Women’s match preview: Leeds

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan Warriors Women’s Betfred Women’s Super League Play-Off match against Leeds Rhinos Women.

The Warriors Women face the Rhinos at Sports Park Weetwood on Sunday 12th September (3pm K.O.) in their third game of the BWSL Play-Offs.

Campaign so far

Wigan head into the fixture having played two of their four Betfred Women’s Super League Play-Off fixtures, having been handed two defeats by Castleford Tigers and York City Knights.

The opposition come into the fixture having not lost a fixture all season, in what is a repeat of the 2018 Women’s Super League Grand Final.

Injury News

The Warriors have an extensive injury list going into the game. Rachel Thompson continues her recovery from a dislocated knee sustained in the opening Play-Off fixture against Castleford, while the Cherry and Whites will also be without Amy Boardman, Alison Burrows, Emily Stirzaker and Rebecca Greenfield, all of whom are unlikely to return this season.

Head-to-Head

The fixture sees the two sides face off for the eighth time in the competition having met four times in the first season, twice in 2019 and playing off in the Betfred Women’s Super League just a few weeks ago.

Last four meetings:

• Wigan 6-28 Leeds (at Victoria Park, Warrington)
• Leeds 16-0 Wigan
• Wigan 4-12 Leeds Rhinos
• Wigan 18-16 Leeds Rhinos (WSLGF, at Manchester Regional Arena)

Summary:

• Wigan wins: 2
• Leeds wins: 5

Team News

Head coach Kris Ratcliffe has named his 19-player squad to face Leeds on Sunday afternoon.

26. Lauren Gilham
19. Anna Mary Davies
4. Georgia Wilson
14. Emily Baggaley
2. Leah Darbyshire
9. Carys Marsh
22. Clare Radford
17. Eleanor Dainty
15. Emma Dwyer
10. Jade Gregory-Haselden
12. Paige Costello
8.  Holly Speakman
13. Victoria Molyneux
29. Freya Hellin
16. Lucy Baggaley
25. Beth Hayes
18. Megan Bragg
32. Kaitlin Hilton
21. Olivia Frain

Coach Quotes

Speaking to wiganwarriors.com, Women’s boss Kris Ratcliffe offered his thoughts of this weekend’s fixture: “Leeds are a very well led team. In Courtney Hill they have the best game manager in the BWSL, that makes them a very tough team to beat. It’s that same level of control, patience and discipline that we will be looking to achieve ourselves on Sunday.”

He added: “The last few weeks have been really tough to us injury wise and we have been constantly shuffling the side during games to cover the injuries. It’s meant we have struggled for fluidity in attack.

“Rather than focussing on the result as we have done the last couple of weeks we just need to focus on our performance. Some individual efforts last week, particularly in defence fell well below the standards we have set and maintained this year. I think mentally the girls fell into the trap of thinking negatively about the talent we had missing from the side rather than being positive about their own abilities and what they can contribute.

“We are down to our last 19 due to injuries and unavailability with Rachel, Amy, Emily, Becky and Alison all unlikely to return this season. Whoever is selected to wear the shirt has earned their squad place and they must take that opportunity with both hands and show how much it means to them to be a Wigan player.”

Ticket Info

Fans wishing to make the trip to Sports Park Weetwood, Leeds can gain entry from 2pm. Ticket prices are a suggested minimum donation of £5 for adults and concessions, U16s free. Please note tickets are available cash only.

Parking is limited and a first come, first served basis but is free of charge.

Wigan TV

Highlights and the full game will be available to watch on Wigan TV following the result. Not a subscriber? Find out more HERE.

Twitch

Can’t make the game? The fixture is being streamed live and free on Twitch. Click HERE to watch from 3pm.

Social media

Wigan fans can keep up-to-date with every piece of the action via our social media channels and website.

• Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) – live game updates.
• Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) – live game updates
• Facebook (Wigan Warriors) – live matchday information and reaction.
• Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including match report and thoughts of head coach Kris Ratcliffe.