Head-to-head: Wigan v Saints
In preparation for the biggest Derby in Rugby League, we have delved into the fiercest potential match-ups as Wigan take on St Helens at the DW Stadium this Friday.
Zak Hardaker v Lachlan Coote
Both players made their debuts in the same game, a Wigan v St Helens derby in 2019 at the Totally Wicked Stadium and have become fully immersed in their respective sides ever since.
Hardaker is a highly decorated player and has been instrumental in Wigan’s team since signing for the Club in May 2018. Coote also boasts a great career, which has extended further since signing for St Helens.
Coote operates well in the full back role and is always on hand for defensive efforts and a constant threat going forward. His main threat comes from his play around the halves, opening up chances both for himself and his teammates.
Hardaker can operate at full back as well as at centre or on the wing and is a solid hand in the Warriors defensive back line, but is also a menace on the attack. In 11 appearances for the Warriors in 2021, Hardaker has racked up five tries and three assists, showing his ability to create opportunities for himself and others – a rival to Coote’s abilities and a constant danger to his opposition.
Liam Marshall v Regan Grace
Grace is currently in his 5th season with St Helens, while Marshall is also in his 5th for the Cherry and Whites since making his full debut following his time in the Wigan Academy.
Both players command their wings and have been workhorses for their clubs, given the opportunity you can guarantee that both players will have a run on their wing and offer a great threat. Marshall has a great talent for scoring extraordinary tries with acrobatic diving styles in the smallest of spaces, with Grace also a stellar finisher.
The wing pair are both on the chart board for 2021 with Grace having crossed for 16 tries in 15 appearances, with Marshall on six tries in ten appearances for the Warriors. They will both be itching to add to their tally in this immense fixture. Just one opportunity for either of these players on the day can make a huge difference and their flawless finishing will be sure to get the crowd pumped inside the DW Stadium.
Jackson Hastings v Jonny Lomax
In the battle of the halves, it’s Hastings against Lomax. Lomax is in his 13th season with St Helens, while Wigan’s No.31 is enjoying a fine final season with the Warriors.
Hastings, the 2019 Steve Prescott Man of Steel, is pivotal in getting the wheels in motion for Wigan. With 18 assists to his name in 2021, averaging one per game, it is easy to see why Wigan regularly get on the scoreboard when Hastings is on the ball.
Lomax is also a star man for Saints, topping the Betfred Super League charts for assists in 2020 and a director on the field, he is well respected by his teammates and he will offer St Helens the best opportunity to get through the Wigan defence. Having previously operated at full back, Lomax is capable of working from the back and won’t be afraid to do so on Derby day.
Hastings isn’t shy to take one for himself either, with three tries and two drop goals also on his tally in 2021, he will be one to watch on the day and he will be hoping to direct the team to two points.
John Bateman v Morgan Knowles
Stalwarts of their time, Bateman offers a unique style of play with Knowles’ versatility, earning him the respect from the St Helens fans.
Bateman has shown a great deal of maturity in his performances for the Warriors since his debut against the Sydney Roosters in 2014, with his opposite number also having his ration of praise for some great performances for Saints.
An equal match at 96kg, both players welcome a drive up the middles to get their team on the front foot, work rate is second to none for either player and they are matched up with plenty of skill to offer. Just a lone try each in 2021, they may not have eyes on the whitewash themselves but will do their utmost to create the opportunities for their colleagues in the middle of the park.
Tickets for Wigan’s Betfred Super League Rivals Round clash against St Helens are on sale!
The biggest derby in Rugby League will take place on Friday 20th August at the DW Stadium. Don’t miss out and get your tickets now! Buy online by clicking HERE or call the DW Stadium Ticket Office on 01942 311111 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).
