Wakefield Trinity vs Wigan Warriors: Team news, match preview and score prediction

When Wakefield met Wigan twice around Easter it marked a turning point in their season which sent them down towards the bottom of the table and into a relegation scrap.

Now they meet again with Trinity still just two points clear of Toulouse at the bottom of the league but will they have the tools to defeat the Warriors this weekend.

It’ll be easier said than done as the Warriors continue to plough towards the play-offs picking up pace in their surge for the Super League title.

Team News

Wakefield have brought Harry Bowes and Jack Croft back into their squad in place of Isaac Shaw and Kyle Evans.

Wigan have made just one change to their squad with Brad O’Neill back for a ban in place of Junior Nsemba. The likes of John Bateman and Thomas Leuluai are still injured. Liam Farrell could be back after being named in the squad last week but being unable to feature.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Jamie Shaul vs Jai Field: Jamie Shaul has taken to Wakefield like a duck to water but the 30-year-old will have his work cut out against the lightning quick Jai Field whose speed is reminiscent of the pace Shaul made his name with. Shaul will have to be at his best to nullify his opposite number’s threat.

Lewis Murphy vs Bevan French: A quick, elusive winger with an eye for a try tests comes up against Bevan French this week. In many ways, French embodies what Murphy will hope to become as he develops in Super League so it’ll be interesting to see how Murphy does against him.

Jacob Miller vs Harry Smith: A veteran halfback taking on perhaps the league’s next top stand-off in the young Harry Smith. Smith has had a terrific season and will look to boss the game despite the presence of the experienced Miller also on the field trying to wrestle control away from him.

Where the game will be won and lost:

Space. I remember writing that when Wakefield hosted Wigan in the Challenge Cup earlier this season but still gave the Warriors too much space. They need to avoid repeating that mistake or will face a substantial loss.

Score Prediction: Wakefield Trinity 12-32 Wigan Warriors