Match preview: Hull FC
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Thursday’s Betfred Super League clash with Hull FC.
Wigan host the black and whites at the DW Stadium for the first time since their Betfred Super League Semi Final meeting in November 2020. (K.O. 7:45pm).
Both clubs also head into the game undefeated so far in 2021, with the Warriors having won all four league fixtures and FC having won three and drawn one.
Team news
In Monday’s weekly press conference Lam discussed the availability of winger Dom Manfredi, who missed out last week after suffering a setback to an injured hand which has kept him out of action this season.
“He looked like he may have been alright this week, but we feel it’s not something to rush into.
“We’ve got to make sure he’s absolutely right when he plays. We understand just how important he is to us, but we must air on the side of caution.”
Injury news
Tommy Leuluai is unavailable after sustaining a sternum injury last week.
Oliver Gildart continues his recovery from a groin strain which has kept him out of action in 2021 so far.
Speaking about the centre earlier this week, the head coach said: “It’s a week-to-week thing with him. He seems like he’s coming into contention, then he has a setback. It’s an injury that’s hard to get on top of and it’s frustrating for us and even more so for him.”
Jai Field remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring tear in Round 1 against Leigh Centurions.
Liam Marshall continues his recovery from a knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament) which has kept him sidelined since September 2020.
Wigan Warriors 21-man squad to face Hull FC
The Opposition
On Tuesday Brett Hodgson named his 21-man squad to face the Cherry and Whites, making two changes from the previous week.
Winger Bureta Faraimo will miss both Thursday’s game and next week’s Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter Final after receiving a two-match penalty notice for a high tackle offence (Grade C) against Wakefield last weekend.
Jack Bowden is the other change, having picked up and elbow injury. They are replaced by Jack Brown, returning from suspension, and youngster Harvey Barron.
Previous meetings
Last ten meetings
- Wigan 29, Hull FC 2 (SLSF, 19/11/20)
- 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)
Super League summary
Wigan wins: 44 (includes wins in 2001, 2007, 2016 and 2020 play-offs)
Hull FC wins: 12
2 draws
Player stats
Wigan’s Bevan French has scored tries in the Warriors’ last three meetings with Hull FC (1-2-1).
Jake Bibby is the joint leading try scorer in the Betfred Super League so far this season with five tries. The versatile back is tied at the top of the rankings alongside St Helens’ Regan Grace and Catalans’ Fouad Yaha.
Coach quotes
Speaking to the media in his weekly press conference on Monday afternoon, the Papua New Guinean discussed the challenge that Brett Hodgson’s side pose.
“They look connected as a group, they are defending much better than they have done in previous seasons. They’ve got some great talent that can hurt you.
“It’s going to be a physical game and I’m sure it’ll be close. It’ll be a tough battle for us and we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
Match officials
The man in the middle on Thursday night will be Scott Mikalauskas. Ben Thaler will provide support as the video ref.
How to Follow
Sky Sports & Our League
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena from 7pm (K.O. 7:45pm).
Live coverage will also 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 , 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) – 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.
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