Friends . . . and rivals: Telford Tigers boss Tom Watkins goes head-to-head with pal Pete Russell
Telford Tigers head coach Tom Watkins won't let his friendship with Milton Keynes Lightning boss - and GB colleague - Pete Russell get in the way of play-off glory this weekend.
The pair go head to head in the quarter-final match-up, before joining forces as the national side's coaching team at the world championships in Croatia during April.
But Watkins, who guided Telford to five wins out of six over Milton Keynes during the English Premier League season, isn't in the mood to relinquish the upper hand over Russell.
He said: "There hasn't been too much banter between us, although I spoke to him earlier in the week. We both respect each other's teams and their abilities.
"Whatever the outcome, I hope it is us, so Pete gets another week to prepare for the world championships! At the end of the day, though, we are both professionals and want to win."
Under the stewardship of Russell, and assistant coach Watkins, Great Britain will be looking to fulfil the promise they showed at Februrary's Olympic pre-qualification competition.
GB ultimately failed to win their group in Cortina, but Watkins believes the Lightning coach will be determined to secure bragging rights - ahead of warm-up games against Poland next month.
He added: "Whatever happens, there won't be any grudge or animosity between us and the same goes for any situation that occurs between the two clubs.
"As a mate, I am sure that when we get to the national team there will be a few friendly digs between us here and there. I am looking really forward to these games.
"I respect Pete as a coach. He is a smart guy who has recruited well, so it's going to be a tough task for us."
