Wigan Warriors’ clash with Leeds Rhinos on Friday night is set to be an intriguing one with the gravity of the game dependent on Thursday night’s result.
Hull KR sit two points clear of Wigan with a points difference advantage of 41 so a shock defeat against Warrington could open the door for the Warriors to reclaim the League Leaders Shield.
Of course, a loss for Hull KR is unlikely given Warrington’s form, but not impossible, whilst Wigan will want to carry on their impressive form anyway.
Brad Arthur will want a response from his Leeds Rhinos side after their surprise defeat at home to Catalans and even though a third-place finish is unlikely for Leeds, it’s still possible.
As such, there’s plenty to play for but there are a number of players who will not play and some who are doubts. Ahead of the 21-man squad selections, we’ve looked at each side’s injury status.
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Wigan Warriors injury news
Matt Peet made a number of changes last week with most of those simply rest as the likes of Harry Smith and Liam Farrell were left out.
Adam Keighran (knee) was also left out with Peet confirming that the centre had been playing hurt so he’s possibly a doubt for this week. Others who have recently come back from injury include Luke Thompson and Abbas Miski but the pair seemed to come through fine with Miski also confirmed to have been fit for the week prior against St Helens.
Tom Forber remains out with a dislocated wrist with Wigan otherwise very healthy and on red hot form as well, with the Warriors fast becoming favourites for the Grand Final.
Leeds Rhinos injury news
Jake Connor’s fitness is the big question with the playmaker rested last week due to his rib injury. He could and would have played had it been a Grand Final but the wise decision was to rest him and that may be the case again this week.
One man who could return is Ash Handley with his groin injury recovery expected to be around this week, but whether Arthur will risk his co-captain is unclear.
The other co-captain, Cam Smith, is out for the year with a back injury, joining the likes of Maika Sivo (ACL), Alfie Edgell (foot) and Ethan Clark-Wood (shoulder) on the sidelines. Tom Nicholson-Watton has also had a foot injury that has no established timeline for recovery.
