Wigan Warriors star shown red card for shocking hit and set to miss Challenge Cup Final

Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves met in a pre-cursor of the Challenge Cup final today, with the two coaches taking contrasting approaches to their team selection. Wigan picked up the two Super League points in a tight encounter.

Warrington head coach, Sam Burgess, elected to rest some of his star men, amking nine changes to the squad that won in their previous game against the Catalans Dragons. Burgess named four debutants in his 17 man squad – Cai Taylor-Wray, Jake Thewlis, Nolan Tupaea and Ben Hartill.

Matt Peet elected to name a squad full of first team stars, including Man of Steel, Bevan French. Speaking pre-game, Peet justified the decision, stating that wanted to work on combinations, rather than keeping players fresh for the big game.

However, the decision came with a risk that if a player suffered an injury, or made a bad tackle, that they could be ruled out of the Wembley showpiece.

Quiz: Can you name all these ex-Wigan Warriors players?

Wigan Warriors star set to miss Challenge Cup Final

And that is exactly what happened in the 69th minute. Wigan’s star centre, Adam Keighran, was given a red card for a shocking tackle on Warrington youngster, Arron Lindop.

Keighran made no attempt to raise an arm, or to mitigate the contact, as Lindop’s head rocked back in the tackle.

Referee, Jack Smith, did not hesitate in issuing a red card to Keighran as Wigan were forced to finish the game with 12 men.

The tackle could have huge implications for Peet’s side, as Keighran now looks set to miss next week’s Challenge Cup final. Peet may well be left ruing his decision not to rest and rotate, as his side faced an intense battle with the young Warrington side.

Wigan held on for a narrow victory, and were thankful for Harry Smith’s drop goal on the verge of half-time, as they won 19-18.

Losing Keighran for the final would be a huge blow, and could tip the balance of a 50/50 contest Warrington’s way.

Marshall says team-mates will rally around star man

Speaking after the game, Wigan’s winger, Liam Marshall stated that Keighran’s team-mates would rally around him.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Marshall said, “Yeah, obviously, we will put our arm around him this week and see what the disciplinary says.

” I can’t go into too much detail about that. He will be the most disappointed person in the changing rooms after the game.

So, we will see what comes of it from the disciplinary and go from there”.

Marshall looked to be struggling himself at one point, having appeared to pick up a lower leg injury. However, he allayed any concerns that he would not be fit.

“I think it’s just a bit of a precaution really, a bit of strapping. Obviously, you pick up bangs in games, and some are worse than others. But I expect to be back for next week.”