, Edwards, Cowie, Hall, O'Connor, Quinnell, Cassidy, Farrell. Subs: Murdock, Haughton, Johnson, Skerrett.

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