Wigan Warriors have named Bevan French in their squad ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final.
French has been absent with a torn hamstring since March, but just over 12 weeks into a 16-week recovery timeframe, he has been named in the side to take on Hull KR this week.
Whether he will play or not, we will have to wait until Saturday, but regardless of whether French is fully fit or not, having him available is an incredible boost to Wigan’s Challenge Cup chances.
On the opposite side, Hull KR have made decisions on some of their injury concerns, with Tyrone May, Dean Hadley, Karl Lawton and Jai Whitbread all in doubt for this week’s game.
However, they have all been named in the side with Willie Peters refusing to give anything away in regards to his team selection.
The rest of the sides are as you would expect. Wigan welcome back Liam Farrell into the mix after he has missed the last two, whilst Noah Hodkinson is expected to feature on the wing in place of long-term absentee Liam Marshall.
The Robins have made two changes to the side they put out against Wigan last week, with Ryan Hampshire and Harvey Horne being replaced by James Batchelor and Joe Burgess.
Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago, Oliver Partington, Jack Farrimond, Sam Eseh, Tom Forber, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Noah Hodkinson
Hull KR: Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella, Jack Broadbent, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin, Jack Brown, Karl Lawton, Jordan Dezaria, Noah Booth, Bill Leyland
As for the Women’s Challenge Cup, Wigan Warriors have named a strong side to take on St Helens in a repeat of last year’s final.
Saints greats Jodie Cunningham and Emily Rudge, who have both confirmed they will retire at the end of the season, headline the St Helens’ squad whilst Wigan will be guided by the star spine pairing of Jenna Foubister and Isabel Rowe.
Wigan Warriors Women:Â Grace Banks, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Ellise Derbyshire, Jenna Foubister, Isabel Rowe, Mary Coleman, Carys Marsh, Mia Atherton, Eva Hunter, Cerys Jones, Megan Williams, Rachel Thompson, Bethan Dainton, Beri Salihi, Kelsey Gentles, Remi Wilson, Lucis Sams, Jade Gregory-Haselden, Ruby Hunter, Laureane Biville
St Helens Women: Rebecca Rotheram, Rachael Woosey, Amy Hardcastle, Leah Burke, Zoe Harris, Faye Gaskin, Vicky Whitfield, Katie Mottershead, Shona Hoyle-Holdsworth, Emily Rudge, Jodie Cunningham, Paige Travis, Erin McDonald, Caitlin Casey, Luci McColm, Alyx Bridge, Hollie Bawden, Mia Drescher, Olivia Leach, Dani McGifford, Jadine McVernon
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