Wigan raised some eyebrows when they named a squad with 10 changes, including several debutants, for their most recent Super League fixture against Hull KR.
The RFL said the squad selection did not breach their operational rules but the match ended in a chastening 62-4 loss at the hands of KR.
Should the decision to rest several key players pay off on Saturday then it could be seen as a tactical masterclass.
However, boss Matt Peet knows there is an extra level of expectation placed on his side due to their pedigree in the competition having won it on 21 occasions.
“I just don’t know any different. When I was growing up in the town I expected Wigan to win,” Peet said in conversation with Radio Manchester.
“I’m now in a privileged position where I get to lead the team and I still have high expectations, so I can’t imagine coaching at a club where that wasn’t the case. I’m very fortunate to be at a club in a time where expectation is high.”
In the aftermath of their Challenge Cup semi-final win against rivals St Helens, Peet took a swipe at Saints.
That semi-final came shortly after St Helens mounted a sensational comeback win against Wigan on Good Friday – a fixture where in which short-term Hull KR loanee Bill Leyland scored a decisive pair of late tries to earn them a huge two points.
Following this month’s semi-final, when Wigan thrashed Saints 32-0, Peet said in his post-match interview that his opponents had “lost their identity”.
In the build-up to Saturday’s final, Peet said that his side have a “duty” to their fans.
“We work very hard. These lads have committed a lot of their lives and made a lot of sacrifices along the way,” he added.
“We have a duty to our fans but also the players have a duty to themselves to enjoy this week and make sure they get the performance right.”
