WIGAN boss Stuart Raper insists he will not be dragged into a war of words with St Helens coach Ian Millward when their rival Super League sides go head-to-head at Knowsley Road tonight.

The master tacticians have hardly hit it off since Raper took over the reigns at the JJB Stadium, with a number of flashpoints last season adding extra spice to an already fiery relationship between the clubs.

Mischievous Millward stirred the pot last season by campaigning for Saints star Paul Sculthorpe to replace Andy Farrell as Great Britain skipper.

And he has set tongues wagging again this year by claiming full back Paul Wellens has the edge over Wigan and Great Britain number one Kris Radlinski, but that may have to wait because of the Wigan man's groin injury .

Raper has in the past risen to the bait, once angrily firing back "I don't give a damn what Ian thinks!"

But, as the tension builds towards another almighty tussle at the home of the Challenge Cup holders, Raper said this time both coaches would let the teams do the talking.

"It's not about Ian Millward versus Stuart Raper, this is St Helens versus Wigan," he said.

"We don't go out there on the pitch and make the tackles or score the tries. I don't see it as a contest between me and Ian."

One confrontation Raper is looking forward to is that of the two Australian fliers Brett Dallas and Darren Albert.

The wingers are among the fastest players in the world and while former Kangaroo international Dallas is more accomplished in Super League, Albert underlined his potential with a breathtaking try against Hull in his last appearance at Knowsley Road.

Now the pair will line up against each other on the same flank in a mouthwatering clash and Raper said both would have to be on their toes.

"That will be a big contest," he said.

"They are probably the two speedsters of the game and it will be very interesting to see who wins that battle. One will have the ball and the other will be chasing.

"It's all about timing and getting in the clear. If we can get Brett Dallas in the clear, then there's no catching him but if our defence works properly then Albert won't get clear."