Match preview: Hull FC
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan’s Betfred Super League Semi Final vs Hull FC.
Adrian Lam’s men take on FC at the DW Stadium on Thursday evening (K.O. 7:45pm), with both battling for a spot in the 2020 Grand Final.
The knockout tie will be the Warriors’ first game on home soil since 8th March, when they beat the Black and Whites’ local rivals, Hull KR.
Team News
The Warriors head coach has made two changes to the side that faced Huddersfield Giants in Round 20.
Skipper Sean O’Loughlin returns to the 21, having last played against Warrington Wolves in early October. He’s joined by young hooker Amir Bourouh.
Injury News
Youngster Ethan Havard continues to recover from an ankle injury first sustained against Leeds Rhinos in Wigan’s Coral Challenge Cup Semi Final defeat.
Back-rower Jack Wells remains sidelined following a MCL tear and knee dislocation suffered against St Helens in Round 14.
Winger Liam Marshall continues his long-term recovery from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament knee injury sustained during the Round 10 tie with Castleford.
See the 21-man squad in full below:
The Opposition
Andy Last has made just one change to his 21-man squad for this week’s fixture, with Jack Brown replacing Josh Jones.
See their 21-man squad news below:
Previous Meetings
Last ten meetings:
- Hull FC 4, Wigan 36 (CCQF, 19/9/20), (at AJ Bell Stadium, Salford)
- Wigan 26, Hull FC 12 (SLR4, 23/2/20)
- Hull FC 14, Wigan 15 (SLR24, 1/8/19)
- Wigan 22, Hull FC 23 (aet) (SLR3, 24/2/19)
- Wigan 14, Hull FC 12 (SLS8-R7, 28/9/18)
- Hull FC 10, Wigan 14 (SLR18, 16/6/18)
- Wigan 24, Hull FC 10 (SLR2, 10/2/18), (at WIN Stadium, Wollongong)
- Hull FC 22, Wigan 30 (SLS8-R5, 8/9/17)
- Hull FC 18, Wigan 14 (CC-F, 26/8/17), (at Wembley Stadium)
- Hull FC 39, Wigan 26 (SLR17, 3/6/17)
Super League Summary:
- Wigan won 43 (includes wins in 2001, 2007 and 2016 play-offs)
- Hull FC won 12
- 2 draws
The Stats
The two sides last met in a Super League Semi Final back in 2016, when Wigan came out on top in a 28-16 win at the DW. Wigan would go on to beat Warrington in the Grand Final.
Wigan last reached the Grand Final with a Semi Final victory over Castleford Tigers at the DW Stadium in 2018.
FC last reached the Final in 2006, beating Bradford in the Semis but losing out to St Helens at Old Trafford.
Head to Head
Here’s how the two teams match up in 2020:
Coach Quotes
Speaking to the media in his weekly press conference via Zoom, Lam discussed the qualities of the opposition and their Play-Off win over Warrington.
“I think it surprised everyone, mostly because of where they finished on the ladder.
“They’ve got individuals in their team who can hurt any team when they’re on.
“They’re a big side with a lot of experience.”
On home advantage, Lam said: “It would be better if we had the fans there, but we’ve been on the road since Round 7, which was mid March, so to play at the DW Stadium is very pleasing.
“We’ve earned the right to play at home too, which is another positive. In being League Leaders, the players are looking to get back out there.”
Match Officials
The man in the middle on Thursday night will be Chris Kendall. The video referee duties fall to James Child.
How to Follow
Our free audio service Listen Live will be available from the home page at www.wiganwarriors.com from 15 minutes before kick off.
Joe Mills and Bilko (Andrew Rimmer) will bring fans live commentary 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 [email protected] 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 Main Event and 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 accessible – 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 for fans to enjoy.
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
Friday 20th November:
- St Helens vs Catalans Dragons, (K.O. 7:45pm)
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