Wigan v Leigh: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

For the third time this season, Wigan and Leigh do battle. Having run the Warriors close in their previous encounters this term, could Leigh finally end their wait for a win in 2021? Perhaps this is a good opportunity as Wigan come into the contest just days after defeat to Warrington.

Once more, John Bateman is in the squad for Warriors after his long injury lay-off. He clearly wasn’t ready in time for Warrington but I can see him featuring against Leigh whether that be from the bench or at second-row allowing Liam Farrell to move to centre to lessen the blow of Liam Marshall’s injury. However, Adrian Lam could very well draft Umyla Hanley in on the wing as he rejigs his backline.

As for Leigh, it’s their first game in a long while giving them the chance to field a fit side complimented by loan signings such as Rob Butler and Jack Ashworth both of whom could debut. The impressive James Bell won’t feature due to suspension meaning we could see Alex Gerrard move to loose forward in his absence. One person almost certain to feature is skipper Liam Hood. The hooker will make his 200th career appearance.

Wigan
31 Jackson Hastings
22 Jake Bibby
11 Willie Isa
4 Oliver Gildart
30 Umyla Hanley
20 Harry Smith
7 Thomas Leuluai
8 Brad Singleton
9 Sam Powell
17 Tony Clubb
12 Liam Farrell
27 Kai Pearce-Paul
14 Oliver Partington
Substitutes
13 John Bateman
19 Liam Byrne
25 Joe Shorrocks
34 Brad O’Neill

Leigh
22 Craig Mullen
2 Matty Russell
3 Iain Thornley
4 Junior Sa’u
24 Keanan Brand
14 Matty Wildie
7 Joe Mellor
10 Mark Ioane
9 Liam Hood
12 Jordan Thompson
11 Ben Hellewell
18 Matty Gee
15 Alex Gerrard
Substitutes
17 Jamie Ellis
19 Nathan Mason
20 Adam Sidlow
34 Jack Ashworth