Match preview: Warrington Wolves
Everything you need to know for Friday’s blockbuster clash between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors.
The Brief
Wigan Warriors take on Warrington Wolves in a mouthwatering tie at Leeds’ Emerald Headingley Stadium on Friday night (K.O. 7:45pm).
The Cherry and Whites will look to bounce back from last weekend’s Coral Challenge Cup defeat when they take on Steve Price’s men in Round 15 of the Betfred Super League.
The Wire also head into the game off the back of a Semi Final Cup loss.
Warrington have had a similarly good run to Wigan in the league since the return from lockdown. The two clubs currently sit in the top four places with the same win percentage at 69.23%.
Team News
Head Coach Lam has made five changes from the side that faced Leeds.
Recent signing Brad Singleton features for the first time since his arrival in September and could make his debut on Friday night.
Second-row Morgan Smithies returns for selection after serving his sixth and final match ban received for two separate incidents during Wigan’s win over Castleford in Round 10.
Following the news that two Wigan players had tested positive for Covid-19 (learn more HERE), a third unnamed player has also been ruled out following the results of a positive test.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday morning, Lam confirmed the result, saying: “This third positive test was not a part of the team last weekend and has been isolating away from the squad.”
All three players who tested positive are currently self-isolating and have no contact with the rest of the Wigan squad.
Injury List
Youngster Ethan Havard misses out with an ankle injury picked up against Leeds Rhinos last weekend.
Experienced prop-forwards George Burgess and Tony Clubb miss out as they recover from their respective hip and neck issues.
Following his suspected injury against St Helens last week, back-rower Jack Wells is expected to be unavailable for up to three months with a MCL tear and knee dislocation.
Winger Liam Marshall continues his long-term recovery from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament knee injury sustained during the Round 10 tie with Castleford.
Here is Wigan’s 21-man squad:
The Opposition
Ben Murdoch-Masila will miss the game with a minor abductor strain while Tom Lineham remains suspended.
Here is Warrington’s 21-man squad:
Previous Meetings
Last ten meetings:
- Wigan 16, Warrington 10 (SLR1, 30/1/20)
- Wigan 20, Warrington 6 (SLR26, 16/8/19)
- Warrington 26, Wigan 14 (SLR16, 25/5/19 at Anfield, Liverpool)
- Warrington 26, Wigan 24 (CCR6, 12/5/19)
- Warrington 25, Wigan 12 (SLR6, 15/3/19)
- Warrington 4, Wigan 12 (SLGF, 13/10/18 at Old Trafford, Manchester)
- Wigan 26, Warrington 6 (SLS8-R5, 14/9/18)
- Wigan 13, Warrington 12 (SLR20, 6/7/18)
- Warrington 23, Wigan 0 (CCQF, 2/6/18)
- Warrington 10, Wigan 38 (SLR15, 19/5/18 at St James’ Park, Newcastle)
Super League summary
- Warrington won 23
- Wigan won 39 (includes wins in 2013, 2016 and 2018 Grand Finals & wins in 2003 and 2014 play-offs)
- 3 draws
Head to Head
Here are a few statistics between the two teams from the season so far:
Coach Quotes
Ahead of the game, boss Lam spoke to the media via Zoom link on Wednesday morning.
Discussing the game in light of last week’s performance, the Papua New Guinean said: “We’ve got another quick turnaround, but after last week’s result, training isn’t the issue.
On facing Warrington, Lam said: “It’s a massive game for both clubs. Warrington will want to respond as well. We will rally together and make sure that we play well.”
Match Officials
The man in the middle on Friday will be Chris Kendall The video referee is Ben Thaler.
How to Follow
The Listen Live feature will be available from the home page on www.wiganwarriors.com.
The live commentary function will give fans free match commentary from Joe Mills of the full 80 minutes.
Warriors season ticket holders can watch the game live via the RFL’s OurLeague streaming service.
Season ticket holders should all have received their unique login codes to access the OurLeague streaming service for Wigan Warriors games. If you haven’t, please contact info@wiganwarriors.com and we will be able to help.
In addition, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. This fixture will be televised on Sky Sports Mix, which is available free-to-air without a Sky Sports subscription on selected Sky and Virgin Media packages. However, BT and Talk Talk subscribers should be aware that this channel isn’t available via either service provider, so season ticket holders who receive their TV package via either of these companies are advised to use the OurLeague streaming service instead.
Furthermore, Wigan fans can follow every piece of the action via our social media channels and website.
- Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) – live game updates and reaction at the final hooter.
- Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) – live behind-the-scenes action, both before and after kick-off.
- Facebook (Wigan Warriors) – live matchday information.
- Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including match report, and Head Coach and players reaction.
Wigan TV
Matches will continue to be available – as usual – on Wigan TV, with highlights, extended highlights and full match replays available after the relevant holdback times. There will also be post-match interviews available to watch.
If you’re not already a subscriber to Wigan TV, click HERE today to join. Choose a monthly (£5.99), quarterly (£11.99) or annual (£38.99) subscription with no contract. Pay with PayPal or credit/debit card.
Other Fixtures
Thursday 8th October
- Huddersfield Giants 16-24 Salford Red Devils
- Hull FC 22-40 Leeds Rhinos
Friday 9th October
- Wakefield Trinity vs St Helens (5:30pm)
- Catalans Dragons vs Hull KR (6:15pm)
- Warrington Wolves vs Wigan Warriors (7:45pm)
Ticket Info: Huddersfield (A)
Tickets for Wigan Warriors’ Round 11 Fixture away to Huddersfield Giants will go on sale at 10am on Friday 26th April
Match Preview: Hull KR (A)
Here is everything you need to know ahead of our Betfred Super League Round 9 clash against Hull KR
