SUPER LEAGUE PREVIEW | Wigan Warriors vs Leeds Rhinos
Wigan Warriors host Leeds Rhinos at the DW Stadium as both sides look to recover from disappointing losses last time out.
SQUAD NEWS
Wigan Warriors
Wigan are boosted by the return of international duo Sean O’Loughlin and John Bateman while new signing Joe Greenwood comes into the side and is set for his Warriors debut.
Following last week’s one-point defeat to Castleford, Dan Sarginson drops out of the squad alongside Callum Field yet Liam Farrell is set for his return to the side.
Wigan 19-man squad: Bateman, Clubb, Davies, Escare, Farrell, Flower, Gildart, Greenwood, Hamlin, Isa, Leuluai, Marshall, Navarette, O’Loughlin, Paisley, Powell, Tautai, Tomkins, Woods.
Leeds Rhinos
The Rhinos’ injury crisis has been lifted slightly ahead of Thursday’s game as Brad Singleton returns from a seven-week absence while Ryan Hall is selected following England duty.
Recently acquired Luke Briscoe retains his place in the 19-man squad and is joined by Richie Myler, who returns after passing his ‘return to play’ concussion protocol.
Leeds 19-man squad: Golding, Briscoe, Sutcliffe, Hall, Moon, Myler, Cuthbertson, Parcell, Singleton, Dwyer, Garbutt, Ferres, Handley, Ormondroyd, Walker, Smith, Oledzki, Walters, Briscoe
HEAD TO HEAD
Recent history suggests there is very little to choose between these two sides, with three wins apiece in their last six meetings; a late Sam Tomkins drop goal sealed the victory for Shaun Wane’s side last time out.
As both sides are amidst a slump in form, Wigan with just two wins in their last six and the Rhinos boasting just one, this is the perfect opportunity for one side to reignite their playoff push.
KEY BATTLE- Tommy Leuluai v Matt Parcell
Leuluai has all the experience you could possibly want on a rugby field, yet he will need to call on every inch of that to stop the dangerous Matt Parcell leading the Rhinos charge.
Famous for his hard-hitting tackles, Leuluai’s shift to dummy half has been as smooth as ever, registering nine assists this season, whereas Parcell burst onto the scene last season with seventeen tries and sixteen assists.
Despite not coming close to those figures this time around, Parcell has still been a thorn in every side this season and if given space could punish the Warriors.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 28th June
Venue: DW Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45
Referee: Ben Thaler
WHO WILL WIN?
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