Wigan Warriors look to build on opening day victory as they take on Leeds Rhinos

Embed from Getty Images

Matt Peet’s side will look to build on their opening day victory against Hull Kingston Rovers as they take on Leeds Rhinos at the DW Stadium on Friday night.

It was a tough clash for the Warriors but one in which they showed resilience and carried a real attacking threat, something the fans have been craving following the departure of Adrian Lam.

Braces from Liam Marshall and Jake Bibby along with a Jay Field try meant the cherry and whites left Craven Park with the win and a lot of confidence heading into round two.

As for Leeds, they will be looking to get their first points of the season after a very tight affair on the opening day of the campaign.

A history-making clash that saw Channel 4 broadcast their first-ever game, Warrington Wolves were the visitors to Headingley on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds battled well despite being down to 12 men for the large majority of the encounter after James Bentley saw red for a high tackle which resulted in an early finish to his debut for his boyhood club.

A Connor Wrench try followed by a Stefan Ratchford conversion five minutes from time sealed a narrow victory for the Wire and left Leeds Rhinos pointless after round one, something Head Coach Richard Agar felt was harsh on his side.

Wigan will be without new signing Iain Thornley, who picked up an injury in the clash against Hull KR with Brad O’Neill taking his place in the 21-man squad.

Agar has been forced into a number of changes ahead of naming his 21-man squad. The Rhinos are without Bentley and Brad Dwyer due to suspension whilst Richie Myler misses out with a groin injury and David Fusitu’a misses out due to concussion protocols.

The Yorkshire side will also be without Rhyse Martin who has returned home to Australia on compassionate leave.

Blake Austin comes into the squad ahead of a delayed debut with Harry Newman, Alex Mellor, Jarrod O’Connor and Bodene Thompson also making the lineup.

With both clubs having positive starts in terms of performances despite differing results, the DW Stadium should be an exciting place on Friday evening with two sides ready to go head-to-head for 80 minutes.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt