The squads are in for this afternoon’s pre-season game between Wigan Warriors and Hull FC.
Both sides have named sides that are close to full-strength, and it’s easy to see why given the Super League season begins in just a fortnights time.
Today’s game forms part of Liam Marshall’s testimonial, as the winger celebrates close to a decade of service to the Wigan first-team, where he has become one of the Warriors’ most important players.
The testimonial man will start on the wing, and forms part of a very strong back five that also includes Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran and Jake Wardle.
Bevan French partners Jack Farrimond in the halves. Harry Smith is not selected as he recovers from having surgery on his wrist in the off-season.
There is no Brad O’Neill, so Tom Forber makes his long-awaited return to the first team, whilst Luke Thompson partners Sam Walters in the front row.
The bench is made up primarily of youngsters, and some have familiar names. Lukas Mason, son of former Super League prop, Keith, and George O’Loughlin, son of Wigan great, Sean, will both be hoping to impress this afternoon.
For Hull FC, Will Pryce, Callum Kemp, Jake Arthur and Amir Bourouh make up the spine, whilst last year’s top try scorer, Lewis Martin starts on the wing.
New signings Harvie Hill and Joe Batchelor start at prop and the back row respectively, whilst fellow new additions Connor Bailey, Sam Lisone and Arthur Romano will start on the bench.
Ligi Sao makes his first appearance in just under a year after recovering from an ACL injury.
Wigan Warriors:Â 1. Jai Field, 2. Zach Eckersley, 3. Adam Keighran, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Liam Marshall, 6. Bevan French, 19. Jack Farrimond, 10. Luke Thompson, 22. Tom Forber, 14. Sam Walters, 11. Junior Nsemba, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. Kaide Ellis
Bench: Ethan Havard, Patrick Mago, Oliver Partington, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Nathan Lowe, Lukas Mason, Noah Hodkinson, Tiaki Chan, Jonny Vaughan, Dayon Sambou, George O’Loughlin, George Marsden
Hull FC: 1. Will Pryce, 5. Lewis Martin, 3. Davy Litten, 4. Zak Hardaker, 2. Harvey Barron, 27. Callum Kemp, 6. Jake Arthur, 10. Harvie Hill, 9. Amir Bourouh, 18. Ligi Sao, 12. Jed Cartwright, 11. Joe Batchelor, 20. Yusuf Aydin.
Bench: 14. Cade Cust, 16. Sam Lisone, 19. Tom Briscoe, 21. Arthur Romano, 22. Connor Bailey, 23. Brad Fash, 26. Hugo Salabio, 29. Will Hutchinson, 30. Will Kirby, 32. Lloyd Kemp, 37. Elliot Middlemas
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