French in contention according to Lam although they will check on him later in the week, I’d put him on the left wing for a few games to build his match fitness.

Sounds like Manfredi maybe next week.

The biggest team in the history of the British game and a team in our shadow

It sounds a 50/50 on French. Whatever happens, I just hope we can get these lads back at least a week before the cup game to give them some miles in their legs. A back line of French, Manfredi, Hardaker, Gildart and Bibby (or jigged round if Hardaker stays at fullback) for that game would be ideal and much needed.

I think that's the plan, although I have worries about Gildart.

Same here, no mention of him at the briefing

There was - no timescale mentioned but sounds like he's back in training building up his fitness. Manfredi should be able to come straight back in as his injury hasn't stopped him training.

Tetevano suspended for Thursday as it stands.

Not long back from Australia, I haven’t heard anything about him playing this week yet. If he is available if put him on the wing with Bibby as his centre freeing Faz up to go into the back row

1. Hardaker
2. French (Halsall if French not playing)
3. Bibby (Faz if French not playing)
4. Isa
5. Halsall (Bibby if French not playing)
6. Hastings
7. Tommy
8. Byrne
9. Powell
10. Singleton
11. Faz
12. Bateman
13. Partington

14. Bullock
15. Smith
16. Kilmer
17. Smithies

“Gildart is different because he’s been behind on the running and the workload because of the injury.”

“Dom gets his hand out of his cast in two days time. His physical side is bang on as he’s been able to do everything else. He won’ be far away. “

The head coach also provided an update on Bevan French and his likely return to full fitness.

“He will be part of the squad this week no doubt. He’s better off than he was a couple of weeks ago. We will give him the rest of the week to see if he is good to play at the back end of the week.”


From this I’d guess

French back this week

Manfredi the week after

Gildart the week after.

Byrne has a 1 match penalty notice for "dangerous contact". I assume this will mean he's unavailable for the game against Leeds.

It's a shame as I felt like our game has improved when Havard and Byrne have come off the bench in all 3 previous matches so far.

Lam will probably select Clubb as a replacement but I'd go with either Clark or Kilner.

Missed the bit about Gildart, cheers !

Must be serious issues with Clark if he can't get in the squad.

Reading some comments from his agent, it looks like he's right down in the pecking order and Lam's selections to date haven't done anything to dispell that.

rlhttps://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/mitch-clark-wigan-warriors-future-19945881rl



Maybe they are trying to force his hand to see if he does move on? It's obvious Lam doesn't want him & if this approach moves him on and frees up more space for a 'proper prop', I'm happy. I just don't want to see a situation where he's still at the club, but Lam is won't pick him no matter what the situation/form of the lads in front.

Clark is surely a better option for Thursday than Tony Clubb.

Adrian Lam names Wigan’s 21-man squad to face Leeds Rhinos.
One changes from last week as Bevan French replaces the suspended Liam Byrne.
Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors, Thurs 15th April, Emerald Headingley Stadium, K.O. 745pm.
Adrian Lam has named the Wigan Warriors 21-man squad to face Leeds Rhinos on Thursday evening at Emerald Headingley Stadium (K.O. 7. He won’t be far away.”


Dom Manfredi and Liam Marshall in recovery.
Oliver Gildart again misses out as he recovers from a groin strain.

Liam Marshall continues his long-term recovery for a ACL knee injury sustained against Castleford in September 2020.

Wigan Warriors 21-man squad to face Leeds Rhinos

1. Bevan French
3. Zak Hardaker
7. Thomas Leuluai
8. Brad Singleton
9. Sam Powell
10. Joe Bullock
11. Willie Isa
12. Liam Farrell
13. John Bateman
14. Oliver Partington
15. Morgan Smithies
17. Tony Clubb
20. Harry Smith
21. Ethan Havard
22. Jake Bibby
23. Mitch Clark
25. Joe Shorrocks
28. Sam Halsall
29. James McDonnell
30. Umyla Hanley
31. Jackson Hastings

My guess is that they tried to move him on in the off season and couldn't come to an agreement that all parties were happy with. He'll probably just sit the year out in the stands unless we get an injury crises in the forwards or manage to loan him out.