Wigan Warriors confirm Bevan French replacement as Leeds Rhinos make Brodie Croft call

Wigan Warriors will start 20-year-old Noah Hodkinson at full-back this evening, as Matt Peet names his replacement for the injured Bevan French.

French is set to be out for around 16 weeks with a torn hamstring, an issue he picked up late on in the club’s victory over Toulouse last weekend.

The star half-back was filling in at full-back for fellow gamebreaker Jai Field, who is currently sidelined with appendicitis.

Wigan losing their two biggest players is a huge blow for the side, but with that comes opportunity, and tonight’s game against Bradford Bulls sees Hodkinson earn his Warriors debut.

After featuring on loan for Salford RLFC in 2026, the full-back finally gets his chance in the first team, and he will join a spine that features fellow youngster Jack Farrimond, who continues to impress in the halves.

Zach Eckersley remains on the wing, after rumours it would be him that gets the number one role, whilst the rest of the team only sees one change, with Dayon Sambou replacing Taylor Kerr on the bench.

Their opponents have had to make a number of changes, both through injuries and suspensions. Guy Armitage comes in at centre for the injured Waqa Blake, whilst Eliot Peposhi’s suspension means he will also sit out.

Mitch Souter returns to the side to replace him, and there is also a chance for Leon Ruan to get some game time under Kurt Haggerty, as he makes his first competitive Bulls appearance.

Wigan Warriors: Noah Hodkinson, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Liam Farrell, Liam Marshall, Jack Farrimond, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Sam Walters, Kaide Ellis

Bench: Patrick Mago, Oli Partington, Sam Eseh, Dayon Sambou

Bradford Bulls: Caleb Aekins, Connor Wynne, Esan Marsters, Guy Armitage, Ethan Ryan, Luke Hooley, Rowan Milnes, Ryan Sutton, Andy Ackers, Eribe Doro, Ed Chamberlain, Zac Fulton, Joe Mellor

Bench: Mitch Souter, Sam Hallas, Leon Ruan, Brandon Douglas

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Wakefield Trinity v Leeds Rhinos Team News:

Brodie Croft, despite being named in the Rhinos’ 21-man squad, has not made the 17, as he continues his recovery on a hamstring problem. George Brown gets another chance alongside Jake Connor, whilst there is also a return for back rower James McDonnell, who was another absentee in last week’s home win over Castleford.

Wakefield welcome back Tom Johnstone to the side in place of Will Tate, whilst Harvey Smith remains at hooker given that Tyson Smoothy remains sidelined with concussion. Corey Hall drops out of the side, meaning Cameron Scott gets a start in his natural position of centre.

Jack Sinfield plays against his former side for the first time competitively. The half-back has been in incredible form so far this season, and will be hoping to prove a point against his ex-employers.

Interestingly, Josh Rourke continues at full-back, with supposed first-choice Max Jowitt named as the 18th player.

Wakefield Trinity: Josh Rourke, Jayden Myers, Cameron Scott, Oliver Pratt, Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Jack Sinfield, Mike McMeeken, Harvey Smith, Ky Rodwell, Seth Nikotemo, Isaiah Vagana, Jazz Tevaga

Bench: Matty Storton, Jay Pitts, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili.

Leeds Rhinos: Lachie Miller, Maika Sivo, Ash Handley, Harry Newman, Ryan Hall, George Brown, Jake Connor, Cooper Jenkins, Danny Levi, Keenan Palasia, Kallum Watkins, James McDonnell, Cameron Smith

Bench: Chris Hankinson, Tom Holroyd, Mikolaj Oledzki, Jarrod O’Connor