SL Preview: Wigan v Leeds

Wigan have lost two out of their last three games heading into this fixture, and will be keen to replicate their Magic Weekend triumph over Leeds, when they won 27-12.

The other encounter between the teams in 2015 ended in a 26-14 win at Headingley for the Rhinos, however.

The Warriors have lost Dom Manfredi to injury for this eagerly anticipated clash, but Josh Charnley could return to replace him.

Forwards Tony Clubb and John Bateman also return to boost Shaun Wane’s options in the pack.

Leeds must do without full-back Zak Hardaker, who is suspended.

His absence could see Kallum Watkins switch to full-back, with Jimmy Keinhorst replacing him in the centres.

Back rower Stevie Ward is absent with an ankle injury, and Andy Yates or Brad Singleton could come in in his place.

Wigan (19-man squad): Bateman, Bowen, Burgess, Charnley, Clubb, Crosby, Farrell, Flower, Gelling, McIlorum, Mossop, O’Loughlin, Patrick, Powell, Sarginson, Smith, Taulima, Tautai, Tomkins, Williams.

Leeds (19-man squad): Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Aiton, Peacock, Ablett, Sinfield, Delaney, Cuthbertson, Singleton, Keinhorst, Walters, Yates, Mulhern, Handley, Garbutt.

Stats

Wigan’s Joe Burgess has scored a try in each of the Warriors’ last three meetings with Leeds.

Super League Summary

Wigan won 33 (includes win in 1998 Grand Final and wins in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2010 & 2013 play-offs)
Leeds won 24 (includes wins in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012 play-offs)
Four draws
Wigan highest score: 68-14 (H, 1996) (also widest margin)
Leeds highest score: 70-0 (H, 2005) (also widest margin)

Last 10 Meetings:

Leeds 12, Wigan 27 (SLR16, 30/5/15) (at St James’ Park, Newcastle)
Leeds 26, Wigan 14 (SLR6, 20/3/15)
Wigan 21, Leeds 6 (SLR26, 5/9/14)
Leeds 14, Wigan 18 (SLR13, 17/5/14) (at Etihad Stadium, Manchester)
Leeds 28, Wigan 12 (SLR11, 2/5/14)
Wigan 22, Leeds 12 (SLQSF, 27/9/13)
Wigan 6, Leeds 20 (SLR27, 5/9/13)
Leeds 16, Wigan 20 (SLR16, 26/5/13) (at Etihad Stadium, Manchester)
Leeds 18, Wigan 14 (SLR7, 15/3/13)
Wigan 12, Leeds 13 (SLQSF, 28/9/12)