Super League GF ‘better than marriage’

Taulima Tautai has never played in a grand final and if the Wigan Warriors are to make it there this season then it would rate higher than his wedding day – although his wife begs to differ.

The former Parramatta Eels winger is part of a Warriors side that sit second in the Super 8s, behind table toppers Leeds Rhinos only on points difference.

This weekend, the penultimate round of the 8s sees the Warriors face fierce local rivals St Helens, their conquerors in last year’s Grand Final.

Two victories for Wigan would give them a great chance of winning the League Leaders Shield and set them up nicely for the finals campaign.

And Tautai – who only joined from Wakefield this season – is desperate to fulfil a lifelong dream and play on the biggest stage of all.

“Finishing top of the table is very important to us, it gives us a mental advantage and of course we get a home game in the semi-finals,” said the 27-year-old.

“Obviously winning the grand final is the one we really want though.

“This would be my first time playing any kind of finals footy, this is why you play rugby league.

“I was having a discussion with my wife Anjuli the other day and I told her that if I win the Grand Final it would be right up there as the best day of my life.

“It probably means more than getting married, I don’t play this game because it’s fun, I play this game to win. Anjuli didn’t take it too well when I said that though!”

Elsewhere in the Super 8s, table toppers Leeds host Castleford Tigers and the Rhinos have been boosted by the news that Jimmy Keinhorst’s eye injury is not as bad as first feared.

Keinhorst was sent for scans after damaging his eye in the Rhinos’ home defeat by St Helens 11 days ago but the club have revealed he could only miss a fortnight of action.

Elsewhere, Warrington host Catalans Dragons and the in-form Huddersfield Giants, boosted by the news that Ukuma Ta’ai has signed a new one-year deal at the club, travel to Hull FC.

The 28-year-old Tongan joined the Giants from NRL side New Zealand Warriors in September 2012 and has scored 23 tries in 78 games.

In the Qualifiers, Hull KR are already safely in Super League next season before their trip to Sheffield while on Saturday Leigh Centurions and Bradford Bulls battle to stay in contention for the Million Pound Game.

Halifax travel to Wakefield while Salford head to Widnes on Sunday with the victor securing their Super League status for next season.

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