Match preview: Leeds Rhinos
Everything you need to know ahead of Wigan Warriors’ Play-Off Eliminator game against Leeds Rhinos.
Having finished fourth in the Betfred Super League, Wigan now play 5th placed Leeds Rhinos in the Play-Off Eliminator game, with the winner progressing to a Semi-Final fixture for a place in the Betfred Super League Grand Final.
Campaign so far
The Warriors enter the eliminator game having played all 25 games in the Betfred Super League in 2021, which saw them finish fourth after 15 wins and 10 losses. Their opponents Leeds Rhinos played 24 games across the season to see them claim fifth spot with 13 wins and 11 losses.
The two sides met most recently in Round 21 of the Betfred Super League at the DW Stadium, where Leeds claimed a 14-0 victory. The Warriors will be looking to make amends for that result with a win on Thursday night on home soil.
Team news
Adrian Lam has made three changes to the side that beat Catalans Dragons on Friday night. Liam Marshall, Morgan Smithies and Brad Singleton return to the 21-man squad with Joe Bullock, Brad O’Neill and Umyla Hanley missing out.
Injury news
Despite training with the squad this week, Jai Field misses out with a groin issue which has troubled the 24-year old for a couple of weeks. Joe Bullock also drops out of the 21-man squad due to a shoulder injury sustained against Catalans Dragons.
Tommy Leuluai continues his recovery from a hamstring injury at Robin Park Arena, whilst Bevan French also continues his recovery from surgery on a hamstring tear back at home in Australia.
Wigan Warriors squad to face Leeds Rhinos:
Adrian Lam has named his Cherry and Whites squad for Thursday’s fixture.
Opposition
Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar also named his squad on Tuesday afternoon. Zane Tetvano returns from a three-game suspension with Mikolaj Oldezki, Alex Mellor and King Vuniyayawa also all coming back from injury.
Previous meetings
Last ten:
Wigan 0, Leeds 14 (SLR21, 25/8/21)
Leeds 6, Wigan 19 (SLR3, 15/4/21)
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)
Super League Summary
- Wigan wins: 43
- Leeds wins: 30
- Draws: 4
Coach quotes
Speaking on their opponents this week, Lam said: “Leeds are a team that have some great individuals and when they’re playing their best rugby they’re as good as any team in the competition so we understand the challenge that is ahead of us, it’s going to be a tough game but we’re looking forward to it.”
On the season so far, the boss added: “I think you get to this point as a team and where you’re ranked on the table is a fair indication of how the season has been. We understand as much as every other club that has been successful over the last 10 years what this part of the season means to us.
“We have a DNA at this club that is resilient and doesn’t shirk on times like this. I’m looking forward to the team stepping up a level, we’ve defended really well over the last month of rugby, in a style that is suited to big games and that is what our focus has been. Hopefully that can build a platform for us for a successful performance.”
The head coach acknowledged that this will be his final outing at the DW, as well as some of his players: “I think we have to acknowledge that it’s the last game for some of the players, it’s important to us as that’s who we are, it’s part of our culture and heritage. It doesn’t however sit at the forefront of our preparation. Our preparation is to make sure we pick our best 17 players to go out in front of our home fans and put a performance together to get the result that we deserve.”
Click HERE to read Lam’s preview in full.
Match officials
The man in the middle on Thursday evening will be Robert Hicks.
Ticket info
You can buy tickets in either of these three ways:
- Buy online by clicking HERE
- Call the DW Stadium Ticket Office on 01942 311111 (open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
- Head to the DW Stadium Ticket Office (open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
For more information on tickets at the DW Stadium, please click HERE.
Season Ticket Holders
As this fixture is a Play-Off Eliminator game, Season Tickets no longer count and all fans must purchase a ticket for this game. Season Ticket Holders and Loyal 18 members can get a £5 discount when purchasing their ticket for the game. Please note the deadline for the discount is 5pm on Wednesday 22nd September.
A note to all Season Ticket Holders that your normal seat for 2021 is not guaranteed for this game. If you would like to remain in your seat, we urge you to buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Hospitality
Hospitality options are still available for the game, for more information click HERE.
How to follow
Live on Sky
This Thursday’s Betfred Super League Eliminator game will be shown Live on Sky Sports Arena.
Wigan TV
Highlights and match reaction will be available on Wigan TV following the result. ction 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 from 10 minutes before kick-off and click ‘Listen LIVE’.
Alternatively, click HERE to enjoy the commentary and join in the conversation with fellow fans.
Social Media
As an alternative to following the game, 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 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.
Enter the Virtual 50/50 Half Time Draw, offering you great prizes whilst providing a huge revenue boost to our famed Academy! Click HERE for more info.
