Rugby League Jun 17, 2026

Wigan rest star names for Hull KR clash on Thursday ahead of Challenge Cup final nine days later

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Wigan rest star names for Hull KR clash on Thursday ahead of Challenge Cup final nine days later

Wigan have rested their star players for Thursday night's clash against Hull KR ahead of their Challenge Cup final meeting nine days later.

The Robins face off against Wigan at Craven Park in the first of a double header, with the two sides set to meet in the Challenge Cup final next week.

While Hull KR head coach Willie Peters has named the best 21-man squad available to him, Wigan boss Matt Peet has decided to switch up a huge chunk of his squad.

Zach Eckersley, Junior Nsemba, Patrick Mago and Jack Farrimond are all set for game time and only a handful of first-team regulars have been included in the side.

However, the rest of the squad is made up of youngsters with Peet able to field up to 10 potential debutants.

Your Site News has contacted the Super League for comment.

Salford Red Devils for the Round One fixture at St Helens last February.

The Red Devils fielded a team mostly made up of academy players, which they lost by a competition record 82-0.

Wigan Warriors and rugby league supporters responded angrily on X when the squad was confirmed.

"I am a Wigan fan, but that is disgraceful, no matter about Wembley. But will still be cheering them on. Good luck to the lads playing," one said.

Other examples include: "Ridiculous, just got back on track and this is a mistake."

"Expecting a points deduction for this, bringing the game into disrepute and all that like Salford did last year…"

"Not sure this one is gonna be worth the six-hour round trip."

"Didn't Salford get fined for this?"

Hull KR: Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella, Jack Broadbent, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin, Jack Brown, Karl Lawton, Jordan Dezaria, Noah Booth, Bill Leyland, Harvey Horne, Ryan Hampshire.

Wigan Warriors: Zach Eckersley, Junior Nsemba, Patrick Mago, Jack Farrimond, Sam Eseh, Tom Forber, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Nathan Lowe, Lukas Mason, Noah Hodkinson, George O'Loughlin, Finlay Yeomans, Finn McMillan, George Marsden, Josh Cartwright, Austin Daniel, Charlie Yeomans, Lewis Daniels, Shea O'Connor, Kalum Rathbone.

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