Wigan Warriors will be looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday when they host Wakefield Trinity at the Brick Community Stadium.
Matt Peet’s side fell short against league leaders Hull KR last time out in what proved to be a costly defeat, with the Robins moving six points clear at the top of the table. At the time of writing, Wigan are now just two points ahead of the chasing pack of Leeds Rhinos and St Helens and they’ll be determined to keep hold of that top two spot with a win over Wakefield.
The West Yorkshire side need the result too in order to bolster their chances of claiming a play-off spot. Wakefield saw Salford Red Devils forfeit last week’s game and as a result they sit a point behind the top six pace.
A win might just be enough to carry them into the six then, depending on how Hull FC do against St Helens on Friday night.
With so much riding on the fixture, we’ve taken a look at the early team news.
Wigan Warriors team news
Peet has already confirmed that Jack Farrimond should be ready to play, but he stopped short of confirming Junior Nsemba would be involved after his head knock a fortnight ago. Nsemba missed the Rovers game because of it but all being well he should be back in the fold this week.
Wigan fans will be waiting a little longer to welcome Bevan French back into the line-up, though, it seems. Peet revealed in his pre-match press conference that Luke Thompson would be out for another couple of weeks with his calf issue and he said that French was working to a similar timeframe.
French hasn’t played since June and in truth, he’s been a big miss for the Cherry and Whites.
Wakefield Trinity team news
Speaking at his press conference on Thursday morning, Daryl Powell revealed that Tom Johnstone was touch and go to feature in the game across the Pennines. He’s been struggling with a groin problem since last month but his return would be a big boost, especially with Corey Hall expected to miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury.
Powell also confirmed that Ky Rodwell would miss the game after hurting his back last week. Rodwell has only just returned to full fitness but that’s a blow that sums up his frustrating injury-hit season.
Caleb Hamlin-Uele remains sidelined for Wakefield with a calf injury.
