Ahead of the biggest game of the regular Super League season taking place on Saturday, here is the early team news ahead of Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors.
The initial 21-man squads will be released tomorrow [Thursday] for that game, and Leeds especially are set to welcome back some key names.
Neither side is without their injuries, but both teams have been fairly injury-free across the season, and that is a large part of how and why they have been able to stay at the top this year.
The two sit in 1st and 2nd on the ladder, with Leeds top on points difference alone, though their difference is significantly bigger than Wigan’s, making a win for Warriors crucial.
Whoever wins at Headingley looks all but certain to take the League Leaders’ Shield. For Leeds, it would be their first piece of silverware since 2020, whilst Wigan remain on course for another treble.
With the Rhinos playing Hull FC at Headingley next week and Wigan hosting Catalans, both teams are expected to win those games, meaning it is likely whoever wins this week takes the glory.
Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors ‘outs and doubts’
Leeds Rhinos:
The table-toppers have a couple of key men out, but some players could be set for an early return. Brad Arthur has confirmed this week that both Maika Sivo (arm) and James McDonnell (pec) will be named in the 21-man squad, with a decision then needing to be made over whether they make the final 17.
“Maika has been training and going really well,” Arthur told the press. “He has declared himself available, but I am not sure if he is quite ready. I will name him in the 21, but I think there’s a fair chance he will play next week against Hull FC.”
Keenan Palasia was hoping to be back this week, but won’t make it in time. He is expected to return against Hull FC. Hooker Danny Levi’s season looks over, with the former Canberra man suffering another neck issue against St Helens. Leeds also have a number of emerging talents, including Alfie Edgell and Ben Littlewood, out for the season.
Outs: Danny Levi (neck), Ben Littlewood (hamstring), Alfie Edgell (quad), Max Simpson (ACL), George Brown (knee), Keenan Palasia (foot)
Doubts: James McDonnell (pec), Maika Sivo (arm)
Wigan Warriors:
Junior Nsemba could be in with a shout of returning. Prior to the game against Hull KR, Wigan boss Matt Peet said: “Junior should be in the next week or two – he’s got another scan next week.”
Fellow back rower Liam Farrell is still nursing a shoulder issue and is being treated on a day-to-day basis, rather than having a fixed timeframe for his return.
Abbas Miski won’t play this season due to the salary cap, whilst Jack Farrimond is eight weeks into a 12-week lay-off. Oliver Wilson has missed the full season with an Achilles injury.
Outs: Liam Farrell (shoulder), Abbas Miski (salary cap), Jack Farrimond (hamstring), Oliver Wilson (Achilles), Nathan Lowe (hamstring), Noah Hodkinson (quad)
Doubts: Junior Nsemba (hamstring)
