Wigan Warriors Edge Warrington Wolves in Pre-Cup Final Clash
In a tantalizing preview of the upcoming Challenge Cup final, Wigan Warriors emerged victorious over Warrington Wolves in a tight Super League encounter. The two sides adopted contrasting approaches to team selection, with the result potentially having significant implications for the Wembley showdown.
Warrington’s Youthful Lineup
Warrington head coach Sam Burgess opted to rest several of his key players, making nine changes to the squad that secured a win against the Catalans Dragons in their previous outing. Burgess handed debuts to four players – Cai Taylor-Wray, Jake Thewlis, Nolan Tupaea, and Ben Hartill – as he looked to keep his squad fresh for the Challenge Cup final.
Wigan’s All-In Approach
In contrast, Wigan’s Matt Peet named a lineup packed with first-team stars, including 2022 Man of Steel Bevan French. Peet explained that he wanted to focus on developing combinations within the team, rather than resting players. However, this decision carried an inherent risk, as an injury or disciplinary issue could rule out a star player from the Wembley showpiece.
“We wanted to focus on developing combinations within the team, rather than resting players.” – Matt Peet, Wigan Warriors head coach
Keighran’s Red Card and Its Implications
That risk materialized in the 69th minute when Wigan’s centre Adam Keighran was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle on Warrington youngster Arron Lindop. Keighran made no attempt to mitigate the contact, leaving referee Jack Smith with little choice but to dismiss him. This could have significant implications, as Keighran now appears set to miss the Challenge Cup final.
Despite finishing the match with 12 men, Wigan held on for a narrow 19-18 victory, thanks in part to a crucial drop goal from Harry Smith just before half-time. Wigan winger Liam Marshall, who himself had to be assessed for a minor injury, acknowledged that Keighran’s teammates would rally around him as they awaited the disciplinary outcome.
The loss of Keighran could tip the balance of the Challenge Cup final, which was already expected to be a closely contested affair. Peet’s decision to field a full-strength squad may now come back to haunt him, as Wigan face the prospect of potentially being without a key player for the Wembley clash.
🔗 Source
