Wigan Warriors host in form Hull FC at the DW Stadium on Friday night. Hull are looking to win their 4th game on the spin and their 9th in the last 10 games. While Wigan welcome back Sam Tomkins, who hasn’t played for them since their 2013 Grand Final win.
LAST TIME OUT
Wigan go into this game on the back of a 54-4 win over Dewsbury Rams, in the Challenge Cup. While this game wasn’t really a tester for Wigan, nor any help to those watching from Hull. It was still a good outing for the Warriors, with Charley, Gildart and Bateman all scoring a couple tries each. Williams started to show what we’ve been missing out on with a great display, setting up a few tries and also scoring one himself. It was a great day for Charley, scoring 22 points in the match and his partnership with Gildart on the left hand side was too hot to handle on the day as Wigan ran out comfortable winners.
Hull FC go into his game after beating St. Helens 47-18 at Langtree Park, in what was a quite remarkable result. St. Helens started the game strong taking an early lead through a Percival. However, Hull hit back with a bang, scoring 3 without reply through Houghton, Taylor and Ellis to take a 18-6 lead. Saints hit back with a try through McCarthy-Scarsbrook, however some quick thinking from Sneyd to kick a drop goal gave Hull a 25-12 lead at HT. The second half was all about Hull, eventually winning it 27-6, through tries from, Taylor, Shaul, Yeaman and Talanoa to wrap up a sensational 47-18 win over St. Helens.
KEY BATTLES
Sam Tomkins hasn’t played a game for Wigan Warriors since the 2013 Grand Final, he hasn’t played a game of Rugby League in over a year. This Friday he makes his return and while maybe not at his upmost best just yet, Hull will be looking to stop the playmaker from getting his game going. Last seasons best halfback partnership of Smith/Williams is finally back together this week. Smith has seemed lost in the last few months without his usual partner, the return of Williams could see a huge change in Wigan’s attacking prowess. Fellow scrum half, Mark Sneyd, who is already in great form, will be looking to create more of the same following Sunday’s Cup win, his kicking game good be key to the result.
Both hookers have the ability to change a game. While Sam Powell is normally a scrum half, since Mcilorum’s injury, he’s come into that hooker role and played it superbly well. On the other side, Danny Houghton is a man who’s in unbelievable form, a player in which can turn a game on it’s head and just bully the opposition. You feel Wigan will have to control his game if they are to keep Hull FC from winning on Friday night.
PREDICTION
Hull will be hoping they can continue their great form into this game and get the win they need to keep the pressure on Catalan and Warrington. However, with the return of Clubb and the Tomkins brothers to the side, Wigan will be fielding their strongest team of the season. I just feel that a few fresh faces from Wigan will help steer them to victory in what will be a tight, exciting game of rugby.
Wigan Warriors by 4.
SQUADS
Wigan Warriors 19-Man Squad: Bateman, Charnley, Clubb, Crosby, Gildart, Gelling, Isa, Manfredi, Mossop, O’Loughlin, Powell, Sarginson, Smith, Sutton, Tautai, Tierney, J.Tomkins, S.Tomkins, Williams.
Hull FC 19-Man Squad: Bowden, Ellis, Fonua, Green, Hadley, Houghton, Manu, Michaels, Minichiello, Naughton, Pryce, Shaul, Sneyd, Talanoa, Taylor, Thompson, Washbrook, Watts, Yeaman.
MATCH DETAILS
Referee: Ben Thaler
Venue: DW Stadium
Date/Time: Friday 13th May – 20:00pm GMT
