Wigan v Bradford: Teams
Wigan and Bradford do battle on Saturday evening with both teams eager to get back to winning ways.
Last Updated: 01/03/08 9:22pm
Wigan and Bradford clash live on Sky Sports at the JJB Stadium on Saturday with both teams eager to bounce back from disappointing defeats.
The Warriors return to action on home soil after suffering a first loss of the season at Hull last week.
Despite having led 16-8 and then 22-14, Brian Noble's side were beaten at the KC Stadium, former player Danny Tickle scoring the winning try for the Airlie Birds in the closing minutes.
To make matters worse, second-rower Phil Bailey was charged with making a dangerous throw in the game and has been banned for one match by the RFL's disciplinary panel.
Wigan did try and get the Australian's suspension overturned but their appeal was unsuccessful, meaning he will not play against the Bulls.
However, there is better news for Noble concerning Mark Calderwood, who has been included in the Warriors' squad for the first time this season.
The winger is close to making a comeback after breaking a bone in his ankle in the play-off win over Hull last year.
Great Britain international Stuart Fielden, who picked up a bicep injury before the win over Castleford two weeks ago, is also named in the party.
Changing Bulls
Bradford could hand a debut to fit-again winger Semi Tadulala, who missed the start of the season with a fractured cheekbone.
The former Wakefield Wildcat may get his long-awaited chance if coach Steve McNamara decides to make changes following last Friday's home loss to St Helens.
That 22-16 reverse means the Bulls have now lost two of their opening three fixtures in Super League.
Tadulala's inclusion would also allow New Zealand international Shontayne Hape to switch back to the centres after filling in out on the wing.
Matt Cook has been dropped from the squad. The young second-rower has yet to feature this season.
Ben Jeffries, who played against Wakefield on the opening weekend but has not featured in the 17 for the last two outings, should come into contention, possibly at the expense of Iestyn Harris.
Wigan squad: Mathers, Calderwood, Goulding, Carmont, Richards, Barrett, Leuluai, Fielden, Higham, Paleaaesina, Hock, Bailey, O'Loughlin, Colbon, Coley, Hansen, McIlorum, Prescott, J. Tomkins, O'Carroll
Bradford squad: Morrison, Burgess, Sykes, Newton, Hape, Deacon, Evans, Halley, Nero, Tadulala, Vagana, James, Tupou, Platt, Harris, Godwin, Jeffries, Finnigan, Lynch, Langley