Trio missing for Warriors as they take on the Tigers
WIGAN are without their international trio of George Williams, John Bateman and skipper Sean O’Loughlin for the trip over to Castleford tonight, but have received little in the way of sympathy from Tigers boss Daryl Powell.
Last year’s League Leaders’ Shield winners are without a number of key figures because of injury, but none of their players are in Denver with the England squad for tomorrow’s Test match against New Zealand.
”I wish we had three in the team,” said Powell in response to Shaun Wane’s claim his side are at a ‘major disadvantage’ because of the call-ups.
“It is a reward for having outstanding players, so I don’t know what the problem is with that.”
In the absence of Williams, Bateman and O’Loughlin, Liam Paisley and Oliver Partington are in line for debuts, while halfback Josh Woods - who has starred in recent weeks on dual-registration with Swinton - is also set to feature.
”I just want to see Josh express himself because we’ve not really seen that yet,” said Wane.
“Liam is a punchy back-rower, he hits good lines and he’s tough.
“The chance to get him into the first team will give him a lift and he deserves it.”
Most Super League teams have the weekend off because of the international break, but this fixture has been rescheduled from earlier in the season because of snow.
Meanwhile, Rochdale’s home match against Toulouse Olympique on Sunday afternoon has been moved back to a 4pm kick-off to allow fans to watch England versus Panama in the football World Cup, which gets underway at 1pm.
The Crown Oil Arena will be open from 12.30pm should fans wish to watch the match in the main lounge.