Wigan Warriors travel to Wakefield Trinity on Friday for the senior squad’s first pre-season friendly ahead of the 2024 Super League season.
Head coach Matt Peet has delivered early team news ahead of the fixture, which celebrates Wakefield captain Matty Ashurst’s testimonial.
A mixture of the club’s reserves and academy took on League 1 outfit and dual-registration partners Midlands Hurricanes in the first game of 2024, with the youthful side claiming a 24-20 win at Alexander Stadium.
Peet attended the game in Birmingham despite not being in charge, and first-team players Jack Farrimond, Harvey Makin, Jacob Douglas, and Tom Forber all appeared, as did new addition Tiaki Chan as loose forward for the first time.
First-team player Patrick Mago also attended as a spectator, with one player named above in particular catching the attention of Peet.
“I thought it was a good game all around,” the Wigan boss said.
“I was impressed by the Midlands Hurricanes team, they threw some good attacking shape at our lads and obviously there were some physical bodies, some men against our academy players.
“It was probably just the kind of challenge we needed, and it’s always wonderful to get the victory for the young guys.
“I thought Harvey Makin was the best on the day, I thought he was excellent and it comes off the back of a strong end to last season and good work in pre-season.”
Peet said he plans to choose a powerful forward pack for the trip to Belle Vue, with Daryl Powell in charge of only his second Wakefield game since his off-season appointment, having faced Leeds Rhinos on Boxing Day.
The Championship team has picked a strong squad for the meeting at Belle Vue, with 2022 Challenge Cup winner Iain Thornley set to face his previous club after making the move on a 12-month deal.
The fixture could provide spectators with the first chance to see new recruit props Luke Thompson and Sam Eseh.
“We move on to Wakefield, which should see a more senior team without us being full strength,” Peet said.
“Our middle unit will be full strength with plenty of depth there, they’ll all play limited minutes and we’ll just rotate them.
“It will then be a young back-line and young three-quarter line, the half-backs. It won’t be full strength, but in terms of our middle unit, supporters are going to get a chance to see everyone in short bursts.
“Wakefield will make a good team. They’ve done an excellent job of recruiting, and Daryl Powell consistently teaches his teams effectively.
“I expect a lot of ball movement and thrilling rugby league, so their shape will undoubtedly put us to the test.
“They’ve got some big bodies as well, so I believe it’ll be a tough test for us through the middle half.
“We want to get some minutes and contact under our belts and then build into the Hull game the week after.”
On Sunday, February 4, the Warriors will face Tony Smith’s Black and Whites at the MKM Stadium.
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