Wigan Warriors have been continuing their tradition of producing fantastic youngsters in recent years.

Look at the likes of Harry Smith who could soon be a Grand Final winner after being crucial to last year’s Challenge Cup Final win.

But the Warriors’ current crop of young players have had to deal with a disappointing blow.

They have lost their place in the academy Grand Final because of a rule break.

The club made too many substitutions in the semi-final against Warrington.

The RFL made the following statement:

“The RFL Board have ruled that Wigan Warriors cannot play in this weekend’s Academy Grand Final after it emerged that they made 12 interchanges in last weekend’s Semi-Final against Warrington Wolves – four more than the limit of eight.

“Wigan won the game 18-12, but the RFL Board have ruled that Warrington should be reinstated to play St Helens in Sunday’s Final at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

“The judgement contains the following explanation: “Clearly, this is a difficult decision to reach. The Board recognises the emotion on all sides here and especially the impact on everyone involved.””

Though Wigan’s youngsters’ hopes of Grand Final glory are over, the first team can still make the Grand Final.

In fact they can win silverware tonight. Their game against Leigh Leopards could see them win the League Leaders’ Shield.

They are live on Sky Sports. In addition to full match coverage of this game, Sky will also have cameras and reporters at all fixtures that stand a chance of affecting the shape of the Play-Offs, meaning viewers won’t miss a thing next Friday night.

Meanwhile RL Commercial are making arrangements to ensure the League Leaders’ Shield can be presented to the winners on Friday night – at Leigh, Salford or St Helens.

Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of RL Commercial, said:

“With only two rounds remaining of this competitive and compelling Betfred Super League season, it is

impossible to predict with confidence exactly what will be at stake in Round 27.

“We are grateful to Sky Sports for making special arrangements which allow all six matches to be played on Friday night, meaning no late switches for supporters who are planning to attend in person, and an action-packed last night for viewers.”

Betfred Super League Round 27 – Sky Sports Friday Night Special

Fixtures

Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers

Leigh Leopards v Wigan Warriors

Salford Red Devils v Catalans Dragons

St Helens v Hull FC

Wakefield Trinity v Hull KR