The identity of the Super League Grand Final will be finalised on Friday night when Wigan Warriors host Hull FC in the second semi-final at the DW Stadium. Warrington Wolves await the winners at the Theatre of Dreams next weekend.
These two have already met in an epic semi-final this season in the Challenge Cup and all the indications are that this one could be just as good with entire seasons on the line over 80 minutes of pulsating rugby.
Wigan Warriors
A fast finish to the season from the Warriors saw them leap frog Hull FC in the final week of the campaign to finish second in the table and secure home advantage and now they will be looking to maximise that and make it back to Old Trafford.
Wigan’s defence hasn’t been called into question all season but menacingly both for Hull FC this week and potentially Warrington Wolves next week, their attack looks to be coming into form at just the right time and when they attack well they are hard to beat because they give nothing away at the other end.
Hull FC
Hull FC led the way in the Super League table for much of the season but they just ran out of steam as the finishing line approached. They went into the final week with the chance of finishing top of the pile but defeat to Warrington meant they could only finish third and as such they are on the road for this semi.
The Black and Whites have shown their credentials in knockout rugby this season having won the Challenge Cup but you have to recognise that since they won that competition they have looked like a side for whom the tank has emptied and it will be interesting to see if they can summon up the gusto needed for another final push here.
Team News
Wigan Warriors will be without a couple of key players in Sam Tomkins and Sean O’Loughlin. The latter has been missing for a while so they’ve shown they can cope without him. Ben Flower remains suspended.
Hull FC are at full strength in terms of personnel at least with Lee Radford making just the one change to his squad from last week. That sees Jordan Abdull coming into the squad with Chris Green omitted.
Betting
If, and it is a big if, Hull FC have found some energy in their legs since last week then this is all set up to be a classic semi-final. The two have met twice at the DW this season and Hull FC have won both times so they will take plenty of confidence from that while Wigan will be doubly determined because of it.
Ultimately we have to take this match for the single entity that it is and I can’t help but feel that Hull FC have run their race. I said it last week and we saw nothing to change my mind on that so I can only believe it is the case. With that in mind I’m on Wigan Warriors here. They know all about getting to Grand Finals whereas Hull FC haven’t been there for 10 years. That experience is vital and makes me side with the hosts here.
Tips
WON – Back Wigan Warriors to beat Hull FC for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Skybet
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