Match preview: Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves

 

Wigan and Warrington will stage a repeat of the 2013 Super League Grand Final tonight – but this time, they will be competing for the right to get to Old Trafford and face St Helens.

Wigan are refreshed after a week off following their victory against Huddersfield in week one of the play-offs, whilst the Wolves have had to do it much tougher. A narrow win against Widnes in week one was backed up last week by a strong showing against Castleford, to end the Tigers’ season.

The Team News
Wigan prop Scott Taylor replaces Gil Dudson in the only change to the squad that comfortably beat Huddersfield. The Warriors have no new injury problems going into the game as they look to defend their title.

The big news for Warrington is the return of Matty Russell, two weeks after a horrific facial injury suffered after colliding with Widnes Vikings’ Macgraff Leuluai. Ben Westwood and Simon Grix are both still out, meaning Tony Smith’s only changes could come in the pivots.

The Squads
Wigan:
Bateman, Bowen, Burgess, Charnley, Clubb, Crosby, Farrell, Flower, Gelling, Green, Hughes, McIlorum, O’Loughlin, Pettybourne, Powell, Sarginson, Smith, Taylor, Tomkins.

Warrington: Asotasi, Atkins, Bridge, Currie, England, B. Evans, R. Evans, Harrison, Higham, Hill, Laithwaite, J. Monaghan, M. Monaghan, Myler, O’Brien, Ratchford, Russell, Waterhouse, Wood.

The Prediction
Much like last night, this one is incredibly tough to call. Wigan and Warrington are both in superb form, and it could come down to who holds their nerve best. Who are you backing, folks?