Barrett leads Wigan charge as Noble defends proud record

Former team-mates Mathew Head and Trent Barrett hold the key when Hull host Wigan tonight in the game that will eliminate one of them from the Super League play-offs.

The two played alongside each other at St George-Illawarra, with Barrett captaining the Australian side when Head first emerged. "He was the major influence in my becoming the player I am today," Head said yesterday.

Barrett was undeniably the major influence behind Wigan's comeback from a 24-point deficit to beat Bradford last week, and their coach, Brian Noble, admitted that they could not afford to give Hull anything like that start.

Noble has never lost a play-off game before the Grand Final and his side have also beaten Hull twice this season, so his Hull counterpart, Peter Sharp, is adamant that Wigan are favourites.

Robbie Paul has joined Salford with a vow to play for them in Super League in 2009. Paul has left Huddersfield for a two-year contract with the relegated club, who hope to strengthen their case for a Super League franchise under the proposed new system for the competition by winning National League One next year. "I could have retired happily, but I still have a hunger and a passion for this game," said the 31-year-old New Zealander. "The desire to bash people and be bashed is burning stronger than ever."

Two of the great names of the game's history, Barrow and Oldham, contest the remaining place in the National League Two Grand Final tomorrow. Featherstone await the winners.