SUPER 8S PREVIEW: Leeds v Wigan

Correspondent

Both teams head into this game on the back of four consecutive victories, with Leeds having dealt imperiously with Warrington last time out.

The Rhinos have received a blow, though, when it comes to personnel, with Jamie Jones-Buchanan being confirmed for a nine month lay-off.

Paul Aiton, soon to depart for Catalans Dragons, has also played his last game for the club, after it was confirmed that he has dislocated a wrist as well as broken an arm.

Stevie Ward and Mitch Achurch do return, though, after spells on the sidelines.

Wigan make just one change, with Ryan Sutton coming in for Joe Burgess.

Leeds (19-man squad): Hardaker, Briscoe,  Watkins, Moon,  Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Kylie Leuluai, Peacock, Ablett, Sinfield, Ward, Delaney, Achurch, Cuthbertson, Singleton, Keinhorst, Walters, Garbutt.

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

Stats:

Rob Burrrow needs two tries to reach 200 for his career. Burrow has scored 178 tries for Leeds since 2001, to go with representative touchdowns for Great Britain (four, 2005 & 2007), England (nine, 2004, 2008 & 2012-2013), England ‘A’ (five, 2002-2003) and England under-21s (two, 2001). He also made two non-tryscoring appearances for Yorkshire (2002-2003).

Zak Hardaker needs two tries to reach a career century of touchdowns. Hardaker has scored 65 tries for Leeds since 2011, to go with representative scores for England (three, 2012-2013) and England Knights (two, 2012). He also scored 28 tries for previous club Featherstone (2010-2011).

Kallum Watkins needs two tries to reach a career century of touchdowns. Watkins has scored 90 tries for Leeds since 2008, to go with eight scores for England since 2012.

Tony Clubb needs one appearance to reach 200 for his career. Clubb has played 41 games for Wigan since 2014, to go with appearances for England (three games, 2008-2010), London Broncos/Harlequins (154 games, 2006-2013) and London Skolars (one loan game, 2008).

Leeds have won their last three home meetings with Wigan, with the Warriors’ last victory at Headingley coming 50-8 on 1 June, 2012.

Leeds have won their last four matches. Their last defeat was 26-24 at Wigan on 9 July.

Wigan have won their last four matches. Their last defeat was 17-6 at Warrington on 2 July.

Super League Summary:

Leeds won 24 (includes wins in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012 play-offs)
Wigan won 34 (includes win in 1998 Grand Final and wins in 1998, 2002, 2003, 2010 & 2013 play-offs)
Four draws
Leeds highest score: 70-0 (H, 2005) (also widest margin)
Wigan highest score: 68-14 (H, 1996) (also widest margin)

Last 10 Meetings:

Wigan 26, Leeds 24 (SLR21, 9/7/15)
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)