Wigan Warriors make Liam Marshall replacement call as Liam Farrell decision made ahead of Bradford Bulls tie

Wigan Warriors have revealed who will replace Liam Marshall on the wing in this afternoon’s clash with Bradford Bulls.

Marshall left the field in last week’s defeat to Warrington Wolves, and scans have now confirmed he is set to miss the next 12 weeks of action, leaving Matt Peet with a major selection issue.

Abbas Miski hasn’t played since last year’s Grand Final, whilst Dayon Sambou is another long-term casualty.

As a result of all those knocks, Peet has opted to use Noah Hodkinson on the wing, with Jake Wardle named as his centre partner.

A hint that it would be Hodkinson dropped last week, with the speedster playing on the flank in Wigan’s reserve game last time out.

The 20-year-old has played three games for Wigan this season, and was an unused sub in the club’s Challenge Cup win over Wakefield Trinity.

Hodkinson is one of a number of changes in this week’s team. Peet has made a major call with young half-back George Marsden being named alongside Jack Farrimond, in what could well be the youngest halves pairing in Wigan’s history.

The pair have combined in the reserves competition, but this will be their first shot at working together at Super League level.

Wigan could hand out another debut, with Josh Cartwright being named amongst the substitutes.

As a result of Marsden’s inclusion, Adam Keighran and Liam Farrell have both moved back to their natural positions of centre and back row respectively.

Moving on to opponents Bradford, loanee Ben McNamara starts in the halves alongside Chris Atkin, allowing Caleb Aekins and Ethan Ryan to return to their natural positions of full-back and wing respectively.

Jack Ormondroyd’s absence means there is a start for Brandon Douglas in the front row, whilst Will Gardiner lines up at 13 for his first start in Bulls colours.

Andy Ackers is named on the bench after missing last week, whilst there is also a return for Guy Armitage, who lines up at centre.

Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Noah Hodkinson, Jack Farrimond, George Marsden Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Oliver Partington

Bench: Kaide Ellis, Patrick Mago, Sam Eseh, Josh Cartwright

Bradford Bulls: Caleb Aekins, Greg Eden, Ed Chamberlain, Guy Armitage, Ethan Ryan, Chris Atkin, Ben McNamara, Brandon Douglas, Mitch Souter, Loghan Lewis, Dan Russell, Zac Fulton, Will Gardiner

Bench: Andy Ackers, Sam Hallas, Jamie Gill, Eliot Peposhi