Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors have confirmed their line-ups for this afternoon’s Challenge Cup quarter-final tie.
Trinity, who picked up a clean sweep in the Serious About RL predictions this week, go into the game on the back of five wins in a row, and beat Leeds Rhinos in the last round to reach the last eight.
Wigan overcame Bradford Bulls to book their spot, however after losing the last two games have hit a dip in form, something they will need to rectify this afternoon if they want to make it to Wembley this year.
The big call that Trinity boss Daryl Powell had to make this week was whether he would start Jack Sinfield or Mason Lino at half-back.
Lino returned from injury last week against Castleford, but Sinfield has been so impressive in his absence that it feels harsh to drop someone playing so well in such a pivotal game.
However, that is what Powell has opted for and Lino again gets the nod, leaving former Leeds man Sinfield out for a second game running.
Fresh from signing a four-year contract, Jake Trueman partners the former New Zealand Warriors man in the halves, and he will be hoping to continue his brilliant form into this week’s game against the 21-time Challenge Cup champions.
Another Wakefield change sees Jazz Tevaga return to the 17, and he will start on the bench in place of Matty Storton.
Tevaga wasn’t risked last week against the Tigers, but his aggression and physicality in the middle of the field will help Trinity against such a strong Wigan pack.
Speaking of the Warriors, they are forced into one change from last week, with Ethan Havard dropping out due to HIA protocols.
Sam Eseh starts alongside Luke Thompson in the front row, and there is a debut for young prop Kian McDermott, should he take to the field.
Liam Farrell remains at centre, but with Noah Hodkinson also amongst the subs Matt Peet’s side do have scope to change their back line should they wish.
Wakefield Trinity:Â Max Jowitt, Tom Johnstone, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Ky Rodwell, Isaiah Vagana, Seth Nikotemo, Jay Pitts
Bench:Â Jazz Tevaga, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Harvey Smith, Tray Lolesio
Wigan Warriors:Â Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Liam Farrell, Liam Marshall, Jack Farrimond, Harry Smith, Sam Eseh, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Sam Walters, Kaide Ellis
Bench:Â Patrick Mago, Oliver Partington, Kian McDermott, Noah Hodkinson
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