Women’s Match Preview: Leeds
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan Warriors Women’s Betfred Women’s Super League match against Leeds Rhinos Women. The Warriors Women face the Rhinos at Robin Park Arena on Sunday 3rd July (2pm K.O.).
Campaign so far
Wigan head into the fixture off the back of a 46-0 loss at home to current league leaders’ York City Knigts. They come up against an in-form Leeds side who come into the game off a big win over St Helens live on Sky Sports.
Injury news
The Warriors are currently without 13 players missing through injury with Becky Greenfield and Molly Jones the latest additions to the list. Head Coach, Kris Ratcliffe said: “Following the York game we have more injuries again unfortunately, with Becky Greenfield damaging her bicep she will be out for a couple of weeks at least and Molly Jones picked up a knock that will keep her out – It gives another opportunity to a young player.”
Squad News
Kris Ratcliffe has named his 19-player squad to face Leeds on Sunday afternoon:
Head-to-head
This will be the ninth meeting between the Warriors and the Rhinos, and the first in 2022. Leeds have the share of victories, with Wigan’s last win over the Leeds side coming in the 2018 Women’s Super League Grand Final.
Last four meetings:
- Leeds 28-10 Wigan Warriors
- Wigan 6-28 Leeds (at Victoria Park, Warrington)
- Leeds 16-0 Wigan
- Wigan 4-12 Leeds Rhinos
Summary (all comps):
- Wigan wins: 2
- Leeds wins: 6
Coach quotes
Speaking to wiganwarriors.com, Women’s boss Kris Ratcliffe gave his thoughts on last weekends game: “Last week was another example of us playing tough and determined in the first half and dropping off in the second. It’s some of the small details and patience in how we play that are making us do way more defending than we should need to do, that’s why we aren’t able to sustain the intensity.
“There were still positives to be picked though I thought Molly Jones was outstanding on home debut and Anna Davies excellent in new position of centre.”
He added: “I think the huge positive from the season so far is that we have had to invest time and effort into youth and used the opportunities to have a good look at them in the Super League environment an all will tell you how huge of a step up it is from the Community game.
“That’s why we have had a lot of debuts so we aren’t putting too much pressure on one or two young girls week-in week-out, we have looked to spread it out so they can develop at the right pace for them. That approach will certainly benefit them and us in seasons to come, you only have to look at how Kaitlin Hilton has kicked on for us this year after the same process last year.”
Finally, on this week’s game, Ratcliffe said: “Leeds will be a very similar challenge to York in that they have a solid pack who work really hard and are clever around the ruck. We have prepared by working on the areas that let us down in our last game. Leeds are probably the most disciplined side in BWSL, they stick to their processes for the full 80 minutes and we need to match that and ensure we stick to our own processes consistently throughout the game.
“It was a good crowd last week and I know the girls appreciate all the encouragement. They desperately want to give the supporters something to cheer about and no doubt will be trying their absolute hardest to do so.”
Ticket info
Spectators can watch this Sunday’s Women’s Super League fixture for FREE if you are a Season Ticket Holder. For non-Season Ticket Holders it is £5 Adults and £3 Concessions, payable on the day at Robin Park Arena.
At the ground
Drinks and snacks will be available to buy at the Kingfisher Bar at Robin Park Arena. A selection of bottled beer, bottled cider, wine, tea, coffee, pop and snacks will be available. Please note the bar is cash only.
Social Media
Wigan fans can follow every piece of the action via our social media channels and website.
- Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) – half time and full time updates.
- Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) – half time and full time updates.
- Facebook (Wigan Warriors) – half time and full time updates.
- Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including a match report.
