The Wigan Warriors star was red-carded for the shocking tackle and is set to miss the Challenge Cup final

Matt Peet chose to name a squad full of first team stars including Man of Steel Bevan French. Speaking before the game, Peet justified the decision, saying he wanted to work on combinations rather than keeping his players fresh for the big game.

However, the decision came with the risk that if a player suffered an injury or made a bad tackle, they could be ruled out of the show at Wembley.

Quiz: Can you name all these former Wigan Warriors players?

Wigan Warriors star set to miss Challenge Cup final

Credit: Imago Images

And that’s exactly what happened in the 69th minute. Wigan’s star center Adam Keighran was shown a red card for a shocking tackle on Warrington youngster Arron Lindop.

Keighran made no attempt to raise an arm or soften the contact as Lindop’s head bobbed back into the tackle.

Referee Jack Smith had no hesitation in red carding Keighran as Wigan were forced to finish the match with 12 men.

The tackle could have huge implications for Peet’s side as Keighran now looks set to miss next week’s Challenge Cup final. Peet may be left to ruminate on his decision not to rest and rotate as his side faced an intense battle with a young Warrington side.

Wigan held on for a narrow win and were grateful for Harry Smith’s goal on the stroke of half-time as they won 19-18.

Losing Keighran in the final would be a huge blow and could tip the balance of a 50/50 contest in Warrington’s favour.

Marshall says teammates will rally around the star man

Credit: Imago Images

Speaking after the game, Wigan winger Liam Marshall said Keighran’s teammates will rally around him.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Marshall said: “Yes, obviously we’ll put our arm around him this week and see what the discipline says.

” I can’t go into too much detail about it. He will be the most disappointed person in the locker room after the game.

So, we will see what comes out of the disciplinary and we will go from there”.

Marshall appeared to struggle at one point, appearing to injure his leg. However, he played down any concerns that he would not be fit.

“I think it’s just a little bit of a precaution, a little bit of restraint. Obviously, you get bangs in games, and some are worse than others. But I expect to be back next week.”