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JAI Field has already gone through the pain barrier for Wigan’s quadruple quest – playing and scoring after dislocating for finger.
But he is adamant tonight’s top two tussle will not see a fatal blow struck to anyone’s hopes of finishing at Super League’s summit.
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The Warriors – who currently hold all four trophies you can win in rugby league on this side of the world – lie behind Hull KR, who are having the season of their dreams.
However, the full back – who suffered the injury in the win at Catalans – insists whoever wins will not have the silverware sealed, saying: “There’s still a lot of rugby. It’s probably a little too simple to say whoever wins will get the League Leaders’ Shield.
“Some people will say it but there’s a lot of rugby after that. Two more games, so anything can happen.
“Hull KR are playing a great brand of footy at the minute. They are flying. They’ve dusted everyone they’ve played the last month or two, so it will be a good test for us.
“They have been really consistent all year and it’s showing in their results. They also haven’t had many players out.
“You aspire to that – good health in your squad – and luckily enough, they’ve had it and success off the back of it.
“And my finger? I reckon it’s more sore afterwards. When you’ve finished, it’s a little numb but when the adrenaline’s pumping it’s not too bad.”
The battle for the League Leaders’ Shield may be captivating many but Wigan boss Matt Peet believes it may never be feted as it should because of the play-offs.
Whoever wins it will immediately have to file it away as the fight for the title at the Grand Final gets underway.
And Peet feels that as long as that structure remains, the shield will not receive top billing, saying: “Unless you don’t have play-offs, it’s never going to happen.
“Because the season continues, you’re never going to do it.
“Whatever you do, there’s a semi-final two weeks later and what everyone wants to do is win that last game and go on holiday with a smile on their face.
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“The League Leaders’ is nice when it comes. When we got it last year, I was so proud of it and whichever one of us gets it will be made up because it’s a representation of you being the most consistent team in a season.
“But those who finish second and third will move on quickly.
“It’s an unbelievably hard trophy to win, one that should be celebrated and I like the fact we’re talking it up.”
Rovers are going like a train, with Mikey Lewis seemingly steering it towards Old Trafford.
But the half back believes a collective noise is helping Willie Peters’ men.
He said: “We’re experienced in these bigger games now. There are more voices in the dressing room now and that’s going a long way.”
