Match Preview: York

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan’s Betfred Challenge Cup Third Round tie against York City Knights.

On Friday Adrian Lam’s men will make the trip north east to face James Ford’s side at the recently opened LNER Community Stadium.

Team news

Earlier this week in his pre-match press conference, Lam provided an update on full back Bevan French, who has begun training with the squad after completing his isolation following his return flight from Australia.

“He’s back in training. It’s day one back on the field with us today. There’s no chance of him being involved at the weekend.

“He’s ok but he needs a couple more weeks to get up to speed with the rest of the squad and we need to be patient with him.”

Injury news

Jai Field will be sidelined for five months following a hamstring tear sustained against Leigh Centurions in Round 1.

Dom Manfredi is unavailable as he recovers from a fractured 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.

21-man squad to face York City Knights

The Opposition

On Wednesday James Ford named his 21-man squad to face Wigan.

Previous meetings

Last ten meetings:

Wigan 42, York 2 (SLC, 6/4/86) (at Central Park)
York 12, Wigan 34 (SLC, 3/11/85) (at Wigginton Road)
Wigan 14, York 8 (CCSF, 24/3/84) (at Elland Road, Leeds)
Wigan 30, York 13 (JPST-R1, 6/11/83) (at Central Park)
Wigan 35, York 11 (SLC, 7/3/82) (at Central Park)
York 24, Wigan 20 (SLC, 8/11/81) (at Wigginton Road)
Wigan 12, York 4 (SD, 25/1/81) (at Central Park)
York 22, Wigan 17 (SD, 31/8/80) (at Wigginton Road)
Wigan 17, York 17 (FD, 2/3/80) (at Central Park)
York 15, Wigan 8 (FD, 14/10/79) (at Wigginton Road)

Previous Challenge Cup meetings:

1984 (Semi-Final) Wigan 14 York 8 (at Elland Road, Leeds)
1950 (Round 1, Second Leg) Wigan 65 York 15
1950 (Round 1, First Leg) York 2 Wigan 38
1934 (Round 2) Wigan 7 York 13
1932 (Round 1) Wigan 10 York 4
1926 (Round 1) Wigan 45 York 10
1920 (Round 2) Wigan 35 York 5
1909 (Round 1) Wigan 20 York 7
1906 (Round 1) York 5 Wigan 4

Milestones

Zak Hardaker needs 26 points to reach 1,000 for his career.

Coach quotes

“I don’t think many will give them a chance, but I think that is unfair. They are a tough side and have some Super League experience there that have been there and done it in the past.

“We’ve got to try and go there with a great attitude and play well.

“With only two games into the season it gives us another chance to play well and perform at our best.”

Match officials

The man in the middle on Friday will be Marcus Griffiths. He’ll be supported by James Child and Liam Rush running the lines.

How to follow

The Sportsman

York City Knights v Wigan Warriors will be broadcast live on a number of online platforms via The Sportsman. You can find the game for free on the following:

The Sportsman Youtube channel
The Sportsman Facebook page
The Sportsman Website

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.

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