Match preview: Leeds
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan’s Betfred Super League clash against Leeds Rhinos.
The Cherry and Whites travel to Emerald Headingley on Thursday evening looking to continue their winning start to the 2021 season (K.O. 7:45pm).
Richard Agar’s men have had a mixed start to the 2021 season, winning one from three (two league and one cup tie) so far, but have proven a resolute side even with a number o first team players sidelined.
Team news
Speaking to the press on Monday, Adrian Lam outlined the likelihood of Bevan French’s inclusion this Thursday. The Australian hasn’t featured for the Cherry and Whites in 2021 so far.
“He will be part of the squad this week no doubt. He’s better off than he was a couple of weeks ago. We will give him the rest of the week to see if he is good to play at the back end of the week.
“We are taking a precautionary route with him because you’re seeing so many soft tissue injuries at the moment, so we’ve got to make sure he’s ok and ready to go.”
Prop forward Liam Byrne is unavailable after receiving a one match penalty notice for Grade B Dangerous Contact in Wigan’s Challenge Cup victory over York City Knights las week.
Injury news
The head coach also provided an update on the progress of winger Dom Manfredi, who has so far missed the start of the season with a broken thumb.
“Dom gets his hand out of his cast in two days time. His physical side is bang on as he’s been able to do everything else [in training]. He won’t be far away.”
Oliver Gildart again misses out as he recovers from a groin strain.
Liam Marshall continues his long-term recovery for a ACL knee injury sustained against Castleford in September 2020.
Wigan Warriors 21-man squad to face Leeds Rhinos
The opposition
On Tuesday Richard Agar named the Leeds 21-man squad for Thursday. Changes include returns for the injured Bodene Thompson and Liam Sutcliffe as well as a potential debut for cross-code recruit Kyle Eastmond.
Previous meetings
Last ten meetings:
- Leeds 26, Wigan 12 (CCSF, 3/10/20) (at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens)
- Wigan 28, Leeds 10 (SLR9, 16/8/20) (at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens)
- Leeds 14, Wigan 23 (SLR18, 14/6/19)
- Wigan 34, Leeds 16 (SLR2, 8/2/19)
- Wigan 46, Leeds 8 (SLR19, 28/6/18)
- Leeds 8, Wigan 9 (SLR11, 13/4/18)
- Leeds 32, Wigan 16 (SLS8-R1, 4/8/17)
- Wigan 34, Leeds 0 (SLR23, 21/7/17)
- Leeds 26, Wigan 18 (SLR7, 31/3/17)
- Leeds 18, Wigan 16 (SLR22, 15/7/16)
Super League summary
Leeds Rhinos wins: 29
Wigan Warriors wins: 42
Draws: 4
Milestones
Zak Hardaker is 16 points away from scoring 1,000 in his career so far.
Coach quotes
Speaking to the media earlier this week, Lam discussed the need for his side to keep improving.
“We haven’t quite nailed one yet and that’s the next challenge. We are aware of what we need to improve on and we are working hard towards it.
“The intent has been there, and as long as we have intent then everything else can grow around that as the season progresses.”
He also highlighted that his side would be more focused on their own game in preparation rather than focusing on the side likely to line up for Leeds.
“We’ve had our own injury issues, so I know how difficult it can get. We’re not worried about Leeds so much, we’ve got to make sure we play well ourselves. We have to make sure we prepare well, turn up and put on a good performance.”
Match officials
The man in the middle on Thursday night will be Chris Kendall. He will be supported by Scott Mikalauskas and Richard Thompson running the lines and Ben Thaler on video ref duties.
How to Follow
Sky Sports and Our League
Thursday’s game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action from 7pm (K.O. 7:45pm).
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 have been 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.
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