Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos have confirmed their line-ups for tonight’s 2nd vs 3rd clash in Super League, in what is the final round of the regular Super League season.
With the pair confirmed in the playoffs, both sides will be looking for strong performances going into the most important stage of the season. Wigan have named one of their strongest squads of the season, with confidence and form hitting them at the perfect time.
Leeds meanwhile, are without star trio Lachie Miller, Ryan Hall and Jake Connor, after Brad Arthur claimed they were all recovering from injury, and admitted they were not being rested.
Here is the full team news for tonight’s match, as Chris Hankinson starts at full back for the first time in his Rhinos career.
Wigan Warriors Team News:
Matt Peet was able to name his best squad possible, with his full 1-17 available for selection. Hull KR’s League Leaders Shield victory last night meant that Peet had the option to rest some players ahead of the playoffs, but he has decided against that and will play his a formidable looking squad.
Harry Smith is back in at half back after being rested last week. The England international was replaced by Jack Farrimond who scored twice in the victory. Adam Keighran also returns in place of Zach Eckersley.
Liam Byrne comes back in to start at prop, shifting Ethan Havard to the bench and leaving no place for Tyler Dupree who misses out. Junior Nsemba will also be utilised from the bench once again, Liam Farrell returning after also being rested.
Wigan Warriors XVII to face Leeds Rhinos:Â 1. Jai Field, 2. Abbas Miski, 3. Adam Keighran, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Bevan French, 7. Harry Smith, 16. Liam Byrne, 9. Brad O’Neill, 10. Luke Thompson, 21. Sam Walters, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. Kaide Ellis
Bench: 8. Ethan Havard, 11. Junior Nsemba, 15. Patrick Mago, 17. Kruise Leeming
Leeds Rhinos Team News:
As mentioned, Miller, Hall and Connor are unavailable tonight, meaning personnel changes and positional switches were mandatory.
Chris Hankinson starts at fullback in place of Miller. The 31-year-old has played in the role 11 times in his career, but it will be a first in Rhinos colours. Jack Sinfield retains his place in the halves, whilst Riley Lumb is selected on the wing for the first time since June, despite him scoring 10 tries in 15 appearances to start the year.
Kallum Watkins, who started his career as a centre before moving into the back row, returns to the right edge tonight, with Max Simpson his wing partner.
Joe Shorrocks returns after the two-match suspension he picked up on debut against Hull FC, and will join the action from the bench.
Leeds Rhinos XVII to face Wigan Warriors:Â 31. Chris Hankinson, 23. Riley Lumb, 3. Harry Newman, 28. Kallum Watkins, 26. Max Simpson, 6. Brodie Croft, 20. Jack Sinfield, 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 14. Jarrod O’Connor, 17. Cooper Jenkins, 16. Morgan Gannon, 12. James McDonnell, 10. Keenan Palasia
Bench. 11. James Bentley, 16. Sam Lisone, 19. Tom Holroyd, 32. Joe Shorrocks.
