Wigan Warriors could secure second spot in the league table with a win over Castleford Tigers tonight, and the line-ups have been confirmed for the fixture.
Following a derby battle that saw Wigan beat Saints away from home for the first time since 2020, Wigan have made plenty of changes as they look to give some of their stars an extra week’s rest before heading into the playoffs.
For Castleford, they will be looking to follow up on that impressive victory over Wakefield Trinity last week. They are forced into one change with Jeremiah Simbiken both injured and suspended for the clash.
Wigan Warriors Team News:
Matt Peet looks to have opted to rest some of his stars ahead of the upcoming playoffs. Half-back Harry Smith has been ever-present all season, and gets the week off in place of 19-year-old Jack Farrimond.
Captain Liam Farrell is also sitting out for this one, as is centre Adam Keighran, who has been struggling with a knock in recent weeks. Abbas Miski comes back in on the wing, with Zach Eckersley moving to centre.
Props Ethan Havard and Luke Thompson are promoted to the starting line-up after they both returned last week, there is also a return for Patrick Mago, who starts on the bench.
Wigan Warriors:1. Jai Field, 2. Abbas Miski, 22. Zach Eckersley, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Bevan French, 24. Jack Farrimond, 8. Ethan Havard, 17. Kruise Leeming, 10. Luke Thompson, 21. Sam Walters, 11. Junior Nsemba, 13. Kaide Ellis
Bench:Â 9. Brad O’Neill, 15. Patrick Mago, 19. Tyler Dupree, 20 Harvie Hill
Castleford Tigers Team News:
Simbiken was forced to leave the field last week with an arm issue. Whilst he is suspended for the game regardless, interim boss Chris Chester has confirmed the PNG international has played his final game for the club, after breaking his arm. He is replaced by Muizz Mustapha, who comes into the side on the bench.
A switch in the pack sees Brad Singleton move to the starting line-up at front row, alongside George Lawler. Joe Stimson moves to the back row to fill the role left by Simbiken.
Castleford Tigers: 1. Tex Hoy, 25. Will Tate, 4. Sam Wood, 22. Louis Senior, 45. Elliott Wallis, 6. Daejarn Asi, 42. Chris Atkin, 10. George Lawler, 9. Liam Horne, 38. Brad Singleton, 12. Alex Mellor, 43. Joe Stimson, 13. Joe Westerman.
Bench:Â 15. George Griffin, 16. Cain Robb, 19. Sam Hall, 20. Muizz Mustapha
