Friday’s Derby Clash: A Test for Hooking Departments
The highly anticipated derby clash between Wigan Warriors and St Helens is poised to be a real test for both teams’ hooking departments. Ahead of the crucial encounter, both clubs are facing a potential crisis at the number 9 position.
Wigan’s starting hooker Brad O’Neill has been handed a one-match suspension by the RFL’s Match Review Panel, ruling him out of the derby. Already missing the injured Kruise Leeming, the Warriors are now uncertain about the fitness of young hooker Tom Forber, who has not been included in their matchday squad for several weeks.
Similarly, St Helens are also dealing with a shortage of genuine hooking options. They will appeal the ban given to Mbye, while Daryl Clark was absent for last weekend’s defeat to Castleford. The Saints are thin on the ground when it comes to viable hooking alternatives.
Both teams do have players who could potentially slot in at hooker if needed. Wigan could turn to utility player Ryan Hampshire, who has experience in the spine, or Adam Keighran, who has played hooker earlier in his career. For Saints, James Bell, who has proven his versatility, could be a suitable option, especially with Morgan Knowles potentially returning.
“The more likely scenario for both clubs is to turn to their talented youth systems. Wigan’s Tom Ratchford and St Helens’ Jake Burns, who recently made his senior debut, could be afforded the opportunity to shine in the high-stakes derby match.”
However, the transfer market remains a possibility, but both Wigan and St Helens are known for their commitment to developing and promoting players from their junior systems, making this the least likely option for the teams to consider ahead of Friday’s clash.
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