Combined XIII: Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves
With the highly-anticipated Challenge Cup final between the Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves on the horizon, we’ve put together our thoughts on what a potential combined 13 of the two teams’ star players could look like.
Both squads are blessed with some of the best talent in the Super League, but there were inevitably tough omissions in the selection process. Nevertheless, here is our combined XIII:
Fullback
Matt Dufty (Warrington Wolves)
The Warrington fullback edges out Wigan’s Jai Field for the starting role based on his impressive form this season. Dufty has been a crucial cog in the Wolves’ attack, leading the league in both metres made and carries, while also proving to be a solid presence in defence.
Wing
Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves)
The English international has been in fantastic form for Warrington, scoring an impressive 11 tries across all competitions so far. Ashton has thrived in the team’s potent attack this year.
Centre
Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors)
The first Wigan player to make the cut, centre Jake Wardle has cemented his status as arguably the best in his position in the Super League, building on an impressive debut season in 2023.
Centre
Toby King (Warrington Wolves)
Former Wigan loanee Toby King has continued his impressive development since returning to the Wolves, becoming a key figure in the team’s rapid progress this year.
Wing
Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors)
The league’s top try-scorer couldn’t be left out of this combined XIII. Marshall’s try-scoring prowess is complemented by his strong all-round game, making valuable contributions on both sides of the ball.
Stand-off
Bevan French (Wigan Warriors)
The reigning Man of Steel was a must-have for this team. French’s X-factor ability is crucial to Wigan’s style of play, with his knack for creating something out of nothing and try-scoring threat.
Scrum-half
George Williams (Warrington Wolves)
It was a close call between Williams and Wigan’s Harry Smith, but the England captain’s experience and leadership qualities just edged him ahead in the selection process. Williams’ playing ability makes him one of the best half-backs in the league.
Prop
Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors)
The former St Helens man has hit the ground running in Wigan colours, adding significant power and work-rate through the middle of the park on both attack and defence.
Hooker
Brad O’Neil (Wigan Warriors)
The 21-year-old O’Neil gets the nod at hooker, providing Wigan with a solid platform and impressive distribution, while also keeping the experienced Kruise Leeming out of the starting side.
Prop
Paul Vaughan (Warrington Wolves)
Vaughan has been one of the best signings in recent seasons, bringing immense power and physicality to the Wolves’ pack, as well as the ability to play big minutes.
Second-row
Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors)
One of the brightest young talents in the Super League, the raw power and athleticism of Nsemba makes him a standout pick on the Wigan edge.
Second-row
Lachlan Fitzgibbon (Warrington Wolves)
Since arriving from Newcastle, Fitzgibbon has grown into a key figure for Warrington, his ability to make consistent metres proving crucial in providing front-foot ball for the team.
Loose forward
Kaide Ellis (Wigan Warriors)
Wigan’s number 13 completes the combined XIII, with Ellis’ punch on both attack and defence making him an invaluable asset in the Warriors’ pack.
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