Wigan Warriors are set to take on Leigh Leopards tonight in the latest instalment of the “Battle of the Borough,” with injuries expected to influence the team selections for both sides.
The two local rivals have already clashed twice this season, each taking one win. Leigh claimed victory on the opening night of the Super League in a dramatic match that ended 0-0 before Gaz O’Brien slotted a golden-point drop goal to seal a 1-0 win. The contest had the feel of a play-off fixture, and as Round 17 approaches, both teams are firmly in the mix — with Leigh sitting fourth and Wigan second in the standings.
Wigan triumphed 36-28 in the second encounter, though Leigh remained competitive throughout, consistently fighting back. With the Warriors recently struggling for top form, Leigh might sense an opportunity to capitalise, despite their growing injury list.
Leigh face a tough challenge as key players are sidelined. Winger Darnell McIntosh and prop Robbie Mulhern are both ruled out — McIntosh with an MCL injury expected to keep him out for a month, and Mulhern with a pectoral issue set to miss six weeks. There are also doubts over full-back David Armstrong, who’s dealt with ongoing hamstring problems. Head coach Adrian Lam said the early signs point to a potentially long-term absence, meaning Bailey Hodgson is likely to step in.
Expected Leigh Leopards XIII: Bailey Hodgson; Keanan Brand, Umyla Hanley, Tesi Niu, Josh Charnley; Gaz O’Brien, Lachlan Lam; Joe Ofahengaue, Edwin Ipape, Owen Trout; Ethan O’Neill, Frankie Halton, Isaa Liu
Bench: Ben McNamara, Matt Davis, Jack Hughes, Alec Tuitavake
On the Wigan side, star man Bevan French remains out long-term, but youngster Jack Farrimond has impressed and will again partner Harry Smith in the halves. Wingers Abbas Miski and Liam Marshall may return to action, with Miski named in the squad and Marshall expected to recover from a late withdrawal last week. Zach Eckersley might be included on the bench as cover, potentially pushing Tyler Dupree into the 18th man role.
Expected Wigan Warriors XIII: Jai Field; Abbas Miski, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall; Jack Farrimond, Harry Smith; Luke Thompson, Brad O’Neill, Ethan Havard; Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis
Bench: Kruise Leeming, Patrick Mago, Liam Byrne, Zach Eckersley
The third Battle of the Borough in 2025 promises another fierce contest — and how both sides manage their injury concerns could prove decisive.
