Rhinos v Warriors: Teams
Brian McDermott has been forced to make just one change to the Leeds squad for Friday night's game against Wigan at Headingley.
Last Updated: 31/05/12 9:39pm
Brian McDermott has been forced to make just one change to the Leeds squad for Friday night's game against Wigan at Headingley.
Kallum Watkins has been ruled out for a month with a knee injury with Carl Ablett, who signed a new contract on Thursday, moving to centre as cover.
Prop Darrell Griffin returns to the squad in replace of Weller Hauraki after missing last week the Magic Weekend victory over Bradford.
McDermott said the Rhinos will be focusing on trying to nullify the threat posed by Warriors playmaker Sam Tomkins.
"He is a world-class player and someone I think is an incredible talent," McDermott said.
"He has lit up Super League in recent years and whilst, we will be trying to make him look bad on Friday night, he is someone I like.
"He is a tough fella who seems to be dealing with the pressures of being the figurehead for his team well."
Double
Wigan will be looking to extend their 10-match winning run and complete the double over Leeds after winning 20-6 at the DW Stadium in February.
Coach Shaun Wane is missing several big names with Gareth Hock, Chris Tuson and Lee Mossop all sidelined through suspension.
Paul Prescott, Harrison Hansen and Ben Flower are out injured so youngsters Rhodri Lloyd, Jack Hughes, Tom Spencer, Logan Tomkins, Dom Crosby and Jack Murphy are all included in the initial squad.
The Warriors are 10 points clear of the reigning champions in the Super League table but Wane refuses to under-estimate them.
"They're still a good team," he said. "They've two fantastic halves, I'm big fan of Kevin Sinfield.
"They're a quality team and certainly better than where they're placed in the competition.
"I like going to Headingley. I was there as a player and it's a good place to be. I like Brian McDermott, he's a quality coach. All round it's a good club."
Leeds squad: Webb, Jones-Bishop, Hardaker, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, L. Smith, Delaney, Bailey, Clarkson, Hauraki, Griffin, Moore, Lunt.
Wigan squad: S. Tomkins, Charnley, Goulding, Carmont, Finch, Leuluai, McIlorum, O'Loughlin, Lima, Farrell, Lauaki, Dudson, Gelling, L. Tomkins, Crosby, Hughes, Murphy, Spencer, Lloyd.