AS he prepares to face former club Wigan Warriors, Matty Smith has called on his Warrington Wolves teammates to “stick in the fight” at the DW Stadium.

The Wire have beaten Wigan three times already this season but go into the game as underdogs, such is the contrasting form of the two sides.

Since their Magic Weekend victory over Adrian Lam’s side, Wolves have won just three times while Wigan have emerged victorious in eight of their subsequent nine games.

Smith, who spent four-and-a-half successful years with the Warriors, does not think the game is “must-win” for his new side but feels the minimum they must do is put on a performance for their fans.

He also believes the motivation of earning a place in the team for next week’s Challenge Cup Final – for which he is ineligible – will drive his teammates on further.

“I love going back to Wigan, it’s a great stadium to play at,” he said.

“I had some great years there so every time I do go back, I enjoy it.

“It doesn’t really get any bigger than this game I think – both teams are really trying to chase that second spot. This could be the game where we either get it or we don’t.

“It’s important for us to put in a really good performance and hopefully get the win.

“Everybody is playing for a spot in the Challenge Cup team as well, which is great.

“It’s not set in stone who’s going to play at Wembley so all the guys will be pushing for that.

“Wigan always come good at this time of year. It’s going to go right down to the wire I’m sure and we just have to stick in the fight.

“I wouldn’t quite say it’s a must-win, but we do have to put a performance in and I’m looking forward to us doing that.”