Matt Peet has a big decision to make ahead of tonight’s clash against Wakefield Trinity. Does he play in-form half Jack Farrimond or former Man of Steel Bevan French? We’ve predicted what the Wigan Warriors boss will do ahead of what is set to be a crucial game.
Wigan can move level on points with Wakefield should they win, with the Warriors slowly closing the gap on the top of the table after their spring slump that saw them lose four Super League games in a row.
Among many aspects as to why they endured that poor form was the absence of Bevan French but Wigan have also shown that they can win without their star man, with last week a prime example of that.
The Warriors were even without Harry Smith last week as well but the young pair of Jack Farrimond and George Marsden excelled in Paris against Catalans, leaving Matt Peet with a good headache now that both French and Smith are available.
It seems obvious that Marsden, who is in exam season at school, will drop out but three players are still competing for two spots and given Smith’s kicking game, it’s realistically a case of French or Farrimond.
We’ve picked how we think Matt Peet will play the pair alongside the remainder of the 17-man matchday squad.
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How Wigan Warriors could line up against Wakefield Trinity
Full-back: Jai Field
Jai Field has scored the last four times these two sides have met with his tally standing at five tries in four matches so he’ll be bang up for the clash at Belle Vue.
Wingers: Zach Eckersley and Noah Hodkinson
Noah Hodkinson continues to be an excellent stand-in for the injured Liam Marshall, whilst Zach Eckersley will look to add to his Super League tally of 12 tries this year.
Centres: Adam Keighran and Jake Wardle
Adam Keighran had some day at Wembley and he’ll be keen to keep up that form. As for Jake Wardle, he’s reminding everyone why he is considered the best centre in Super League.
Halves: Jack Farrimond and Harry Smith
The big call and Matt Peet could play it as he did at Wembley, with Farrimond starting and French unleashed from the bench. Of course, French has had two weeks further recovery so he will be fitter and stronger but Farrimond is in such a rhythm at the moment that this is perhaps the best way to get the best out of both, at least until French is capable of 80 minutes.
Hooker: Brad O’Neill
One of the toughest hookers in Super League and the 23-year-old is playing in form that will get him picked for the World Cup.
Props: Ethan Havard and Luke Thompson
So too are Havard and Thompson with the duo leading from the front in the pack.
Second-row: Junior Nsemba and Liam Farrell
Junior Nsemba is hitting the heights of 2024 and perhaps will eclipse them this year as he continues to develop, whereas second-row partner Liam Farrell is set for his 450th career appearance, seeking his 150th Wigan Warriors try.
Loose forward: Oliver Partington
The best signing of the Super League season for my money, especially since he’s been given the freedom to play at loose instead of being shoe-horned into the second-row earlier in the year.
Interchanges: Bevan French, Kaide Ellis, Patrick Mago, Sam Eseh
A devastating bench led by French, who could be utilised instead of or even alongside Farrimond. Getting talent on the field to make things happen is never a bad play, especially if Wigan can win the physical battle with their starting pack and the other three interchanges of Ellis, Mago and Eseh. Naming French here means that Taylor Kerr misses out, with this 17 the same as the Challenge Cup Final barring Sam Eseh for the banned Sam Walters.
🔢 Head Coach Matt Peet has named his squad for Friday’s Betfred Super League visit to Wakefield Trinity. ⬇️
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— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) June 10, 2026
