This week we’re treated to one of the biggest games in rugby league as arguably the two biggest clubs in Britain do battle at a famous old stadium.
This year hasn’t been the season Leeds Rhinos fans dreamed of, but under Rohan Smith the Rhinos have played some superb rugby. Whether they’ll be able to produce that against a competition front runner especially with a number of doubts in their team remains to be seen.
As for Wigan, they’re the biggest threat to St Helens at present and are scoring tries for fun. Leeds can’t afford to let them get going otherwise the Rhinos could suffer another substantial defeat.
Kick-off time and TV channel
The game kicks off at 20:00.
Coverage begins on Sky Sports arena from 19:30.
Predicted Line-ups
Leeds Rhinos
Despite it being another bad week on the availability front for Leeds due to the news that Kruise Leeming’s season is likely over and Sam Walters’ absence for this game, there are some significant boosts. Former Wigan man Zak Hardaker will return to the side at fullback allowing Richie Myler to partner Corey Johnson in the halves. Meanwhile, Harry Newman and Liam Sutcliffe will both return to the 17 at centre giving the backline much more strength. Walters’ absence leaves a hole at prop which will either be filled by James Donaldson and Bodene Thompson with the other on the bench. Morgan Gannon will also drop to the bench as Rhyse Martin moves back to the backrow after a stint at centre. Brad Dwyer, despite his impending departure, will start amongst the subs and the bench will be completed by either Wakefield loanee Yusuf Aydin or the returning Muizz Mustapha.
33 Zak Hardaker
2 David Fusitu’a
3 Harry Newman
4 Liam Sutcliffe
5 Ash Handley
26 Corey Johnson
16 Richie Myler
8 Mikolaj Oledzki
24 Jarrod O’Connor
25 James Donaldson
11 James Bentley
12 Rhyse Martin
17 Cameron Smith
Substitutes
14 Brad Dwyer
19 Bodene Thompson
21 Morgan Gannon
34 Yusuf Aydin
Wigan Warriors
After such an impressive win last week, I can’t imagine Matt Peet will be tempted into many changes. In fact I can only foresee one which will come on the bench in the shape of Mike Cooper’s debut after his surprise early switch from Warrington this week. The question is will he replace hooker Brad O’Neill to give Wigan extra size against a Leeds side whose options at prop are depleted at best or will he replace Oliver Partington?
23 Jai Field
1 Bevan French
11 Willie Isa
2 Jake Bibby
5 Liam Marshall
6 Cade Cust
16 Harry Smith
20 Liam Byrne
9 Sam Powell
19 Ethan Havard
12 Liam Farrell
21 Kai Pearce-Paul
14 Morgan Smithies
Substitutes
10 Patrick Mago
15 Kaide Ellis
28 Brad O’Neill
36 Mike Cooper
