Wigan Warriors squad for opener revealed
The former Man of Steel has not been included in Adrian Lam s provisional 21-man squad.
Centre Oliver Gildart will not play because of a groin strain, joining Dom Manfredi and Liam Marshall on the sidelines.
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Hide AdBut new signing Jai Field is in contention to make his debut if he comes through tomorrow's final training session unscathed. With a shortage of outside backs, he may be a wing option while youngsters Sam Halsall and Umyla Hanley are also in the mix.
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.”
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Hide AdHarry Smith looks set to link-up with Thomas Leuluai at halfback, while the depth of talent in the pack gives Lam the option of playing Willie Isa at centre, given Zak Hardaker is covering at full-back for Bevan French who arrived back in the UK this week.
John Bateman, back at the club after two years, is in the squad which will be cut to 17 on Friday evening.
Wigan Warriors' 21-man squad: Zak Hardaker, Jai Field, Tommy Leuluai, Brad Singleton, Sam Powell, Joe Bullock, Willie Isa, Liam Farrell, John Bateman, Oliver Partingon, Morgan Smithies, Tony Clubb, Liam Byrne, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Jake Bibby, Mitch Clark, Joe Shorrocks, Sam Halsall, James McDonnell, Umyla Hanley
Leigh Centurions' 21-man squad: Ryan Brierley, Matty Russell, Iain Thornley, Lewis Tierney, Blake Wallace, Joe Mellor, Liam Hood, Mark Ioane, Ben Hellewell, Jordan Thompson, Matty Wildie, Alex Gerrard, Nathaniel Peteru, Matty Gee, Nathan Mason, Adam Sidlow, Tyrone McCarthy, Keanan Brand, Josh Eaves