Giants aiming to pull back Warriors in John Smith’s clash

Wigan are boosted by the return of captain Sean O’Loughlin to the team, as they prepare to take on 11/8 shots Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium.

A groin problem has kept him out of five Super League games this season, though the Warriors, who are odds-on at 8/13, still sit in fourth.

Coach Shane Warne is understandably pleased to welcome him back:

“It is an horrendous injury run we have had and it is still carrying on, but we have got our captain back. That’s a big one.

“We have played really well without him but he is our leader, our captain.

“He gives us something and it gives everyone a real lift going into another difficult game.

“It has been frustrating for him – he wants to be playing every game and training every session.

“It has been a niggly injury but he is back with us now and has trained well. I think we will see him perform.”

Warne’s team beat Salford Red Devils away last time out, and will be hoping for more of the same as they look to keep their good run going. Joe Burgess, who was particularly impressive, having scored two tries is 7/1 to cross the white-wash first. Despite winning three games on the spin however, Wigan’s opposition have recorded four victories in five. The Giants’ good form came to an end against second-placed St Helens in their last game.

A match in which Huddersfield were somewhat lacklustre, and coach Paul Anderson did not hold back in his criticism, and has threatened to make changes:

“We have been really honest. We were poor and we have got to look to respond. We were shocking and have got to get better.

“We came up against a team that was very committed and energetic and we weren’t.

“I feel we have got to be aggressive, energetic and nasty in a lot of things we do, rather than nice.

“That is what we have to be and our team will reflect that.”