Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers team news as Matt Peet makes two changes to 21-man squad
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet has made two changes to his 21-man squad for Sunday’s visit of Castleford Tigers.
The Warriors set up a Challenge Cup semi-final with St Helens thanks to a 26-22 win over Wakefield Trinity in the quarter-finals last Sunday, which has seen Peet and Co forced into making two changes to their extended squad for Sunday’s Super League clash with Castleford at the Brick Community Stadium.
Halfback Harry Smith and versatile forward Sam Walters both copped three-match suspensions on the back of the Wakefield win after receiving Grade E charges for ‘unnecessary contact with player who is/may be injured’ and ‘headbutting’ respectively by the Rugby Football League’s match review panel. Smith and Walters will both miss Wigan’s upcoming games against Castleford, Warrington Wolves and Bradford Bulls.
As a result, Peet has made two changes to his 21-man squad. Key prop Ethan Havard is set to return after passing his return-to-play concussion protocol, while young back-rower Jonny Vaughan also comes into the extended side.
Meanwhile, Castleford coach Ryan Carr has named a 20-man squad for their trip over the Pennines. Fijian outside-back Semi Valemei and young halfback Jenson Windley come in, while veteran forward Joe Westerman drops out.
The other two changes from their 34-0 defeat to Wakefield Trinity last time out see hooker Tom Forber and outside-back Jake Thewlis return to parent clubs Wigan and Warrington respectively, following loan stints with the Tigers.
Wigan and Castleford have already met once this season, with the Warriors running out 26-16 winners in Super League’s opening round at the OneBore Stadium.
Wigan: Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Liam Marshall, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis, Patrick Mago, Ollie Partington, Jack Farrimond, Sam Eseh, Tom Forber, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Lukas Mason, Noah Hodkinson, Jonny Vaughan, Dayon Sambou.
Castleford: Semi Valemei, Zac Cini, Darnell McIntosh, Mikaele Ravalawa, Daejarn Asi, Tom Weaver, Renouf Atoni, Liam Hood, George Lawler, Jordan Lane, Alex Mellor, Joe Stimson, Brock Greacen, Jack Ashworth, Aiden Doolan, Jason Qareqare, Krystian Mapapalangi, Jenson Windley, Sam Hall, George Hirst.
The Round Eight Super League fixture takes place at the Brick Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon, 3pm kick-off. The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports + Red Button and SuperLeague+.