Wigan Rest Key Players for Hull KR Showdown Ahead of Challenge Cup Final
Wigan Warriors have opted to rest their star players for the crucial clash against Hull KR on Thursday night, prioritizing their lineup for the upcoming Challenge Cup final just nine days later. The match, taking place at Craven Park, marks the first of a double-header, with both teams set to meet again in the Challenge Cup final next week. Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has named his strongest available squad, while Wigan boss Matt Peet has made significant changes to his lineup. In this fixture, Zach Eckersley, Junior Nsemba, Patrick Mago, and Jack Farrimond are expected to see action, but the majority of the squad comprises younger players, allowing Peet to field up to 10 potential debutants. In light of recent developments, Salford Red Devils faced a two-point deduction for breaching RFL operational rules during their Round One fixture against St Helens, where they fielded a team mainly of academy players, resulting in a record 82-0 defeat. Team News: Hull KR: Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella, Jack Broadbent, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin, Jack Brown, Karl Lawton, Jordan Dezaria, Noah Booth, Bill Leyland, Harvey Horne, Ryan Hampshire. Wigan Warriors: Zach Eckersley, Junior Nsemba, Patrick Mago, Jack Farrimond, Sam Eseh, Tom Forber, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Nathan Lowe, Lukas Mason, Noah Hodkinson, George O'Loughlin, Finlay Yeomans, Finn McMillan, George Marsden, Josh Cartwright, Austin Daniel, Charlie Yeomans, Lewis Daniels, Shea O'Connor, Kalum Rathbone.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-05-19