Match preview: Hull KR

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan’s Betfred Super League clash with Hull Kingston Rovers.

The DW Stadium will welcome fans back in limited capacity on Friday evening, making it the first Warriors home game to feature a crowd since 8th March 2020. That fixture rather neatly saw Wigan beat Hull KR by 30-16, with tries for Liam Marshall, Liam Farrell, Sam Powell and a double for Jackson Hastings.

Campaign so far

Despite a disappointing defeat last time out to Catalans, the Warriors still arrive into this fixture with seven wins from a possible eight in the competition. They have played one fewer than Friday’s visitors, after last week’s clash with Huddersfield was postponed.

Rovers have won three from their last five and will head into the game full of confidence after last week’s 40-4 win over Salford.

Team news

Oliver Gildart and Liam Marshall are available for selection for the first time this season. Gildart has struggled since pre-season with a groin issue, while Marshall has been recovering from a long term knee injury [anterior cruciate ligament] since September 2020.

Willie Isa is also included after missing the last two games with a corked thigh.

Zak Hardaker will serve the first of a two match ban after receiving a Grade C charge (head butting) for an incident against Catalans Dragons in Round 8.

After being handed a Grade F charge (Unacceptable language based on national or ethnic origin), prop forward Tony Clubb will serve the fifth of an eight match ban. Full statement HERE.

Injury news

On Tuesday, the head coach provided some more info on the condition of Bevan French, who suffered a hamstring injury in Round 7 against Salford Red Devils.

“He’s had surgery now, we are just waiting to hear back from the surgeon to tell us what the timeframe is for his recovery. We should hopefully know by the end of this week.”

Half back Jai Field continues his recovery from a torn hamstring sustained during Wigan’s season opener against Leigh Centurions in March.

Wigan Warriors 20-man squad to face Hull Kingston Rovers

On Wednesday Adrian Lam named his 20-man squad to take on Hull KR.

The Opposition

Also on Wednesday lunchtime, Tony Smith announced his 21. The Robins will be boosted by the news that Jordan Abdull, George Lawler and Dean Hadley have all been cleared for head knocks suffered against Salford last week.

👥 Tony Smith has named his 21-man side for this Friday’s clash with Wigan Warriors, in the tenth round of the Betfred Super League.

Read more… 👇

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) June 16, 2021

Previous meetings

Last ten meetings:

• Hull KR 34, Wigan 18 (SLR11, 3/9/20) (at Emerald Headingley, Leeds)
• Wigan 30, Hull KR 16 (SLR6, 8/3/20)
• Wigan 36, Hull KR 18 (SLR25, 9/8/19)
• Wigan 52, Hull KR 10 (SLR21, 5/7/19)
• Hull KR 18, Wigan 19 (SLR17, 9/6/19)
• Hull KR 24, Wigan 8 (SLR16, 25/5/18)
• Hull KR 10, Wigan 28 (CCR6, 13/5/18)
• Wigan 44, Hull KR 6 (SLR9, 2/4/18)
• Hull KR 18, Wigan 20 (SLR18, 10/6/16)
• Wigan 30, Hull KR 16 (SLR8, 28/3/16)

Super League summary

Wigan wins: 22

Hull KR wins: 7

Head to Head

Both sides feature one of the Betfred Super League’s most threatening try scorers so far in 2021 in Jake Bibby and Ryan Hall. But how do they compare so far this season?

Coach quotes

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the fixture, Adrian Lam explained that he was well aware of the challenges posed by Rovers.

“They are obviously doing well on the ladder at the moment. They are playing some great rugby and have knocked up couple of big scores in the process. 

“They beat us shortly after lockdown last year, so we know what they are capable of, and I feel they’ve got a better squad than last season.”

On playing in front of a home crowd: “We’re excited because for the first time in over 12 months we get to play in front of our home crowd.

“There will be over 6,000 fans in. We love them and we’ve missed them, so we can’t wait to go out there and put a strong performance in on Friday night.” 

Match officials

The man in the middle on Friday evening will be Robert Hicks

Attending the game?

Ticket holders for Friday night’s return to the DW Stadium against Hull Kingston Rovers (7:45pm KO) are politely asked to adhere to a set arrival time corresponding to their block number, in order to help the Club to comply with the current legislation on stadium access.

The key details for each block have now been confirmed and all supporters attending the game are asked to check the arrival time that corresponds to the block number listed on their ticket, ideally aiming to arrive within the specified half hour time period that relates to where they’re sitting.

For the list of times and more information, click HERE.

How to Follow

OurLeague access

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 five 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.

Wigan TV

Highlights and match reaction will be available on Wigan TV following the result. Not a subscriber? Find out more HERE.

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 10 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.