Match preview: Leigh

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan’s 2021 Betfred Super League opener against Leigh Centurions.

Adrian Lam’s men will begin the season by facing off against the division’s new boys at the neutral venue of Emerald Headingley Stadium on Friday (K.O 8:15pm).

The game will take place as part of a double header, with St Helens and Salford breaking in the new season in the early kick off at 6pm.

Team news

On Jackson Hastings, Lam said: “Due to Jackson’s delayed arrival, we feel that he needs another week of training in the team sessions and environment before he will be selected.

“It’s great to have him back in training – he has lifted the intensity since his arrival. He’s an important part of our team and brings us a completely different dimension – we can’t wait for him to be back involved.

“Jackson will play a part in Friday’s game as part of the group and will be running messages to his teammates on and off the field.”

Due to his arrival back in the UK this week, Lam said that Bevan French “wouldn’t be considered for Round 1”.

Injury news

Dom Manfredi is unavailable after suffering a fracture to his thumb. Oliver Gildart misses out with a groin strain.

Liam Marshall continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained in September 2020 vs Castleford. The winger is expected to be in contention from May.

The opposition

Leigh head coach John Duffy announced their first 21-man squad of the season on Wednesday.

🔴⚪️ The squad for our first game back in @SuperLeague vs @WiganWarriorsRL is here!#Leythers

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) March 24, 2021

Among a number of familiar faces in the Leigh squad, ex-Wiganer and Catalans winger Lewis Tierney could make his debut for the Leythers.

Previous meetings

Last ten meetings:

• Leigh 50, Wigan 34 (SLR18, 8/6/17)
• Wigan 20, Leigh 0 (SLR3, 3/3/17)
• Wigan 60, Leigh 10 (CCR4, 19/4/13)
• Leigh 22, Wigan 30 (SLR19, 1/7/05) (at Hilton Park)
• Wigan 62, Leigh 6 (SLR6, 18/3/05)
• Leigh 16, Wigan 30 (CCQF, 17/3/02)(at Hilton Park)
• Leigh 8, Wigan 26 (SBC, 6/3/94) (at Hilton Park)
• Wigan 38, Leigh 12 (SBC, 19/10/93) (at Central Park)
• Wigan 50, Leigh 0 (SBC, 31/3/93) (at Central Park)
• Leigh 16, Wigan 36 (SBC, 4/10/92) (at Hilton Park)

Super League summary:

• Leigh wins: 1
• Wigan wins: 3

Leigh highest score: 50-34 (H, 2017) (also widest margin)

Wigan highest score: 62-6 (H, 2005) (also widest margin)

Coach quotes

Earlier this week Adrian Lam faced the media via Zoom link to discuss Friday’s opposition and explain this week’s squad selection.

On Leigh: “We know what they are about and what to expect. We know they will come out the blocks at one hundred miles an hour, and we’re ready for that.

“We are looking forward to the challenge. It’s a massive game. Both clubs are always at each other’s throats. No doubt we will cross paths later in the season with crowds and it will get the audience it deserves.”

Match officials

The man in the middle on Friday night will be Ben Thaler. Running the lines will be Marcus Griffiths and Liam Rush. Robert Hicks is on Video Ref duties.

How to Follow

Sky Sports and Our League

Coverage of the game on Sky Sports will be available from 8pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena.

Live coverage will be available to season ticket holders via the RFL’s Our League app and website, with the coverage expected to begin around 15-20 minutes before kick-off.

Our League access codes were sent via email to the addresses registered against the accounts of all 2021 season ticket holders on Thursday night, so if you’ve signed up for this season, please check your email for a step-by-step guide on how to activate your code and enjoy live streaming of every behind closed doors game we play in Betfred Super League this season.

If for any reason you haven’t received the email/codes you were due for your full group, please email info@wiganwarriors.com with the relevant name(s) and client code(s) so that we can help to forward any details that you’re missing ahead of the game.’

Listen LIVE

Join commentary team Joe Mills and Bilko (Andrew Rimmer) as they bring you free live commentary of the whole game. Head to the Wigan Warriors home page here from 15 minutes before kick off and click ‘Listen Live’.

Alternatively, head to https://mixlr.com/wigantv to enjoy the commentary and join in the conversation with fellow fans.

Social Media

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 and reaction.
• Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including match report, and Head Coach and players reaction.

Missing the buzz of the Golden Gamble Draw on matchdays? Never fear… its all-new online twin the Virtual 50/50 Half Time Draw is here to offer you great prizes and keep providing a huge revenue boost to our famed Academy! Click here for more info.

Make sure you don’t miss a minute of Wigan’s 2021 campaign – stay in touch with all the action by ordering a season ticket now!