Wigan Warriors and Hull FC have a number of injury worries ahead of their Super League clash on Saturday afternoon.
The Warriors will get their 2026 home campaign underway this weekend, and go into the fixture on the back of a victory over Castleford Tigers.
Hull FC also head into the game after a win, with the Black and Whites taking the two points against Bradford Bulls, thanks to a late try and drop goal in the last five minutes of the game.
However, neither side came away from the game scot-free, with both sides having players from that game now ruled out – be that via injury or suspension.
Here is the lowdown on the early team news at this stage, with the club’s set to name their 21-man squads tomorrow (Thursday) at midday.
Wigan Warriors vs Hull FC early team news
The Warriors have been dealt a huge blow, with England international Jake Wardle set for an extended spell on the sidelines. The centre picked up an MCL injury in the win, and is set to be out for the next three-four months.
Another outside back, Abbas Miski is also in the medical room, as he continues to recover from surgery. The Lebanese international suffered a torn hamstring in the Grand Final defeat, and there is currently no return date set for the 30-year-old.
In terms of long-term issues, Oliver Wilson is out for the whole of 2026 after an Achilles injury in December.
The away side have a few more injury issues, including Jake Arthur, who suffered a knock in the victory over Salford RLFC. The overseas recruit missed the season opener, and he is a doubt of missing round two as well.
Jed Cartwright is expected to return to the side after missing round one due to concussion protocols. Both John Asiata and James Bell are being monitored on a weekly basis, and could be in line for a return this week.
One man who will be on the sidelines is Ligi Sao, who picked up a two-match ban in last week’s victory over Bradford. Sao was given a Grade D for dangerous contact that resulted in a player injury, meaning he will sit out of both the Wigan tie and the club’s round three game against York.
Herman Ese’ese is expected to return on Good Friday. The enforcer is still recovering from a ruptured Achilles.
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