Wakefield v Wigan preview
Wakefield are aiming for another notable scalp when injury-hit Wigan visit Belle Vue on Sunday but coach Chris Chester is warning his players not to underestimate Shaun Wane's side.
The Warriors have eight front-line players on the sidelines, including skipper Sean O'Loughlin, and, after losing two of their last three home games, suddenly look vulnerable against the resurgent Wildcats, who are aiming for a fourth straight win.
"It's never really a good time to play Wigan, even more so this week coming off the back of a loss against Warrington," said Chester, who played in two Grand Finals for the Warriors.
"Knowing Shaun like I do, he will have them fired up and will want a response from his team. "I think Wakefield are underdogs every time they step out onto the field. These guys have been written off for the last three games and we've come up with three really good results and we want to make that four this week."
Many eyes at Belle Vue will be on the flanks where two of Super League's in-form wingers will be aiming to press their England claims.
Dom Manfredi has maintained his remarkable progress for Wigan this year while 20-year-old Tom Johnstone is the talk of Super League after scoring five tries in his last two appearances at Belle Vue against Huddersfield and Salford, much to his own embarrassment.
"I'm not great with the spotlight, it's a bit mad," he said. "My name gets mentioned a few times but I just keep my head down and concentrate on my rugby. "I'm taking it as it comes. Playing for England hasn't come into my head once. I think there are a few wingers in front of me at the minute."
Chester has no doubt about the value of his young winger, who was born in Germany where his father was based in the Army and chose to play rugby league ahead of athletics.
"Young Tom is going well and scoring some tries but what has pleased me more is the amount of tries he's saving," Chester said.
While Chester is able to welcome back Anthony Tupou, Stuart Howart and Ashley Gibson, Wane's injury crisis is showing no immediate sign of easing and the loss of England forward Liam Farrell to suspension is likely to mean a fourth debutant of the season so far for the Warriors.
Wane has already handed debuts to Nick Gregson, Luke Waterworth and Jack Higginson in recent weeks and has drafted in 18-year-old Academy player Jack Wells alongside Joe Bretherton for the trip to Belle Vue.
"I'm excited at the chance of giving another debut out," Wane said. "You look at how well Oliver Gildart has done and Jack Higginson, who will play again, it excites me.
"They're getting good experience, I might need these players later on in the season and I need to know what to expect. "As long as they try hard and give a good account of themselves then I'll be happy."
Gregson is set to partner Matty Smith in an untried half-back pairing.
Wakefield Wildcats: Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel, Matty Ashurst, Anthony England, Liam Finn, Ashley Gibson, Tom Johnstone, Ben Jones-Bishop, Max Jowitt, Danny Kirmond, Reece Lyne, Jacob Miller, Jonny Molloy, Scott Moore, Nick Scruton, Mika Simon, Mikey Sio, Anthony Tupou, Stuart Howarth.
Wigan Warriors: John Bateman, Joe Bretherton, Greg Burke, Josh Charnley, Tony Clubb, Oliver Gildart, Nick Gregson, Jack Higginson, Willie Isa, Dom Manfredi, Lee Mossop, Sam Powell, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Lewis Tierney, Joel Tomkins, Jack Wells.
