WIGAN coach Ian Millward fears Friday's clash at Hilton Park could not have come at a worse time for his team after two crushing defeats.

He said: "If you ask Leigh relegation is not an issue with them the reason they came into Super League was to beat Wigan.

"I watched their game against Warrington a couple of weeks ago and people reminded me that it's about beating Wigan, if they do it this week they will have achieved their goal.

"It is a tough game but I have only one thought and that is about winning the game. It is a must win for us and we need a win and we need some confidence.

"I feel for the fans at the moment but the only way out of this is working hard. We need cohesion and we need to build a foundation. I thought before Leeds we were heading in the right direction."

Asked about the task of the senior players to lift the younger members of the squad, Millward added:

"I need more from all the players with regard to their communication and their vocal response. We need players to step up and take on more responsibilities."

"We need to be positive, I don't care how we play this week we have to win. It can be the ugliest performance in the world that does not bother me. "It could be quite hostile and the players will be put under pressure. This will be a really tough game and we need to be ready for that."