Rugby League Clubs Face Hooking Crisis Ahead of Derby Showdown
As the Wigan Warriors and St Helens prepare to face off in a highly anticipated derby this Friday, both clubs are grappling with a crisis in their hooking department.
Wigan’s starting hooker, Brad O’Neill, has been handed a one-match ban by the RFL’s Match Review Panel, leaving the Warriors without all three of their senior hookers for the upcoming clash. Kruise Leeming is definitely sidelined due to injury, while there are also doubts surrounding the fitness of youngster Tom Forber, who has not been involved in Wigan’s matchday squad for several weeks.
The situation is no less dire for the Saints. They will appeal the ban on Mbye, while Daryl Clark was also absent in their recent defeat to Castleford, leaving the club severely short of reliable hooking options.
“Both teams may need to consider alternative solutions to plug the gap in their squads.”
Both teams may need to consider alternative solutions to plug the gap in their squads. Moving a utility player, such as Wigan’s Ryan Hampshire or St Helens’ James Bell, into the hooker role could be a viable option. However, this would likely disrupt the teams’ spine and require some tactical reshuffling.
Another possibility is handing a debut to a promising young hooker from the clubs’ respective junior systems. Wigan’s Tom Ratchford and St Helens’ Jake Burns, who recently made his senior bow, could be afforded the opportunity to shine in the high-stakes derby match.
While the transfer market might provide a short-term solution, both the Warriors and Saints have a strong commitment to developing their own talent, making this the least likely option for the two clubs.
Regardless of the approach taken, the absence of key hookers presents a significant challenge for the teams as they prepare to renew their fierce rivalry on the field.
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