Super League preview: Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors
Leeds have named an unchanged 19-man squad for their Super League clash with Wigan at Headingley on Friday night.
Last Updated: 15/03/13 7:30pm
The Rhinos were thrashed 32-8 at home by Huddersfield last time out but have opted against making any major alterations for the showdown with the Warriors, which can be seen live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7.30pm.
Leeds slumped to a shocking 50-8 defeat to Wigan at the same venue last June, although the Rhinos went on to gain their revenge in the semi-finals of both the Challenge Cup and Super League play-offs.
Wigan have made just one change to their 19-man squad as centre Rhodri Lloyd, who did not make the match-day selection for the 38-0 win over Catalan Dragons last Friday, is replaced by Darrell Goulding.
Goulding has been sidelined for three weeks due to a combination of injury and illness but should take his place back in the centres for the clash with Leeds.
Warriors assistant coach Iestyn Harris, a former captain of Leeds, says his current side should prepare for a backlash following Leeds' tame showing last week.
"Going to Headingley is always a difficult place to go," Harris said.
"We know they have some great individual players and, although they weren't great last week, we expect them to come with their A game and we will need ours as well.
"They are certain to come at us with all guns blazing. Headingley is a noisy place and we need to produce a performance that quietens the crowd."
Leeds squad: Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, McShane, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, Ward, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Achurch, Moore, Vickery.
Wigan squad: Burke, Charnley, Crosby, Dudson, Farrell, Flower, Green, Hughes, McIlorum, O'Loughlin, Powell, Richards, Smith, Goulding, Taylor, Thornley, L Tomkins, S Tomkins, Tuson.
What they said...
Leeds coach Brian McDermott
"We need to be better in wet conditions but in terms of energy and enthusiasm we are right up for this one."
Wigan assistant coach Iestyn Harris
"Leeds and Wigan both have high standards and these are the sort of games you want to play in and coach in and we are looking forward to the fixture."