WIGAN Warriors are feeling the pressure and only a convincing victory over struggling Oldham Bears will get their season back on track.

The Riversiders are still reeling from last week's defeat by Bradford Bulls when two late tries saw the visitors snatch victory from their grasp.

The Warriors have won three of six Super League matches and although it is a little premature to write them off for the championship, they can't afford any more slips.

Sunday's home clash with the Bears would normally pose little threat but as results have highlighted, there are no easy games.

Coach Eric Hughes emphasised the tightness of the competition when he said: "There is no such thing as two easy points any more. Oldham have just come off their first win of the season and will be going all out against us.

"Even so it is vital that we win. It was a bitter disappointment losing to Bradford after we had given so much but we have to pick ourselves up.

"The lads have been marvellous in training this week and are ready to go."

The Warriors will be without Henry Paul, who has not yet recovered from his back injury, but are boosted by the return of prop Neil Cowie who is fit again after a hamstring injury. New signing Lee Hansen has applied for British citizenship because of problems obtaining a new work permit and looks likely to miss the game.

Hughes looks likely to continue with Jason Robinson at full-back instead of Kiwi David Murray, who has had a tough baptism in his first season.

"I moved Jason to full-back against Bradford because I thought he might get more room to run with the ball. It is unfortunate for Murray as he has been thrown in at the deep end because of a lack of bodies and has not been given a settling-in period."

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