The Wigan Warriors have announced their squad for this Friday night's (UK Time) season-opening clash with Huddersfield Giants at DW Stadium, giving a small insight into the side that we could face off with on February 22.
High-profile recruits Matt Bowen and Eddy Pettybourne have both been named in what will be their first appearance in the famous cherry and white of the Warriors, since both arrived from the NRL over the off-season.
Wigan will however be without try-scoring machine Josh Charnley after the England winger was forced into surgery following a fall at training.
"I slipped on my first day back at training and got a hernia but I have been well looked after by the medical staff. I had an operation and I have recovered quite quick," Charnley said.
"I am getting better, I haven't really been out on the pitch with the boys yet, I'm not sure how my passing skills are going to be but I can't wait to get back out there with the boys."
Charnley is expected to head south with the Warriors squad for the World Club Challenge clash.
The Warriors are coming off the back of a strong win over St Helens in a trial match last weekend, with skipper Sean O'Loughlin telling WiganWarriors.com that despite a handful of changes within the playing ranks, the defending premiers are still confident.
"We have lost quite a few players from last year but the boys that have come in and the boys we have from last year have another year under their belt have matured and physically we have seven new players perhaps pushing for three or four places. The squad looks strong, I suppose the proof is in the pudding if we turn up on Friday but at the minute we are quite confident with the way we are travelling."
Wigan Squad v Huddersfield Giants: 25 John Bateman, 1 Matty Bowen, 32 Joe Burgess, 24 Tony Clubb, 17 Dom Crosby, 12 Liam Farrell, 10 Ben Flower, 5 Anthony Gelling, 3 Darrell Goulding, 6 Blake Green, 14 Jack Hughes, 9 Michael McIlorum, 13 Sean O'Loughlin, 22 Eddy Pettybourne, 19 Sam Powell, 23 Dan Sarginson, 7 Matty Smith, 8 Scott Taylor, 4 Iain Thornley
