Super 8s Preview: Wigan v Huddersfield (Fri)

It’s do or die for Wigan and Huddersfield when the Super 8s bottom two face each other at the DW Stadium on Friday night.

Another loss for the Warriors, following their defeat at Leeds last week, is likely to spell an end to their top four hopes, while the Giants can also ill-afford to drop any points at this stage.

Momentum is with Huddersfield, who have won eight of their last 11 games, including a comprehensive win over Wakefield to start the Super 8s last time out.

Giants coach Rick Stone said: “I still think we’re outsiders. They’ll be stinging from a loss, they performed well against Salford in the Challenge Cup semi-final and they’ll be frustrated with their performance against Leeds. 

“I think we’ll be up against a dangerous Wigan side on Friday, that’s for sure.”

Stone has made just one change to his 19-man squad, with the returning Michael Lawrence coming back for the injured Sam Rapira.

For Wigan, Sam Powell returns from suspension in place of Josh Ganson.

Stats:

Wigan are undefeated in their last nine meetings with Huddersfield, having drawn two and won seven.

The Giants’ last victory against the Warriors was 31-22 at the John Smith’s Stadium on 29 May, 2014.

The Warriors are also undefeated in their last six home meetings with Huddersfield (drawn one, won five), with the Giants’ last victory at the DW Stadium coming 24-8 on 7 February, 2014.

Last ten meetings:

Huddersfield 19, Wigan 19 (SLR19, 23/6/17)
Wigan 16, Huddersfield 16 (SLR5, 19/3/17)
Wigan 26, Huddersfield 19 (SLR12, 21/4/16)
Huddersfield 13, Wigan 18 (SLR2, 12/2/16)
Wigan 32, Huddersfield 8 (SLSF, 1/10/15)
Wigan 30, Huddersfield 22 (SLS8-R1, 6/8/15)
Huddersfield 18, Wigan 32 (SLR17, 7/6/15)
Wigan 24, Huddersfield 16 (SLR2, 13/2/15)
Wigan 57, Huddersfield 4 (SLQPO, 18/9/14)
Huddersfield 31, Wigan 22 (SLR15, 29/5/14)

Super League summary:

Wigan won 29 (includes wins in 2013, 2014 and 2015 play-offs)
Huddersfield won 14
2 draws
Wigan highest score: 68-6 (H, 2000) (also widest margin)
Huddersfield highest score: 48-16 (H, 2009) (also widest margin)

Squads:

Wigan: Bateman, Burgess, Clubb, Davies, Farrell, Gelling, Gildart, Isa, Leuluai, Marshall, McIlorum, Nuuausala, O’Loughlin, Powell, Sutton, Tautai, Tomkins, Wells, Williams.

Huddersfield: McGillvary, Cudjoe, Gaskell, Brough, Hinchcliffe, Wakeman, Lawrence, Leeming, Ikahihifo, Ta’ai, Clough, Mason, Smith, Dickinson, McIntosh, Mellor, O’Brien, Turner, Rankin

Prediction:

Wigan live to fight another day – Warriors by 8.