Wigan Warriors and St Helens will meet for the fourth time this year on Friday night, and with Wigan 2-1 up as it stands, this game means more than just two points.
The Red Vee won the opening game of the year at Easter, as two tries from loanee Bill Leyland not only sealed a comeback win, but also ignited a ‘battle of the identities’, which has continued throughout the year.
Matt Peet’s side then claimed an emphatic 32-0 win in the Challenge Cup semi-final, before the Warriors scraped through a brutal Magic Weekend contest thanks to a missed penalty goal from ex-player Jackson Hastings.
Now, they meet for what could be the final time this year, however, there is a possibility of a fifth tie, should the two meet in the play-offs at the end of the season.
This game takes place on Friday night, with Wakefield Trinity taking on Castleford Tigers at the same time. Ahead of the 21-man squads being announced tomorrow, here is all the early team news from both camps.
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Wigan Warriors v St Helens ‘outs and doubts’
Wigan Warriors:
Warriors boss Peet hinted after their win over Huddersfield that there will be a few players returning to the side this week. The club have had their fair share of injuries as of late, but have been more fortunate than their local rivals, which we will get onto soon.
Earlier today, clarity was provided on who those players might be, and Peet confirmed that Liam Marshall, Bevan French and Noah Hodkinson all have a chance of a comeback.
One man who won’t play is Junior Nsemba, who is set to miss another five weeks after a setback in his hamstring recovery.
Sam Walters is now free to play after completing his seven-match suspension from the Challenge Cup Final, but young forward Kian McDermott is banned after a Grade D Dangerous Contact charge in the Huddersfield win.
Ruled out:Â Jack Farrimond (hamstring), Junior Nsemba (hamstring), Liam Farrell (shoulder), Abbas Miski (salary cap), Oliver Wilson (Achilles), Kian McDermott (suspension), Nathan Lowe (hamstring)
Doubts:Â Bevan French (hamstring), Liam Marshall (hamstring), Noah Hodkinson (skull)
St Helens:
Assistant coach Lee Briers provided an injury update earlier today, which provided further clarity on who could potentially return to the fold this week.
Saints still have well over a dozen injuries, but some players could return against the Warriors, in what would be a welcome boost.
Shane Wright and Lewis Murphy were both said to be back “in and around” the 21-man squad, so they move into the doubts column. Briers also revealed that one of Alex Walmsley and George Delaney will be ready to face the Warriors, after the pair both needed to see concussion specialists, though he didn’t reveal which one.
Nene MacDonald wasn’t fully ruled out, but it is highly unlikely he will feature this week after ongoing knee issues. That means last week’s debut hero Jack Campbell could be set for another appearance in the Saints first team.
Ruled out: Mark Percival (hamstring), Deon Cross (bicep), Jonny Lomax (jaw), Daryl Clark (ankle), Matty Lees (knee), Matt Whitley (wrist), George Whitby (knee), Jake Wingfield (ACL), Noah Stephens (nerve damage), Owen Dagnall (ACL),
Doubts:Â Alex Walmsley (HIA), Shane Wright (unknown), David Klemmer (ribs), George Delaney (HIA), Lewis Murphy (elbow), Nene MacDonald (knee)
