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Adrian Lam names 21-man squad to face Leigh Centurions

Jai Field could make his debut on Friday if selected

Leigh Centurions v Wigan Warriors, Friday 26th March, K.O. 815pm

Head coach Adrian Lam has named the Wigan Warriors 21-man squad to face Leigh Centurions in the opening Round of the 2021 Betfred Super League (K.O. 815pm).

The two clubs will do battle on neutral ground at Leeds’ Emerald Headingley Stadium in a double header, with St Helens taking on Salford in the earlier kick off (6pm).

Team News

On Jackson Hastings, Lam said: “Due to Jackson’s delayed arrival, we feel that he needs another week of training in the team sessions and environment before he will be selected.

“It’s great to have him back in training – he has lifted the intensity since his arrival. He’s an important part of our team and brings us a completely different dimension – we can’t wait for him to be back involved.

“Jackson will play a part in Friday’s game as part of the group and will be running messages to his teammates on and off the field.”

Due to his arrival back in the UK this week, Lam said that Bevan French: “Wouldn’t be considered for round 1.”

Dom Manfredi is unavailable after suffering a fracture to his thumb. Oliver Gildart misses out with a groin strain.

Liam Marshall continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained in September 2020 vs Castleford. The winger is expected to be in contention from May.

21-man squad v Wigan Warriors

3. Zak Hardaker
6. Jai Field
7. Tommy Leuluai
8. Brad Singleton
9. Sam Powell
10. Joe Bullock
11. Willie Isa
12. Liam Farrell
13. John Bateman
14. Oliver Partingon
15. Morgan Smithies
17. Tony Clubb
19. Liam Byrne
20. Harry Smith
21. Ethan Havard
22. Jake Bibby
23. Mitch Clark
25. Joe Shorrocks
28. Sam Halsall
29. James McDonnell
30. Umyla Hanley

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https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2021/03/ ... d-v-leigh/

Suprised jackson isnt even a sub tbh

Be interesting to see Tony Clubb on the wing and Liam Byrne in the centres. Looks a fine well-balanced squad, chosen with care and certain to beat Leigh 64-0.

Firestarter wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:15 pm Suprised jackson isnt even a sub tbh

Why? He only joined pre-season on 16/03...

This was always going to happen, his fitness may not be an issue, but he hasn't done ball in hand team training for what, 3 months?

for me assuming all the below are ready to go;

Backs
3. Zak Hardaker
28. Sam Halsall
13. John Bateman
29. James McDonnell
22. Jake Bibby

Halfs
20. Harry Smith
7. Tommy Leuluai

Pack
8. Brad Singleton
9. Sam Powell
10. Joe Bullock
11. Willie Isa
12. Liam Farrell
15. Morgan Smithies

Subs
6. Jai Field
14. Oliver Partingon
17. Tony Clubb
21. Ethan Havard

Can’t believe Jackson not on bench after watching our attack last week. Hastings on one leg is our best attacking player by a mile. If it was St. Helens we were playing no doubt he would be in the team. Old saying never underestimate the opposition. Lam playing at Hardaker just feel it’s to keep the player quiet especially as he is the only first choice centre in the squad and we are desperate for centre and wings. Doesn’t make sense. Would like to have seen Field at fullback, centres Hardaker and Isa with Bibby and Hanley on wings. Halfbacks Smith and Tommy. Singleton and Bullock props, Sam at hooker. Second rows Farrelll and Bateman.loose forward Partington. Subs Hastings, Harvard, Shorrocks and Smithies. Hope Lam gets it right.

warriors01 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:51 pm Can’t believe Jackson not on bench after watching our attack last week. Hastings on one leg is our best attacking player by a mile. If it was St. Helens we were playing no doubt he would be in the team. Old saying never underestimate the opposition. Lam playing at Hardaker just feel it’s to keep the player quiet especially as he is the only first choice centre in the squad and we are desperate for centre and wings. Doesn’t make sense. Would like to have seen Field at fullback, centres Hardaker and Isa with Bibby and Hanley on wings. Halfbacks Smith and Tommy. Singleton and Bullock props, Sam at hooker. Second rows Farrelll and Bateman.loose forward Partington. Subs Hastings, Harvard, Shorrocks and Smithies. Hope Lam gets it right.

its the opening game against Leigh - what is the point of risking any player at this stage - we dont need to win this game that bad. I assume if Hastings was ready to go he'd be in there - as he isnt its a perfect opportunity for some younger players like smith (who with Jai will now be on limited game time) some time on the field

nathan_rugby wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:10 pm

Firestarter wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:15 pm Suprised jackson isnt even a sub tbh

Why? He only joined pre-season on 16/03...

This was always going to happen, his fitness may not be an issue, but he hasn't done ball in hand team training for what, 3 months?

So would you say field has more understanding of this team than hastings? Serious question? I just think hastings on the bench would give us a bit of extra creativity if needed....... we will have no link from fullback with zak there so maybe another ball player would help

So Bevan French is back in Wigan then???

Whatever anyone might think - Jai Field has been signed to play in one of the "spine" positions

Unless he is not fit then why have him as sub? If he is not fit then don't play him - simples!

1. Field
2. Hanley
3, Hardaker
4. Bateman
5. Bibby
6. Leuluai
7. Smith
8. Singleton
9. Powell
10. Bullock
11. Isa
12. Farrell
13 Havard/Partington

14. Clubb
15. Smithies
16. Partington/Havard
17. Shorrocks