The 2016 runners-up host the 2017 runners-up on Saturday afternoon as Warrington aim to topple Wigan in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter-finals. Read the build-up here:
SQUAD NEWS
Warrington Wolves
Steve Price has made three changes to the squad that beat Hull FC last week, with Bryson Goodwin (concussion), Sita Akauola (suspension) and Mike Cooper (hamstring) all coming back in.ย They take the places of Luis Johnson, Pat Moran and Ben Pomeroy.
Warrington Wolves 19-man squad:ย Ratchford, Lineham, Goodwin, Atkins, Brown, Roberts, Hill, Clark, Cooper, Hughes, Murdoch-Masila, Patton, Akauola, Philbin, G. King, Livett, Brown, Charnley, Westwood.
Wigan Warriors
Wigan have Oliver Gildart available for selction again after he had to miss the loss at Hull KR due to illness despite being named in the 19-man squad.
Thomas Leuluai and Sean O’Loughlin also return after they recovered from arm and calf issues respectively.ย Dan Sarginson and Josh Ganson are the players to make way.
Wigan Warriors 19-man squad: S. Tomkins, Davies, Gildart, Williams, Powell, Clubb, Leuluai Flower, J. Tomkins, Farrell, O’Loughlin, Bateman, Sutton, Tautai, Isa, Escare, Marshall, Navarrete, Woods.
HEAD TO HEAD
Warrington will be looking for quick revenge following their 38-10 defeat to the Warriors at Magic Weekend two weeks ago, a loss that ended an impressive 10-game winning run.
That made it one win apiece this season following Warrington’s 16-10 win over Shaun Wane’s team at the Halliwell Jones Stadium back in February, which is one of just three defeats Wigan have suffered in Super League this season.
The two sides locked horns at the same stage of the cup last year in a dramatic game which saw Declan Patton miss a drop-goal attempt to level the scores with the last play of the game. The Warriors held on for a 27-26 win to set up a semi-final meeting with Salford.
KEY BATTLE- Josh Charnley v Sam Tomkins
Winger Josh Charnley has admitted this week that he was too easily riled by his ex-teammates in the game at St. James’ park so will be eager to perform better this weekend and get one over on his former club this time around.
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Charnley recorded his 13th try of the season, six of which have come in the cup, as the Wolves beat Hull FC last Friday and continued Charnley’s fine form since returning from rugby union. Another one on Saturday would see him reach 200 in his league career.
Sam Tomkins scored 18 of Wigan’s 38 points against Warrington in the most recent clash and it is likely he will play a key part again if the Cherry and White’s are to progress to the semi-finals, just as he did almost 12 months ago when his one-pointer proved to be the difference.
With his second spell atย his hometown club coming to end in 2018, Tomkinsย has spoken of his desire to leave with another trophy so will have the added determination to continue on the road to Wembley as he looks to lift the Challenge Cup for a third time.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 2nd June 2018
Venue: Halliwell Jones Stadium
Kick-off: 14:30pm
Referee: Robert Hicks
WHO WILL WIN?
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