Summary The 33-year-old was part of the Wigan side that slipped to a 25-18 defeat to the Rhinos.
LEEDS (AFP) - Matty Bowen admits he is dreaming of facing Leeds Rhinos one more time before the end of his Wigan Warriors career as the full-back looks to bow out on a high.
The 33-year-old was part of the Wigan side that slipped to a 25-18 defeat to the Rhinos last time out in the Super 8s, Leeds consequently opening up a three-point gap at the top of the table.
Next up for the Warriors is the visit of Warrington and Bowen and co know that they need to get back to winning ways to keep hold of second spot in the table.
Breathing down their necks are local rivals St Helens and with Leeds strong favourites for top spot and the League Leaders Shield, second is a must for Wigan.
Should that be the case then the Rhinos and Warriors would be on course to meet in Super League s Grand Final in October - provided they come through the play-offs.
That would mean a fifth meeting of the season between the two clubs - with the series currently tied at two wins apiece - and Bowen is desperate to get another crack at the top dogs.
"We had a few opportunities against Leeds and should have scored more tries, that was the difference really," said the former North Queensland Cowboy.
"We have played them four times already now and beaten them twice, it is always a tough game.
"I would like to go out on a high, everyone s dream is to win the Grand Final and after last year coming so close, that was not how we wanted to end the season.
"We have got a tough game with Warrington and the rest of the Super 8s before that, so we have to take it game by game.
"But hopefully we will meet Leeds again and come out on top."
Elsewhere in the Super 8s St Helens will look to get their first win since the competition split as they host Huddersfield and former player Paul Wellens says the defending champions need to buck up their ideas.
"We pride ourselves at St Helens for our work ethic. When you look back to last year s Grand Final success, that was based on that willingness to work hard for each other," he said.
"That determination clearly wasn t there on Friday night. There s a fair bit of soul-searching for the team this week looking forward to the Huddersfield game."
Elsewhere in the Super 8s Castleford Tigers are looking to crack the top four for the second year in a row but they face a tough trip to Catalans Dragons while Leeds travel to Hull FC.
In the Qualifiers Widnes Vikings top the table and host Hull KR this weekend - and Denis Betts s side have been boosted by the signing of NRL Grand Finalist Corey Thompson for next season.
The 25-year-old utility back becomes the Vikings third recruit for 2016 following the signing of Chris Bridge and Setaimata Sa.
"This is a real coup for us. Corey will bring some great experience to our squad," said Betts.
"He has scored tries in Grand Finals and regularly in the NRL. He s got some utility value as well."
Elsewhere in the Qualifiers Leigh are looking for their first win as they travel to Wakefield, Bradford also need a victory when they host Salford and something must give when winless Halifax travel to Sheffield Eagles, who are also seeking a first win.
Fixtures:
Thursday
St Helens v Huddersfield Giants - Super 8s
Friday
Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos - Super 8s
Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors - Super 8s
Saturday
Catalans Dragons v Castleford Tigers - Super 8s
Leigh Centurions v Wakefield Wildcats - The Qualifiers
Sunday
Bradford Bulls v Salford Red Devils - The Qualifiers
Widnes Vikings v Hull KR - The Qualifiers
Sheffield Eagles v Halifax - The Qualifiers
