Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos: Super League preview
Last Updated: 09/07/15 10:09pm
Leeds have the chance to lay one hand on the Super League leaders' shield and put one of their rivals out of the running when they travel to Wigan on Thursday night.
The Rhinos opened up a three-point lead over reigning champions St Helens by beating them 46-18 last Friday and a victory at the DW Stadium would enable them to pull six points clear of the third-placed Warriors with two games left of the regular season.
Leeds coach Brian McDermott is remaining calm despite his team's rosy position but concedes a win over Wigan would give them momentum to take into the Super 8s.
"There are some big games still to go so there could be a fair few twists and turns," said McDermott. "We've got a few big teams snapping at our heels trying to gain ground.
"I thought we played really well against Saints last week after we got over the first 15-minute period and, if we could do that again against Wigan, then we start to build and I will probably admit to having momentum.
"But I don't think we've got momentum or form just yet."
McDermott plans to move Kallum Watkins to full-back in the absence of the suspended Zak Hardaker, with Jimmy Keinhorst switching from the second row to his customary slot at centre.
With another second-rower, Stevie Ward, out with an ankle injury, there are openings for forwards Andy Yates and Brad Singleton, while Josh Walters and Rob Mulhern are also in contention after playing for on dual registration for Hunslet last Sunday.
The Rhinos beat Wigan at Headingley in March but went down 27-12 to them at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle.
Having suffered a 17-6 reverse at Warrington last week, Warriors coach Shaun Wane hopes the arrival of the league leaders can once more kick-start his team's campaign.
"Leeds are the best team in the competition," he said. "I'm glad it's them, these games bring the best out of us.
"Kevin Sinfield is the ultimate professional - he's smart and I'm a big fan of his - and I have the utmost respect for Jamie Peacock, the way he has played for so many years is incredible."
Wigan welcomes back utility forward Tony Clubb from injury and he takes over from Ryan Sutton, while second rower John Bateman is recalled after being rested against Warrington.
Winger Josh Charnley returns in place of Dom Manfredi, who has an ankle problem, with Wane set to give late fitness checks to skipper Sean O'Loughlin and stand-off George Williams.
Wigan Warriors: John Bateman, Matty Bowen, Joe Burgess, Josh Charnley, Tony Clubb, Dom Crosby, Liam Farrell, Ben Flower, Anthony Gelling, Michael McIlorum, Lee Mossop, Sean O'Loughlin, Larne Patrick, Sam Powell, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Taulima Tautai, Joel Tomkins, George Williams.
Leeds Rhinos: Carl Ablett, Paul Aiton, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Delaney, Mitch Garbutt, Ryan Hall, Ash Handley, Jimmy Keinhorst, Kylie Leuluai, Danny McGuire, Joel Moon, Rob Mulhern, Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield, Brad Singleton, Josh Walters, Kallum Watkins, Andy Yates.
Watch Wigan v Leeds live on Sky Sports 1 on Thursday from 7.30pm, or get a Sky Sports Pass and watch Super League without a contract on NOW TV.
