Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 29/05/15 6:58pm
It is first versus third in the Saturday’s final game at the Super League Magic Weekend in Newcastle as Leeds face Wigan.
The pressure will be on Wigan to bounce back and avoid a third straight defeat after a Challenge Cup loss to Hull KR and last weekend’s thumping by Catalans in Perpignan.
The Lancashire side are four points behind the Rhinos and will be keen stop their rivals putting any more distance between the clubs.
Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield certainly expects a difficult game against a side out to prove a point but is looking forward to playing at St James’ Park.
"This was always going to be a tough game for us, probably more so now," he said. "We'll make sure we're ready.
"It's a big two points. We've lost the last two games in the Magic Weekend against them. It's an important one for us.
"I think it's a great place to play rugby league. It will be a great occasion and to have 40,000-plus there will be really special.
"I've played at a few different venues in this Magic Weekend now and it feels like an arena to play rugby league in.”
Leeds themselves have recovered from a sticky spell to win their last two matches. Their performance in the 48-16 victory over Huddersfield, in particular, earning them much praise.
Coach Brian McDermott names an unchanged squad following on from the 36-16 win over Hull KR at Headingley last time out.
Shaun Wane makes just one change to his squad to play the Rhinos with the fit-again Connor Farrell replacing Rhodri Lloyd.
The Warriors are still without a number of big-name players for the clash with Tony Clubb, Dom Manfredi, Anthony Gelling, Iain Thornley and Liam Farrell all side-lined.
Leeds Rhinos: Zak Hardaker, Kallum Watkins, Joel Moon, Ryan Hall, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Paul Aiton, Jamie Peacock, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Carl Ablett, Kevin Sinfield, Stevie Ward, Brett Delaney, Mitch Achurch, Adam Cuthbertson, Brad Singleton, Liam Sutcliffe, Josh Walters, Ash Handley.
Wigan Warriors: John Bateman, Matty Bowen, Joe Burgess, Josh Charnley, Dom Crosby, Connor Farrell, Ben Flower, Ryan Hampshire, Michael McIlorum, Lee Mossop, Sean O'Loughlin, Larne Patrick, Sam Powell, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Joel Tomkins, George Williams.
Watch Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 6.45pm on Saturday.