The Super League season reaches it’s final third and the relegation battle continues to up the temperature. Here’s everything you need to know…
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Wigan
The Super League champions have endured a tough start to the campaign as they mostly stayed in the bottom of the half of the table.
Now in recent weeks they have been in fine form as they’ve earned four wins in their previous five, putting them level with Saints in terms of form.
Hull KR
The Red Robins story of 2019 has been their fight to remain in Super League as they remain level with Leeds, Huddersfield and London on points but it’s points difference that is shaping their positions in the league.
Rovers have also been in-form recently since the appointment of Tony Smith who has won two of his four games since he’s been in charge.
SQUAD NEWS
Wigan
Skipper Sean O’Loughlin, who left the field early injured last week vs Salford, misses out this week with an achilles injury. Second-row Joe Greenwood will also miss out.
However, Dan Sarginson returns to the 19 this week after missing the last two games.
Wigan’s 19-man squad: Joe Bullock, Joe Burgess, Liam Byrne, Tony Clubb, Morgan Escare, Liam Farrell, Oliver Gildart, Chris Hankinson, Zak Hardaker, Willie Isa, Tommy Leuluai, Liam Marshall, Romain Navarrete, Ollie Partington, Sam Powell, Jarrod Sammut, Dan Sarginson, Morgan Smithies, George Williams.
Hull KR
Tommy Lee makes way to Jimmy Keinhorst in Tony Smith’s one and only change to the squad.
Hull KR’s 19-man squad: Adam Quinlan, Craig Hall, Ben Crooks, Jimmy Keinhorst, Ryan Shaw, Danny McGuire, Robbie Mulhern, Mose Masoe, Joel Tomkins, Weller Hauraki, Mitch Garbutt, Chris Atkin, George Lawler, Kane Linnett, Josh Drinkwater, Daniel Murray, Harvey Livett, Luis Johnson, Matt Parcell
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HEAD TO HEAD
The Warriors have beaten Hull KR in three of their previous five meetings, they recently met for Tony Smith’s debut as head coach which didn’t go to plan as Sam Powell’s late drop-goal made it four wins in five for the Cherries.
Hull KR’s last win was only a year ago when they put 24 points past Wigan at Craven Park, but their last win at the DW Stadium was four years ago when they won by 16 points to 12.
KEY BATTLE
George Williams (Wigan) v Josh Drinkwater (Hull KR)
George is leading the way as Wigan’s Man of Steel and is tipped to swap England for Australia at the end of the season as he’s gaining interest from the NRL.
However having previously played against Rovers just a few weeks ago he didn’t produce the quality that we’ve been used to seeing him play and this will be a chance for him to make that right.
Josh only has two points to his name in the Man of Steel charts but has produced the most assists for his side.
However his decision making on the last tackle has divided opinion from the supporters which has caused uncertainty as to whether he will be a Hull KR player next season.
If he his to prove his worth to not just the supporters and to his new boss, he will have to bring back the quality he possessed with Catalan. If that happens he could be the player to save Hull KR from relegation.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 5th July 2019
Venue: DW Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Referee: Marcus Griffiths
WHO WILL WIN?
Both sides will be hoping to add to their winning momentums but I think Wigan will have the quality and backing from the supporters to see them through.
