SL Preview: Wigan v Castleford (Fri)

It is a mixture of good news and bad for Wigan in the build-up to their home game with Castleford this Friday.

Blake Green, Michael McIlorum and Gil Dudson all return to the squad, but missing are Sam Tomkins, who has a swollen knee, and Lee Mossop who has a hip problem.

Warriors coach Shaun Wane had this to say:

“Warrington was quite a physical game and we have some knocks so it is a testing time for us this week. Sam and Lee are struggling at the moment, Sam has a knock on his knee, he is a tough competitor and gets over his injuries quickly and Lee has a knock on his hip. The usual bumps and bruises, we will probably only know our team for sure on game day.

“We know from the Widnes game that Lewis Tierney can fit in and do a job at full-back. It’s the same with our front rowers, James Greenwood can perhaps come in, we are struggling with injuries and will take another look on Thursday.”

Daryl Powell has made two changes to his 19-man Tigers squad for Friday evening’s clash. 

Keith Mason could make his first appearance for the Yorkshire side since Powell’s first game in charge away to Catalan Dragons in May, while Dan Fleming also returns. 

They replace Charlie Martin and Ben Davies who picked up an injury on his debut in the win against Hull FC. 

Wigan Warriors 19-man squad: Burke, Charnley, Crosby, Dudson, Farrell, Gelling, Goulding, Green, Greenwood, Hansen, Hughes, McIlorum, Powell, Richards, Smith, Spencer, Tierney, Thornley, Tomkins.

Castleford Tigers 19-man squad: Owen, Shenton, Dixon, Chase, Ellis, Walker, Clark, Huby, Hauraki, Millington, Milner, Massey, Holmes, Thompson, Tansey, Fleming, Clare, Mason, Boyle.

Prediction: Wigan to get back to winning ways with a comfortable victory.

Stats:

Castleford are seeking their first win over Wigan in 10 matches on Friday.

The Warriors have won eight of the last nine meetings between the sides, to go with a 22-22 draw at The PROBIZ Coliseum (as it was then known) on 12 June, 2011.

The Tigers’ last victory against Wigan was 28-22 at the JJB Stadium (as it was then known) on 20 February, 2009.

Super League summary:

Castleford won 7 (includes win in 1999 play-offs)

Wigan won 26 (includes wins in 2002 and 2009 play-offs)

3 draws

Castleford highest score: 38-18 (H, 2006) (also widest margin)

Wigan highest score: 54-12 (H, 2001) (Widest margin: 54-12, H, 2001; 46-4, A, 2012)