Tomkins and Mossop to face Leigh

Joel Tomkins and Lee Mossop have been selected in Wigan’s 20-man squad to face Leigh Centurions.

The game, which has been branded as ‘The Battle of the Borough’, will take place at the Leigh Sports Village on Sunday 17th January and Wigan have named a strong group for this match.

Wigan have opted for a mix of players in their squad for this pre-season friendly as seven of Shaun Wane’s Grand Final losing team are to take to the pitch next weekend for their first action of 2016. 

Wigan head coach Shaun Wane has said he is looking forward to the local derby, and speaks about the need to balance to balance youth and experience in his squad for the game.

“We’re really looking forward to our annual game with Leigh at the Sports Village,” he said. 

“The England players have only recently returned to training and won’t take part in this one. It’s also a little early for the likes of Micky McIlorum, Dan Sarginson, Dom Crosby and Willie Isa who all had surgery during the off-season.”

Wane has also spoke of his eagerness and excitement of getting to see the young stars of Wigan’s academy as well, and says there is a huge chance for the young lads to make a mark on the first team squad. 

“I’m a Wiganer born and bred and there’s nothing better than seeing a youngster coming up through the ranks and getting a crack at the First team,” he said.

“All of the players included have a great opportunity. I remember Oliver Gildart played in this game last year, he trained hard, got his chance and ended up playing in a Grand Final at the end of the season. It’s a big game and all the players will be looking to impress.”

Wigan Warriors 20-man squad:

Joe Bretherton, Josh Charnley, Tony Clubb, Macauley Davies, Ben Flower, Josh Ganson, Anthony Gelling, Oliver Gildart, Nick Gregson, Dom Manfredi, Lee Mossop, Liam Paisley, Sam Powell, Kyle Shelford, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Lewis Tierney, Joel Tomkins, Luke Waterworth, Jack Wells.