Wigan and Warrington have both announced their 21-man squads for Thursday’s Super League opener at the DW Stadium.
Wigan Warriors:
New signings Jackson Hastings and Jake Bibby could be in line to make their competitive debut for the Warriors this Thursday. Hastings will likely line up in the halves, but could be partnered by any of Thomas Leuluai, Bevan French or young Harry Smith. Oliver Gildart is still out after picking up a shoulder injury during the GB Tour.
21-man squad: 1 Zak Hardaker, 2 Liam Marshall, 3 Chris Hankinson, 5 Joe Burgess, 6 Bevan French, 7 Thomas Leuluai, 8 Tony Clubb, 9 Sam Powell, 10 George Burgess, 11 Willie Isa, 12 Liam Farrell, 13 Sean O’Loughlin, 15 Joe Greenwood, 16 Morgan Smithies, 17 Oli Partington, 19 Joe Bullock, 20 Liam Byrne, 23 Jake Bibby, 28 Harry Smith, 30 Ethan Havard, 31 Jackson Hastings.
Warrington Wolves:
Young outside back Matty Ashton could be a surprise inclusion for the Wolves, after impressing at fullback during pre-season. The former Swinton flyer is named, as is former Wigan centre Anthony Gelling. Marquee signing Gareth Widdop misses out through injury, while Jack Hughes and new recruit Leilani Latu also misses out.
21-man squad: 1 Stefan Ratchford, 2 Tom Lineham, 3 Anthony Gelling, 4 Toby King, 5 Josh Charnley, 6 Blake Austin, 8 Chris Hill, 9 Daryl Clark, 10 Mike Cooper, 11 Ben Currie, 13 Ben Murdoch-Masila, 14 Jason Clark, 15 Joe Philbin, 17 Jake Mamo, 18 Sitaleki Akauola, 19 Matt Davis, 20 Danny Walker, 21 Dec Patton, 22 Luis Johnson, 23 Luther Burrell, 26 Matty Ashton.