Warriors v Rhinos: Teams
Wigan are without George Carmont and Liam Farrell for the visit of the reigning champions on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Last Updated: 11/02/12 9:59am
Wigan will be hoping it's a case of second time lucky at the DW Stadium when they host Leeds on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
The Warriors started the new Stobart Super League season at home last Sunday, suffering a surprising 20-16 loss at the hands of Huddersfield.
The defeat was not the ideal start to life under Shaun Wane, and things don't get any easier this week for the new man at the helm as the reigning champions come to town.
To make matters even worse for Wane, experienced centre George Carmont suffered a broken thumb, ruling him out for four weeks, and Liam Farrell was hit with a one-game ban for a dangerous tackle against the Giants.
Carmont's absence could mean a full Super League debut for schoolboy international Jack Hughes, while youngsters Joe Mellor, Tom Spencer and Greg Burke, have all been included in Wigan's 19-man squad.
"It has been a tough couple of days," Wane admitted. "The players were very hard on themselves, which you would expect.
"But I have got a really strong group mentally. Team spirit is fantastic and I am confident we will see a different performance this weekend."
Strong squad
Leeds, in contrast, have no such concerns going into the game. In fact, such is the strength in depth at Headingley, coach Brian McDermott has been able to leave out two members of his Grand Final-winning squad.
Forward Ian Kirke and winger Ben Jones-Bishop are again not included, the pair having sat out last Friday's 34-16 win over Hull KR.
The only concern for the visitors is the fitness of England second rower Jamie Jones-Buchanan, who has yet to take part in a full training session after picking up a leg injury against the Robins.
"He's being looked after by the medical staff to make sure he is right," said McDermott. "Hopefully he will be involved come Saturday night and we will wait for advice from the medical team before we make a decision."
Despite knowing their opponents have already lost once on home soil in 2012, McDermott is still expecting a real tough test for his team.
"I didn't think Wigan were far off," he said. "They were a bit ropy but they will be a lot better this week. We weren't happy with what we did last week. We know we're going to be better."
Wigan squad: S. Tomkins, Charnley, Goulding, Richards, Finch, Leuluai, McIlorum, Mossop, Hansen, Hock, O'Loughlin, Lima, Tuson, Lauaki, Flower, Mellor, Hughes, Burke, Spencer.
Leeds squad: Webb, Watkins, Hardaker, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, McShane, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Ablett, Sinfield, L. Smith, Delaney, Bailey, Clarkson, Hauraki, Griffin, Moore.