Wigan and Wakefield look to bounce back to avoid three defats In a row

Both Trinity and the Warriors have lost their last two outings, meaning both sides will be looking to avoid three consecutive defeats as they face off on Thursday evening. 

It will be the second time the two sides have met this campaign, the first encounter ending in a 34-6 victory for the Warriors as winger Jake Bibby scored his first Super League hat-trick.

But this encounter may well be very different and prove much more difficult for the Cherry and Whites. Wigan will be without a whole host of players for what Lam has described as a ‘difficult place to go’ as Wigan visit the Mobile Rocket Stadium for the first time in 2021.

The Warriors will be without the likes of Bevan French and Zak Hardaker due to injury and suspension respectively, which adds to the likes of Jackson Hastings, Liam Farrell and John Bateman who are all unavailable due to International commitments as England face the All-Stars on Friday night. 

Brad Singleton will also be unavailable after he received a Grade C, two-week suspension which the Warriors head coach revealed during his pre-match press conference, is a decision the club ‘will not be appealing against. However, the Warriors will have forward Morgan Smithies back in contention to feature against Wakefield.

As for the home side, they will also be without Bill Tupou who ruptured his patella tendon against Castleford and as a result is out for the season. 

They have however selected Joe Westerman despite also featuring in England’s squad to face the All-stars. This follows on from a behind the scenes dispute between Super League clubs over the importance of international rugby midway through the season. 

Both sides will be wanting to return back to winning ways, with Adrian Lam explaining that he was feeling ‘pressure’ to get results as it has been clear performances and now results haven’t been what are expected. But Wakefield are also in need of the two points as they sit 10th despite playing the most games in the Super League which will be a worry for Head Coach Chris Chester.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the fantastic feat completed by young Warriors player Sam Halsall who is currently on loan at Newcastle Thunder. 

The youngster tragically lost his father last week, and after being supported by Adrian Lam and his Wigan teammates, Sam decided to play for Newcastle and scored a try which he dedicated towards his late father, which cannot be applauded enough. Our best wishes from all at Prost International go to Sam Halsall and the rest of his family. 

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