Match Preview: Leeds (Challenge Cup)

In association with Davanti Tyres, here is everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup Sixth Round tie against Leeds Rhinos.

Wigan Warriors’ Challenge Cup campaign gets underway this weekend with a tough clash at the competition’s second most successful team as Matt Peet’s side set out to retain the trophy.

Squad News

Matt Peet has made one change to the squad that faced the Rhinos last Friday, as Kaide Ellis returns from a hamstring injury to replace Willie Isa who is not included in the squad having picked up a hamstring injury in last week’s game.

Wigan squad for Leeds:

Opposition

Rohan Smith has also named his 21-man squad for Saturday’s game, with Aidan Sezer and former Warrior James McDonnell named this week:

Previous Meetings

Last Ten:

  • Wigan 18, Leeds 40 (SLR12, 12/5/23)
  • Wigan 8, Leeds 20 (SLSF, 16/9/22)
  • Leeds 42, Wigan 12 (SLR20, 21/7/22)
  • Wigan 34, Leeds 12 (SLR2, 18/2/22)
  • Wigan 0, Leeds 8 (SL-E, 23/9/21)
  • 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)

Last Five in Challenge Cup:

  • 2020 (Semi-Final) Leeds 26 Wigan 12 (at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens)
  • 2012 (Semi-Final) Leeds 39 Wigan 28 (at Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield)
  • 2011 (FINAL) Leeds 18 Wigan 28 (at Wembley Stadium)
  • 2010 (Quarter Final) Leeds 12 Wigan 10
  • 2008 (Quarter Final) Leeds 23 Wigan 16

Challenge Cup Summary:

  • Leeds Wins: 15
  • Wigan Wins: 15
  • Draws: 1

Coach Quotes

Speaking to the press ahead of Saturday’s clash, Matt Peet said: “It is an exciting and a fantastic tie between two big teams which is exactly what the cup is all about. This is the reason we all do our jobs, why spectators watch the sport and the matches everybody wants to be involved in.”

Peet added: “We have spoken briefly on last year, but the focus has been more on what we can create this time around. We are Wigan Warriors. We all know the expectations at this club, and we are just excited to perform against strong opposition this weekend.”

Read the full preview from Matt Peet HERE.

Tickets

Tickets are available in-store until 3pm on Friday 19th May. Please note tickets purchased online after 4pm on Tuesday 16th May will need to be collected from the Robin Park Arena Club Store before 3pm on Friday 19th May. Any tickets not collected before this time will need to be collected on the day at Headingley Stadium.

You can read more about ticket information HERE.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for the game are as follows:

West Terrace (Standing):

  • Adult – £15
  • Concessions (65+, 17-20, disabled, wheelchair and ambulant) – £10
  • Junior (5-16 years) – £5
  • Junior Members (16 and Under) – FREE if purchased before midnight the day before the game, collection only and Season Ticket must be provided upon collection 

Please note Valid ID will be required for all concessions on arrival at Leeds Headingley Stadium. Tickets can also be bought on the day at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium, with contactless payments in operation at the turnstiles. Supporters are advised there will be no price increase on the day.

Away Fan Guide

Travelling to Headingley Stadium

Turnstiles for this game will open 2 hours before kick-off (at 12:30pm) so please plan your journey accordingly and allow plenty of time to arrive at the stadium to help with the safe entry for all spectators into the ground.

To keep an eye on possible road closures here – https://one.network/uk/leeds

Leeds Rhinos have been taking part in a research project on sustainable travel and we have brought in a new travel assistant service that gives you the best low-emission travel options, tailored routes and personalised travel updates when travelling to Leeds Rhinos matches this season. 

If you are not travelling on Official Club Travel, please use our Leeds Rhinos Journey Planner here https://travel.yousmartthing.com/leeds_rhinos

Car Parking

There is no parking available at the stadium and all parking is on street.

Please remember, Headingley Stadium is situated in a residential area and we ask that you ensure you respect neighbours when arriving and departing the stadium for matches.

Please ensure if you are parking your vehicle in the surrounding streets that you do it sensibly, you dispose of any waste responsibly, and finally, remain on public highways and keep noise levels to a minimum.

Away Fan stadium access

All away fan access is through the Kirkstall Lane (Gate G) turnstiles which is stated on the tickets that have been purchased directly through your ticket office / club shop.

If travelling on your official club travel, you will be parked on Beechwood Crescent allotments, and you will be able to access the stadium by crossing the small railway bridge. Once across the bridge head up the pedestrian footpath in between Gate F and Gate E which will lead you straight to Kirkstall Lane (Gate G) turnstiles.

Searches and bag policy

Away supporters are advised that Leeds Rhinos operate a search and bag policy at Headingley Stadium. Entry to the stadium may take longer and as a result it is likely that queues may occur, however, we will do all we can to keep things moving. We request that supporters do not bring bags to the stadium, to avoid these search processes.

Small bags (no larger than an A4 piece of paper) will be allowed on match day. These will be subject to searches at the turnstiles. Please do not bring anything larger than this as you will not be allowed to bring it in. If you require a larger bag for medication purposes, please contact tickets@therhinos.co.uk in advance of match day.

For full details on searches and our bag policy as well as prohibited items please visit tickets.therhinos.co.uk/GroundRegulations.

Finally, all bars and food concession units at Headingley Stadium are now ‘cashless‘ so please ensure you bring your credit / debit card OR you can pay using your smartphone.

Kit Check

Wigan will be playing in their Cherry and White home kit on Saturday afternoon.

Not got yours? Get your very own replica shirt, available in-store at Robin Park Arena and online HERE.

Match Officials

The man in the middle for Saturday’s tie is Chris Kendall.

Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com – Referee Chris Kendall

How to Follow

Listen Live

Listen to free audio commentary of Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors from 2:15pm. Head to our Mixlr page by clicking HERE. Alternatively, you can simply use the pop out player below:

WiganTV is on Mixlr

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.
Friday 19 May 2023