JUNIOR NSEMBA could make his return for Wigan Warriors when they travel to Leeds Rhinos in a winner takes all clash in the battle for the League Leaders’ Shield.
The backrower has not featured since Wigan’s Magic Weekend win over St Helens at the beginning of July after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, but is back in Matt Peet’s preliminary squad to face the Rhinos, and could make his 100th career appearance at AMT Headingley.
He is the only change for the Warriors, with youngster Josh Cartwright dropping out ahead of a likely run-out in Sunday’s Reserves Grand Final against Warrington Wolves.
Leeds, who will run out in front of a capacity crowd at Headingley for the first time in six years, welcome back both flying winger Maika Sivo and James McDonnell to contention from their respective arm and pectoral injuries.
Head coach Brad Arthur will make a final decision on the pair shortly before the fixture, though both are expected to be available for their regular season closer against Hull FC next week.
Danny Levi drops out of the squad, alongside Riley Lumb, after suffering a setback in his return from a neck injury in the win over St Helens, whilst Leeds still remain without Keenan Palasia (foot), Max Simpson (knee), Ben Littlewood (hamstring) and George Brown (knee).
SQUADS
Warriors: 1 Jai Field, 2 Zach Eckersley, 3 Adam Keighran, 4 Jake Wardle, 5 Liam Marshall, 6 Bevan French, 7 Harry Smith, 8 Ethan Havard, 9 Brad O’Neill, 10 Luke Thompson, 11 Junior Nsemba, 13 Kaide Ellis, 14 Sam Walters, 15 Patrick Mago, 17 Oliver Partington, 20 Sam Eseh, 23 Kian McDermott, 25 Taylor Kerr, 33 George O’Loughlin, 38 Austin Daniel, 41 Shea O’Connor
Ins: 11 Junior Nsemba
Outs: 37 Josh Cartwright
Rhinos: 1 Lachie Miller, 2 Maika Sivo, 3 Harry Newman, 4 Ash Handley, 5 Ryan Hall, 6 Brodie Croft, 7 Jake Connor, 8 Mikolaj Oledzki, 9 Jarrod O’Connor, 10 Tom Holroyd, 11 Kallum Watkins, 12 James McDonnell, 14 Chris Hankinson, 15 Cooper Jenkins, 17 Cameron Smith, 20 Presley Cassell, 26 Tom Nicholson-Watton, 28 Fergie McCormack, 30 Zak Lloyd, 31 Matt Lodge, 33 Jack Bird
Ins: 2 Maika Sivo, 12 James McDonnell
Outs: 22 Riley Lumb, 23 Danny Levi
Referee: Liam Moore
STATS
Last ten meetings:
Wigan 24, Leeds 4 (SLR11, 15/5/26)
Wigan 22, Leeds 6 (SLR27, 19/9/25)
Leeds 12, Wigan 10 (SLR5, 22/3/25)
Wigan 38, Leeds 0 (SLR26, 13/9/24)
Leeds 30, Wigan 4 (SLR21, 10/8/24)
Leeds 0, Wigan 50 (SLR25, 9/9/23)
Leeds 14, Wigan 18 (CCR6, 20/5/23)
Wigan 18, Leeds 40 (SLR12, 12/5/23)
Wigan 8, Leeds 20 (SLSF, 16/9/22)
Leeds 42, Wigan 12 (SLR20, 21/7/22)
Super League summary
Leeds won 36 (includes win in 2015 Grand Final and wins in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2021 & 2022 play-offs)
Wigan won 48 (includes win in 1998 Grand Final and wins in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2010 & 2013 play-offs)
4 draws
Leeds highest score: 70-0 (H, 2005) (also widest margin)
Wigan highest score: 68-14 (H, 1996) (also widest margin)
Leeds’ RYAN HALL needs one try to draw level with NEIL FOX into joint 17th place in the list of all-time scorers in the British game.
16 Barney Hudson 372
17 Neil Fox 358
18 Ryan Hall 357
19 Paul Newlove 347
20 Josh Charnley 344
BEVAN FRENCH needs one appearance to reach 200 for his career.
– 152 for Wigan Warriors (2019-2026)
– 47 for Parramatta Eels (2016-2018)
JUNIOR NSEMBA needs one appearance to reach 100 for his career.
– 95 for Wigan Warriors (2022-2026)
– 3 for Whitehaven (2023, dual-registration)
– 1 for England (2024)
SAM WALTERS needs one appearance to reach 100 for his career.
– 53 for Wigan Warriors (2024-2026)
– 42 for Leeds Rhinos (2020-2023)
– 3 for Bradford Bulls (2022-2023, loan)
– 1 for Batley Bulldogs (2019, loan)