The Wigan Warriors have confirmed their team list for the World Club Challenge Match against the Penrith Panthers, with a star forward being ruled out with an injury.
Returning to the Super League after four seasons in the NRL with the Bulldogs, Luke Thompson will miss the game against the Panthers after failing an HIA in the club's game last week. However, star halfback Harry Smith has avoided suspension and will compete in the match.
“I thought the way he started the game, Luke, and the way he'd been in pre-season, he was looking excellent,” said Wigan coach Matty Peet after last week's game.
“It's a blow but his health has to come first.
“He's taken a whack on the head and I think the sport and other sports are getting used to these sorts of things and it's the right thing for the players.”
The Wigan team will be comprised of several former NRL players and England internationals as they aim to keep the Panthers away from the title - an achievement the NRL club has yet to achieve.
Former NRL players in the team include 2023 Man of Steel winner Bevan French, former Dragons and Eels fullback Jai Field, ex-Panthers prop Kaide Ellis, and Lebanon international and former Manly Sea Eagles winger Abbas Miski.
After spending one season with the Gold Coast Titans, Kruise Leeming will be in the Wigan side, and so will Adam Keighran (Warriors and Roosters), Willie Isa (Panthers and Storm) and NRL journeyman Patrick Mago (Cowboys, Broncos and Rabbitohs).
1. Jai Field
2. Abbas Miski
3. Adam Keighran
4. Jake Wardle
5. Liam Marshall
6. Bevan French
7. Harry Smith
9. Brad O'Neill
10. Liam Byrne
11. Willie Isa
12. Liam Farrell
13. Kaide Ellis
14. Mike Cooper
15. Patrick Mago
17. Kruise Leeming
19. Tyler Dupree
20. Harvie Hill
23. Ryan Hampshire
24. Tiaki Chan
26. Zach Eckersley
27. Tom Forber
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