What are we thinking for this one? Is it an opportunity to go into the international break strong, or an opportunity to give some of the lads who've played all season a rest (especially after the last 3 weeks)?

I believe Powell is suffering from two badly swollen black eyes, so not sure if he'll play? Likewise, will Faz get a much needed rest?

Id like to see us bring in 3 or 4 'young uns' but not more than that. Wakey seem easy pickings so far this season but theres always a risk of taking a team too lightly

Not sure we have much of a choice but to play some of the younger players due to injuries but we should (fingers crossed) still have more than enough to get by Wakefield.

Likely Hill, Nsemba and Forber to replace Singleton, Farrell and Powell.

Any win would do going into the international break.

That's probably my thinking too.

Looking at the back row - Isa, Smithies & KPP have all missed games due to one reason or another, but Faz hasn't. Swapping Faz for Nesemba seems like a no brainer right? Likewise Hill straight in for Singo doesn't impact us that much Ellis, Byrne, Havard & Hill as the four props is strong enough.

Maybe Thornley might get a spot in the squad too?

It’s been a tough run and we’re in a far better position that we could’ve hoped prior to the Leigh game. I think the target may have been to raise for those 3 games and then use this game and the England break to try and let the players refresh but we’ll see.

The overseas guys will get time off next week, so they should play IMO. The ones I think will be selected for England (Marshall, Faz and Havard) I’d rest. I also think KPP, Smithies and Smith will be selected in the England squad/team but I’d play them. The first 2 because they’ve had rests anyway and Smith because we need him.

That would leave us something like-

French
Miski Thornley Wardle King
Shorrocks Smith
Byrne Powell Ellis
KPP Isa Smithies

Subs
Mago Hill Nsemba O’Neill

Try to run a score up, it'll be a bit gutting if Saints beat Wire and we don't turn their points difference advantage around.
Hill in for Singleton and with Smithies back we can give Farrell a break, that would be it for me.

Hampshire is not far off now, it will be interesting to see if he makes the squad this week. If not, I would imagine that he would be in the frame post the international fixture.

I think Stu M said he’s pencilled in for the next reserves game for his comeback, which is next weekend isn’t it? Minutes in that and they may look at putting him on the bench away at Hull FC. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes. I get the feeling he’ll be a shrewd bit of business for us.

I agree.

I'd leave King and Wardle in the centres and play Thornley on the wing. He played there before his injury to good effect. I would probably play Thornley right wing, Miski left too.

Also Powell looked like he had a broken nose against Wire and I've heard that he's very swollen. If true, I would start O'Neil with Forber spelling from the bench.

Yes he is down for playing in the Reserves next game

i agree, Hampshire is getting a second shot at Wigan, one he probably thought he would never get, you would like to think that will get him fired up and at his best.

Plus, with Field out for a while, he is being given the opportunity to stake his claim, probably earlier then he expected. I wille expect him to take a couple of games to get up to speed, given the injury he is coming back from though.

I think we saw similar with Thornley, he had a few great games for us before injuries started biting him, he was definately beating my expectations. Must be frustrating for the lad.

Being able to call on a player like Hampshire to cover the entire back line is why it was a great signing. It's not a marquee signing but his pay packet will reflect that and in a salary cap sport utility players like that are vital.

Sounds like we'll be going as strong as possible. https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/04/ ... s-trinity/

Sounds like we'll be going as strong as possible. https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/04/ ... s-trinity/