https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/07/ ... i-final-3/

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/07/ ... i-final-3/

Be surprised if there are any changes to the 17 from last week, big risk putting Isa straight back in after a couple of months out

I think that Isa will make the 17.

The big call is whether Isa plays or not. I think one of Shorrocks or Cust need to be in the 17 to cover halfback/hooker so maybe Nsemba should be the one to miss out.

HKR squad https://hullkr.co.uk/willie-peters-has- ... emi-final/

HKR squad https://hullkr.co.uk/willie-peters-has- ... emi-final/

I can’t find any reason to select Cust.

Isa will be involved IMO. It’s a situation very similar to Leuluai with last years cup final and I expect he’ll want that experience.

My biggest question is does Byrne start again or drop to the bench, after last weeks shocking start. I would hope a rocket up his backside has done the trick and would go-

Field
Miski King Wardle Marshall
French Smith
Byrne O’Neill Ellis
Shorrocks Farrell Smithies

Subs
Mago Hill Isa KPP

Nice that Nsemba and Hills good form has given us a few options.

I’d probably stay the same as last week and bring Isa in for one of them though. Hill and Nsemba are more dynamic but Isa has big game experience.

I’m a little nervous about Mago dealing with Litten and Parcell.

Play the ball speed will be key.

I’d feel a lot better if Havard was playing.

Right edge defence will be crucial against Linnet SKD and Hall. They’ll be running at French and King all game.

Is there an argument to play KPP at right second row?

He was so dominate playing prop last week I’d be reluctant to move him.

I had KPP at second row, then I didn’t, then I did and finally I didn’t and it was because of that exact reason. He was excellent in the middle off the bench last week and I think having that up our sleeve again will be handy. I expect they’ll start quick and if we can weather that, hopefully we can start to get on top as KPP and others come on.

I think that you are right with your17 but personally I would start with Isa.

If they’re confident he’s 100% I’d like to see him start as well. I just think they might hold him back a little bit.

Never win anything with Willie Isa in the side

I always worry about Wigan in very wet weather. The threat of French/Field reduces and the lack of power in the forward pack becomes more significant.

I'm the same. We coped against Huddersfield, but not sure how much of that was them.

They need to go back and watch the Wire away game as their blueprint. We have to be at that intensity and we have to concentrate like that, to keep the errors down and the defence tight. Anything less and it will be a real slog.

Yes bring that intensity and on the positive side we have a kicker who on his day can be a godsend in a game like this.

Agreed, I'd switch Isa & Shorrocks.

Though i am not a huge fan of his these days, i would have him in just for his intensity alone. He can't be fit, so a KPP on the bench is a great shout.

Field
Miski
King
Wardle
Marshall
French
Smith
Byrne
O’Neill
Ellis
Shorrocks
Farrell
Smithies

Mago
Hill
Isa
KPP

Nsemba

Wouldn’t be against starting Hill over Byrne. Or smithies to prop with Shorrocks at loose and KPP taking that starting spot and Byrne on the bench. Isa definitely plays or he wouldn’t have named him IMO.

Weather forecast looks worse by the minute, not going to be a pretty watch, hopefully we'll come through the other side

If the props turn up like they did against Wire in the QF then we have a great chance. We HAVE to get French and Field into space on the back of a lot of donkey work by the forwards.

Is there a pitch inspection? It’s not going to help having the women’s match.

The commentators all cheering for Hull KR is hilarious

I think we can safely say Liam Byrne is not a starting prop for us. Offered nothing again and rightly dragged off. Attack has been clunky again but Field’s just saved us from a poor start thankfully. Defence on the line been magnificent in that back end of the half.