Wigan players shocked by ground switch.

Australian stand-off Trent Barrett claimed the Wigan Warriors players reacted with disbelief when told the club would have to switch their engage Super League play-off tie away from the JJB Stadium.
The Warriors have been prevented from using the stadium on Friday night because Wigan Athletic are at home to Sunderland the following day, and have opted to take on Bradford Bulls at Widnes instead.
Barrett, Wigan’s acting captain in the absence of Sean O’Loughlin, revealed the players were given a say in the final decision and opted against Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium, which was the venue for their shock Challenge Cup semi-final defeat by Catalans Dragons in 2007.“There was a bit of disbelief because we didn’t even think about it,” Barrett told a press conference at Wigan’s training base. “We were disappointed because it’s something we’ve worked pretty hard to get. We’ve come through some pretty rough times this year, so to finish fourth was a good effort.“But we can’t let it affect us. If things fall for us, we might get back there next week.”
Wigan, who would have use of the JJB Stadium for the elimination semi-final on Saturday week if results go their way this weekend, are laying on free transport for their fans to Widnes and coach Brian Noble insists his team will not be distracted by the enforced change of venue.“We’ve got to make the Halton Stadium like the JJB,” he said. “We’ve got a field to play on and a team that is ready to play and that is our focus.”
Bradford’s chances of avenging their agonising 31-30 defeat in the opening round of the play-offs a year ago have been improved by the fixture switch but coach Steve McNamara is playing down the significance.“It’s a patch of grass at the end of the day,” said McNamara. “I’m sure they’ll be disappointed not to be able to stage it at their home ground but, once they get on the field, it will make no difference whatsoever.”
Both teams will have players returning from suspension for the knockout tie, with second-rower Gareth Hock available to Wigan after a five-match absence and full-back Michael Platt free to make his comeback from a three-game ban.
Bulls skipper Paul Deacon is expected to recover from knee and head injuries that forced his early withdrawal from last Saturday’s game at Castleford but Wigan prop Paul Prescott is rated as 50-50 to recover in time from a back injury