Wigan Warriors name unchanged side for Wakefield Trinity play-off semi-final

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet has named an unchanged 17-man squad for Saturday’s Super League play-off semi-final against Wakefield Trinity.

Peet has opted to run with the same 17 that eased past Catalans Dragons 50-12 a fortnight ago as they claimed the League Leaders’ Shield.

Jake Wardle has missed Wigan’s last two matches with a calf injury, and he was named in the 21-man squad this week, but he has not been included in the matchday line-up, with Peet likely to provide an injury update post-match.

As a result, youngster Austin Daniel keeps his spot on the right wing, with Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel nominee Adam Keighran as his centre partner. Zach Eckersley retains his spot at left centre alongside winger Liam Marshall.

There is also no Jack Farrimond, who was included in Peet’s 21-man squad for the first time since July, having been sidelined for the best part of three months with a hamstring injury.

Ethan Havard and Luke Thompson are Wigan’s starting front-rowers, with Man of Steel nominee Brad O’Neill at hooker. Junior Nsemba, Ollie Partington and Kaide Ellis finish off Wigan’s starting XIII.

Liam Farrell, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago and Taylor Kerr have been named on the bench for the Warriors. Kian McDermott is the 18th man.

Meanwhile, Wakefield are without prop Emre Guler, who begins serving the first of his three-match suspension following his sending off in their win over Leigh Leopards last time out.

Trinity coach Daryl Powell has made just one change to his side that beat Leigh, with halfback Jack Sinfield replacing the suspended Guler in the 17.

Wigan: Jai Field; Austin Daniel, Adam Keighran, Zach Eckersley, Liam Marshall; Bevan French, Harry Smith; Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Ollie Partington, Kaide Ellis. Subs: Liam Farrell, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago, Taylor Kerr. 18th man: Kian McDermott.

Wakefield: Max Jowitt; Lachlan Walmsley, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone; Jake Trueman, Jack Sinfield; Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Ky Rodwell, Zac Lipowicz, Isaiah Vagana, Jazz Tevaga. Subs: Mason Lino, Jay Pitts, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili. 18th man: Harvey Smith.

The Super League play-off semi-final takes place at the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday evening, 5:30pm kick-off. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and BBC Two.