Warrington Wolves name a number of unrecognizable names in the squad against Wigan Warriors

All eyes were on the squad lists for this weekend’s crunch clash between Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors. The two sides meet at the Halliwell Jones Stadium this weekend. They are locked together on 18 points at the top of the Super League and will also meet in the Challenge Cup final next weekend.

Speaking to Sky Sports before announcing his squad, Warrington manager Sam Burgess did not confirm whether he would rest and change his squad for this weekend’s game. He stated:

“We’ve got a few bumps and bruises, so we’re not going to expose anyone too much. I’m not really nailed in my team, but I’m pretty close to max power. I think I can be full.

“I’ll probably find out a bit more tomorrow afternoon. We’ll probably call them then. A few guys will have a break, but we’ll try to be as strong as we can.”

Now, Burgess has named his team and it includes a number of unfamiliar faces.

Test Challenge Cup: Named runners-up each year since 1996

Warrington Wolves are set to change their squad for the key clash

Credit: Imago Images

In a statement announcing the Warrington squad, the club confirmed the inclusion of a number of young players in the squad. Warrington have up to six players in contention to make their Super League debuts against Wigan. The statement reads:

“Youngsters Frank Sergent, Cai Taylor-Wray, Nolan Tupaea, Ben Hartill, Dan Okoro and Jake Thewlis could all make their first team debuts. “

George Williams will miss the game for the Wire as he was handed a one-match ban in the team’s win over Catalans Dragons.

Wigan, on the other hand, have named a strong squad as they look to take an outright lead at the top of the Super League table. Liam Byre, Kaide Ellis and Sam Walters all return to the Wigan squad after missing time through suspension recently.

However, Matt Peet has opted to rest a few players as Abbas Miski, Luke Thompson and Liam Farrell will sit the game out with an eye on the final.

Rhinos get center back from injury

Credit: Imago Images

Elsewhere in Super League, Leeds Rhinos welcome back a key player as they look to get their season back on track. Paul Momirovski returns to the Rhinos squad for their game against Castleford Tigers at Headingley on Friday night. Momirovski scored two tries when the two teams met at Mend-a-Hose Jungle earlier in the season.

Loan signing Matty Russell will miss the Headingley clash after picking up an HIA in the Rhinos’ defeat against St Helens.

Castleford made just one change to the team that beat Hull FC last time out. Samy Kibula is replaced by Jacob Miller. Miller missed the Tigers’ last game against FC due to injury.

Realistically, the Tigers are a long way from a win to keep any slim hopes of making the top six alive. For the Rhinos, a defeat would put more pressure on under-fire head coach Rohan Smith.