Rugby: Albert ready for Derby duel

Darren Albert, Super League’s exciting capture from Australian champions Newcastle Knights, is bracing himself for his first St Helens-Wigan derby.

Albert’s wing duel with Warriors speed merchant Brett Dallas will be one of a series of intriguing side issues in tonight’s mouthwatering clash of the titans at Knowsley Road.

Saints, watched by more than 21,000 spectators at their first two home games, are predicting a capacity crowd of 15,100 and Albert has been warned by his team-mates to expect a few fireworks.

‘‘I’ve heard it’s going to be a very intense day and not only for the players, I gather the fans get into it as well,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s going to be a big occasion for everybody.’’

Dallas, in contrast to his countryman, is something of a derby veteran, having played in eight out of a possible 11 of these games over the last two seasons, and appreciates the importance attached to them by the clubs’ passionate fans.

‘‘They are always tough games and there is a big build-up,’’ said the former Australian Test winger.

‘‘There is fierce rivalry and the supporters expect a lot from the game.

‘‘I didn’t realise how close St Helens and Wigan were until I arrived. They are always passionate games.’’

The right-wing battle between the two players widely regarded as the fastest men in Super League could help tilt the balance of what looks to set to be a closely-contested match.

Dallas has found his touch this season, scoring twice in last Friday’s 34-12 win over Castleford to make it eight tries in seven league and cup games, while Albert recently provided a glimpse of his scorching pace with a brilliant touchdown against Hull.

Albert, signed as a replacement for Anthony Sullivan, believes the warmer weather will be more conducive to his style of play and he is looking forward to making the most of the harder grounds.

‘‘I’ve been here three months and it’s the first time I’ve been walking around in shorts,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s making me feel a lot happier.

‘‘It was good to get a bit of space the other night. It has been a while since we played without rain and, hopefully, I’ll get a few more tries this season.’’

The ex-Newcastle favourite is looking forward to developing his partnership with former Huddersfield centre Martin Gleeson, an England Under-21 star who is tipped to become a future full international.

Albert goes as far as to compare the 21-year-old Gleeson with current Australian Test centre Matt Gidley, his former Knights team-mate.

‘‘Martin has similar assets to Matt Gidley, plus he’s only young and can only get better,’’ said Albert.

‘‘He has certainly made his mark so far and, as long as he carries on improving, I’m going to get some space.’’

Although Saints are expected to have Tommy Martyn, Chris Joynt and Paul Newlove back after missing last Thursday’s shock 40-4 defeat at London Broncos, hooker Keiron Cunningham is struggling to overcome an ankle injury and coach Ian Millward is almost resigned to fielding a weakened team.

‘‘I think history will show we’ve never had a full-strength team against Wigan,’’ he said.

‘‘Last year we had five or six out and Keiron played half-back.

‘‘It’s not a drama with us, we adapt to it very well. I get a bit excited when we’ve got some players out because it challenges me more and it challenges the players.’’

Tim Jonkers, Saints’ only ever-present last season, is set to make his 50th consecutive appearance for the club.

Wigan will have forwards Craig Smith and Mick Cassidy back but are almost certain to be without full-back Kris Radlinski, who picked up a groin injury in Friday’s win over the Tigers.