New Wigan quartet set for debuts

Wigan coach Shaun Wane will be handing debuts to his four new signings in Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Hull KR.

Wales internationals Gil Dudson and Ben Flower will get their first run out in the Cherry and White, having joined from Crusaders in the close season.

For Lauaki, 27, it represents a quick return to Hull, albeit playing against the city rivals of his former club, while Anthony Gelling will play his first game on UK soil having joined from New South Wales Cup side Auckland Vulcans.

Wane told the club’s official website: “The new boys have been great, they’ve really settled in and I’m confident they’ll do a good job for us. They will all be playing some part against Hull KR, unless they pick up any knocks during the week.

“They have a bit to prove, but the off-season has been successful, in part, because they are here – they have brought things to us.

“Epalahame, Gil and Ben are three big blokes and then on the edge we have Anthony, who is raw but very athletic.”

Wigan have further friendlies lined up against Huddersfield at the DW Stadium (January 19th) and at Salford (24th January), while they will also send young sides to face Barrow and South Wales Scorpions in the next few weeks.