Wigan Warriors and St Helens teams confirmed with makeshift spines selected

Wigan Warriors take on St Helens in the second game on day one of Super League’s Magic Weekend and both head coaches have now named their matchday squads.

Matt Peet and Paul Wellens faced major selection issues with injuries and suspensions forcing plenty of changes from their preferred starting 13s.

Moreover, with Wigan able to go top of Super League with a win there and Saints able to make it three wins in a row as they aim to secure their top-six status, plenty was on the line.

Both sides suffered glaring spine selection issues with Wigan missing their preferred starting half-back pairing of Bevan French (injury) and Harry Smith (suspension), whilst first-choice hooker Brad O’Neill suffered a devastating season-ending injury earlier in the year.

As for St Helens, they were without Jack Welsby, Lewis Dodd and Daryl Clark through injury with none set to return for the next four to six weeks.

Moreover, they found loose forward Morgan Knowles suspended and experienced centre Mark Percival is another sidelined through injury.

The question of how each coach will solve their spine problems has now been answered with the teams confirmed. Details on how to watch the game can be found here.

Wigan Warriors and St Helens teams confirmed

Matt Peet has opted to recall youngster Jack Farrimond into the halves with centre Adam Keighran pairing him there. That means Zach Eckersley starts in his preferred position of centre.

Kruise Leeming takes the number nine role to help form the spine with the former Leeds Rhinos captain coming into full fitness of late.

📋 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦

How your Warriors line up for #MagicWeekend. #WWRL #SLWIGSTH pic.twitter.com/fCaoztO6Xz

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) August 17, 2024

As for St Helens, they’ve opted to play Moses Mbye in the halves along with Ben Davies whilst loose forward James Bell moves to hooker. Harry Robertson continues at full-back following his recent run in the first team.

Joe Bachelor deputies in the centres for Mark Percival but there’s also a boost in the pack with George Delaney fit enough to start with Alex Walmsley supporting from the bench.

😇 Here’s how your Saints lineup for #MagicWKND against @WiganWarriorsRL at Elland Road this evening!

Live Match Centre
➡ https://t.co/h8XpE36IgY#COYS | @CommunitySaints pic.twitter.com/bJljt3Hxd2

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) August 17, 2024