Wakefield Trinity take on Wigan Warriors at the Mobile Rocket Stadium on Sunday afternoon, in the third meeting between the sides this season. A win would steer Trinity further clear of danger, whilst the Warriors could move into second-place with a victory of their own. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Wakefield Trinity
The Dreadnoughts finally picked up a victory last time out, winning for just the second time in their last 12 Super League matches, after claiming a convincing 38-10 win away to relegation rivals Hull KR. That victory should lift Chris Chester’s side spirits, given they now have a two-point cushion on the three teams below them with three fixtures left to play. However, they can’t afford to take their foot of the gas just yet and will need at least one more win to confirm their Super League status for next season.
Wigan Warriors
The Cherry and Whites are playing their best rugby of the season, at exactly the right time. Their classy 20-6 home success against Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves last time out was their fourth win on the bounce and their ninth in their last 10 Super League matches. Having looked miles away from achieving a play-off place in the first half of the season, credit must go to coach Adrian Lam whose side can move into second-place in the table with a win on Sunday afternoon.
SQUAD NEWS
Wakefield Trinity
Chris Chester has been able to name an unchanged 19-man squad from the side that eased past Hull KR in their last league outing.
Morgan Escare remains in the squad, despite being on loan from the Warriors, with Wigan allowing the France international to play against his parent club.
Wakefield’s 19-man squad:ย Annakin, Arundel, Batchelor, Brough, Crowther, England, Escare, Green, Hampshire, Jones-Bishop, Kirmond, Kopczak, Lyne, Miller, Randell, Tangata, Tanginoa, Tupou, Wood.
Wigan Warriors
Wigan have made one changes to their 19-man squad that defeated Warrington two weeks ago.
Amir Bourouh replaces Jarrod Sammut, with Joe Burgess also included in the squad having failed a late fitness test before their clash with the Wolves last time out.
Wigan’s 19-man squad:ย Bourouh, Burgess, Byrne, Clubb, Farrell, French, Gildart, Greenwood, Hankinson, Hardaker, Isa, Leuluai, Marshall, Navarrete, Partington, Powell, Sarginson, Smithies, Williams.
HEAD TO HEAD
The two sides have met twice already this season with both teams winning one game apiece. Wakefield claimed an exciting 30-20 victory back in April, whilst Wigan ran out more comfortable winners in June claiming a 46-16 success.
The Warriors have won six of the last 10 meetings between the sides, with Trinity winning the other four. Two players have scored a hat-trick of tries in the matches between the two clubs this season, with Joe Burgess and Liam Farrell both grabbing trebles for the Warriors in either match.
KEY BATTLE
Ryan Hampshire (Wakefield) v George Williams (Wigan)
Ryan Hampshire and George Williams might not be in a direct battle on the pitch at the Mobile Rocket Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but the pair will have a big influence on the outcome of the game.
Hampshire has scored two tries and provided one try assist against Wigan already this season and is a player bang in form after grabbing a couple of late scores against Hull KR last time out. Rocky is Wakefield’s leader for both tries scored and tries assisted, with 11 and 14 respectively, showing his importance to the team. His versatility is another trait that makes him invaluable to Chris Chester’s team and Trinity need him to be at his very best to get a result on Sunday.
Like Hampshire, Williams is a player playing right at the very top of his game. The Warriors number six scored a superb individual try against Warrington last time out and provided a hat-trick of try assists in the last meeting against Wakefield back in June. With his time at the DW Stadium coming to a close, the Wigan-born stand-off will be giving absolutely everything to give his hometown club a chance of retaining their Super League title.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Sunday 1st September
Venue: Mobile Rocket Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Scott Mikalauskas
WHO WILL WIN?
The form book points to a comfortable Wigan victory, despite Wakefield also claiming a much-needed win in their last league fixture. The Warriors are in irresistible form, even if they aren’t playing at their very best and will be keen to avenge their defeat at the Mobile Rocket Stadium earlier in the season. Trinity have a sporting chance, and know they are far from safety just yet, so won’t go down without a fight. Wigan to win by 12 points.
