Wigan Warriors v Hull KR combined XIII ahead of pivotal Super League clash

It’s potentially the biggest game of the season tonight, as Super League’s top two clash: Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.

The contest is likely to decide the winners of the League Leaders’ Shield, with just two more rounds of action remaining.

Both sides are stacked with some of the very best players in the league and we’ve done our best to pick a combined best XIII of players from the sides.

Full-back: Jai Field

Niall Evalds has had an excellent season, but it’s hard to look past Jai Field.

From one of the best try-saving tackles in history against Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge, to going up the other end and carving out opportunities for his teammates to shine, he’s an incredible asset.

Field’s importance was also demonstrated by the Warriors’ performances without him.

Wingers: Ryan Hall and Liam Marshall

Two really top tryscorers here – Super League’s all-time top try-scorer and its top tryscorer of 2024.

Despite their league positions, these sides don’t have a huge number of top wingers, so these two were a pretty easy choice.

Centres: Oliver Gildart and Jake Wardle

Gildart, when fit, is certainly one of Super League’s best, and Jake Wardle shows his class week in, week out.

Peta Hiku, since moving from full-back, is quality, but slightly less natural – while Zach Eckersley, who clearly has bags of potential, isn’t quite there yet.

Halves: Bevan French and Mikey Lewis

Probably the two best half-backs in the league, this would be one hell of a pairing.

Bevan French, the reigning Man of Steel, is undoubtedly the best half-back in the league when fully fit, while Mikey Lewis has probably had the best season of anyone in Super League, with more presence and maturity than in previous campaigns.

Front row: Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten and Luke Thompson

Sauaso Sue is an unbelievable prop, and Luke Thompson has been a stand-out since making the move back from NRL this year.

With Brad O’Neill injured, it’s a tricky decision at hooker, but Litten’s impact off the bench for KR this year has been up there with the very best, and he narrowly gets in over Kruise Leeming and teammate Matt Parcell.

Second row: Dean Hadley, Junior Nsemba and Elliot Minchella

It was an impossibly hard task to choose between Dean Hadley, Junior Nsemba, James Batchelor and Liam Farrell.

However, Nsemba’s year for Wigan Warriors has been incredible, as has Hadley’s for Hull KR, while Batchelor and Farrell’s injuries this year meant they haven’t been able to showcase their abilities as much as the others.

Meanwhile, Elliot Minchella’s season, probably the best of this career, gets him in over Kaide Ellis.