LEEDS have to beat Wigan tonight or they can give up any hopes they have of the Centenary Championship.

That is the view of Leeds' ex-Wigan prop Barrie McDermott, who lines up against his former team-mates at Headingley.

Second-placed Leeds trail Wigan by four points after nine matches and victory for the Central Park outfit would shorten their title odds further.

"This game is the biggest for the club," said McDermott. "If we don't beat Wigan, the title race will have gone beyond our reach.

"A victory will keep us in touch at the top and would be a psychological boost for the club."

McDermott, who moved to Leeds after a successful spell at Central Park, will be looking to prove a point against the side who allowed him to move across the Pennines.

He said: "I spent a good 14 months at Wigan and I picked up a lot of experience.

"I made a lot of friends, but I'm a Leeds player now and when I step on to the field the only mates I'll have will be the ones wearing blue and amber."

Meanwhile Wigan coach Graeme West is stressing to his side they must make sure their defence is right.

"It is a big one and we lost it lost year. We want to do well this time and must not lose our concentration."

Leeds include James Lowes, normally a hooker, in the second row tonight with England international Paul Cook at full-back in preference to Alan Tait.

Graham Holroyd begins his first team comeback after a shoulder injury with a place on the bench.

Wales international Richie Eyres (ankle) and Marvin Golden, who picked up a knock after colliding with Craig Innes in training, are out.

Wigan loose-forward Andrew Farrell faces a late fitness test on a groin injury picked up playing for England in the World Cup.

He has not trained all week, but his England team-mates Shaun Edwards, Jason Robinson and Martin Offiah will play.

WIGAN: Radlinski, Robinson, Tuigamala, Connolly, Offiah, Paul, Edwards, Skerrett, Hall, O'Connor, (back-row from) Quinnell, Haughton, Cassidy, Farrell. Subs (from): Mather, Johnson, Murdock, Knowles.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.