Warriors v Saints - Teams

Wigan's new recruit Tim Smith could be thrown in at the deep end for Friday night's derby duel with St Helens, which is live on Sky Sports.

The former Parramatta half-back looks set to make his debut for the Warriors after being named in coach Brian Noble's 19-man squad.

Smith is aiming to revive his career in England and could get his chance as Wigan look to bounce back from last Sunday's disappointing loss away to Hull KR.

However, Saints coach Daniel Anderson is not so sure the former NRL rookie of the year will be rushed into the action at the JJB Stadium.

"Tim hasn't played for months but, if he plays, good luck to him," said Anderson. "It's obviously a gamble pitting him into a derby match for his first game."

O'Loughlin absent

The Warriors will be without skipper Sean O'Loughlin after he aggravated his shoulder on his comeback at Craven Park.

Phil Bailey (hamstring) and Paul Prescott (back) are also on the sidelines for the home side, who have conceded a total of 103 points in the two meetings with their arch rivals this season.

Saints are likely to welcome back prop Jason Cayless as they look to maintain their position on top of the Super League table.

The New Zealand international has been absent for the last six weeks with a knee injury but should return to bolster the visitors' pack.

After starting his career at Wigan, scrum-half Sean Long will make his 300th appearance for St Helens at the home of his former employers.

Since suffering a shock loss at the hands of Castleford back on April 6 Anderson has steered his squad on a 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Wigan squad: Mathers, Calderwood, Goulding, Carmont, Richards, Barrett, Leuluai, Fielden, Higham, Paleaaesina, Hock, Colbon, Coley, Hansen, McIlorum, Phelps, J. Tomkins, O'Carroll, Smith

St. Helens squad: Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Talau, Meli, Pryce, Long, Cunningham, Cayless, Gilmour, Wilkin, Sculthorpe, Roby, Flannery, Graham, Hargreaves, Clough, Fa'asavalu, Eastmond