The Warriors travel to Headingley in need of a win.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Leeds Rhinos
The Rhinos won an edgy game against Wakefield last week, to avoid losing three times to Trinity this season. Leeds put in a great defensive showing to cause the upset, and managed to neutralise a very dynamic Wakefield side. The victory keeps them in tenth place, still just two points clear of relegation.
Wigan Warriors
Wigan narrowly beat Hull KR on Sunday, thanks to a Sam Powell drop goal. However the Warriors find themselves in eight place, just two points ahead of the Rhinos.
SQUAD NEWS
Leeds Rhinos
Rhinos full back Jack Walker returns to the side following injury. The only other change is that Wellington Albert replaces Ashton Golding.
Leeds 19-man squad:Walker, Briscoe, Watkins, Hurrell, Handley, Lolohea, Myler, Cuthbertson, Singleton, Merrin, Dwyer, Sutcliffe,t Ferres, Oledzki, Smith, Donaldson, Newman, Albert, Seumanufagai
Wigan Warriors
The Warriors have made four changes to the side that beat Hull KR on Sunday. Former Leeds man Zak Hardaker misses out through injury, as does Ben Flower.
Wigan 19-man squad: Bullock, Burgess, Byrne, Clubb, Escare, Farrell, Gildart, Hankinson, Isa, Leuluai, Marshall, Navarrete, O’loughlin, Partington, Powell, Sammut, Sarginson, Smithies, Williams.
HEAD TO HEAD
The two sides have a long standing rivalry built on success rather than geography. The Warriors have had the greater success in recent times, with Sam Tomkins’ drop goal from near half way winning a feisty encounter for the Warriors at Headingley stadium last season. However in 2015 the Rhinos beat Wigan in the Grand Final at Old Trafford to complete a historic treble.
KEY BATTLE
ย Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos) v Oliver Gildart (Wigan Warriors)
Handley has been sensational in a very average Rhinos side this season. If he gets the service he needs on Friday night, then he could be in for a high scoring game. The same could be said for Gildart, who has the ability to create explosive plays and has the pace to break the line and go the length of the field without being caught. These two players will be the ones to watch at Headingley stadium.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Fri 14th June
Venue: Emerald Headingley Stadium
Kick-off: 19:45
WHO WILL WIN?
This game will be closer than many predict, but i still think the Warriors will find the magic to get over the line. Wigan win 21-20.ย
