Match preview: Huddersfield

[Warriors News]

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wigan’s Betfred Super League Round 9 clash with Huddersfield Giants.

The rearranged fixture, originally set for June, will take place at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday night (7:45pm), with Adrian Lam’s side looking to make it two from two against the Claret and Golds inside a week.

Campaign so far

Huddersfield have managed just three wins in 2021 so far and will be without a number of important players such as Aidan Sezer and Joe Wardle, who have been ruled out for the season through injury.

However, Ian Watson’s men showed plenty of fight at the DW Stadium last weekend and still pose plenty of threats for the Cherry and Whites.

The John Smith’s Stadium will play host on Friday

Team news

Ethan Havard returns for selection after completing his one-match ban last week.

Sam Halsall is included after a spell on loan at Newcastle Thunder.

Jackson Hastings has been handed a Grade A one-match ban (Other contrary behaviour) and is unavailable for selection.

Willie Isa will serve the second of a two-match penalty notice (Grade C, Dangerous Throw) this week.

Injury news

Forward Oliver Partington returns to the squad after missing out on Sunday with a head knock inflicted against St Helens in Round 13.

Morgan Smithies again misses out as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Zak Hardaker is unavailable as he recovers from a neck injury.

John Bateman misses out with an ankle injury picked up while on England duty two weeks ago.

Dom Manfredi is still in recovery over a knee injury sustained last month.

Jai Field remains side-lined with a torn hamstring injury sustained during Round 1 against Leigh Centurions.

Bevan French too continues recovery from a hamstring injury, expected to keep the full back out for the remainder of the 2021 season.

Wigan Warriors squad to face Huddersfield Giants

On Wednesday Adrian Lam named the Wigan Warriors squad for Friday night.

The Opposition

Also on Wednesday, Ian Watson named his Giants squad to take on Wigan. Huddersfield will be without ex-Wiganer Joe Greenwood on Friday, who picked up a three-match ban this week for an offence in last Sunday’s game.

TEAM NEWS brought to you by @Delivereehfx

McGillvary returns; Stevens, Pryce retains squad place
Rogers & McGowan in squad
Further names to be added in the next 48 hours subject to RFL clearance pic.twitter.com/8RWbAmCzEp

— Huddersfield Giants (@Giantsrl) July 14, 2021

Previous meetings

Last ten meetings:

• Wigan 16, Huddersfield 12 (SLR14, 11/7/2021)
• Wigan 19, Huddersfield 6 (SLR20, 6/11/20, (at Emerald Headingley, Leeds)
• Huddersfield 10, Wigan 42 (SLR5, 1/3/20)
• Huddersfield 22, Wigan 38 (SLR19, 21/6/19)
• Wigan 6, Huddersfield 14 (SLR5, 8/3/19)
• Huddersfield 6, Wigan 13 (SLS8-R6, 20/9/18)
• Huddersfield 20, Wigan 12 (SLR21, 12/7/18)
• Wigan 48, Huddersfield 10 (SLR7, 23/3/18)
• Wigan 18, Huddersfield 4 (SLS8-R2, 11/8/17)
• Huddersfield 19, Wigan 19 (SLR19, 23/6/17)

Super League summary

Huddersfield wins: 16

Wigan wins: 36

Coach quotes

Speaking to the media in his weekly press conference ahead of this weekend’s bout, the Warriors head coach begun by addressing the opposition.

“I thought they had a few stand-out players last week, and whoever they field they always have players that can hurt you. It’ll be a tough challenge because they are desperate for a win too. 

“It’s going to be a really tough job going to Huddersfield.” 

With the possibility of a few experienced players nearing a return to action, Lam discussed how this week’s game could be crucial in setting up the next phase of Wigan’s season.

“This is potentially a big turning point in our season. If we go and win, then we have a couple of players coming back in, the confidence starts to build. Then we can get back to the best rugby we can play. 

“We have to believe in each other until that confidence starts to grow.”

Match officials

The man in the middle on Sunday will be Scott Mikalauskas.

Referee Scott Mikalauskas.

How to Follow

OurLeague access

Live coverage will be available to season ticket holders via the RFL’s Our League app and website, with the coverage expected to begin around five minutes before kick-off.

PLEASE NOTE – This game will be the last to be streamed via the OurLeague platform for code holders, following the lifting of restrictions from 19th July, which will allow all fans to attend fixtures with non restricted venues.

Our League access codes have been sent via email to the addresses registered against the accounts of all 2021 season ticket holders , so if you’ve signed up for this season, please check your email for a step-by-step guide on how to activate your code and enjoy live streaming of every behind closed doors game we play in Betfred Super League this season.

If for any reason you haven’t received the email/codes you were due for your full group, please email info@wiganwarriors.com with the relevant name(s) and client code(s) so that we can help to forward any details that you’re missing ahead of the game.

Wigan TV

Highlights and match reaction will be available on Wigan TV following the result. Not a subscriber? Find out more HERE.

Listen LIVE

Join commentary team Joe Mills and Bilko (Andrew Rimmer) as they bring you free live commentary of the whole game. Head to the Wigan Warriors home page here from 10 minutes before kick off and click ‘Listen Live’.

Alternatively, head to https://mixlr.com/wigantv to enjoy the commentary and join in the conversation with fellow fans.

Social Media

Furthermore, Wigan fans can follow every piece of the action via our social media channels and website.

• Twitter (@WiganWarriorsRL) – live game updates and reaction at the final hooter.
• Instagram (@wiganwarriorsrl) – behind-the-scenes action, both before and after kick-off.
• Facebook (Wigan Warriors) – live matchday information and reaction.
• Website (www.wiganwarriors.com) – post-match reaction including match report, and head coach and players reaction.

Enter the Virtual 50/50 Half Time Draw, offering you great prizes whilst providing a huge revenue boost to our famed Academy! Click here for more info.

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