Combined XIII: Salford and Wigan
3 Oct 2019
Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors are 80 minutes away from the 2019 Betfred Super League Grand Final. They will go head to head on Friday night live on Sky Sports at the DW Stadium, with St Helens awaiting the winners. Here's a look at who could be in a Salford and Wigan Combined XIII.
1. Zak Hardaker
Definitely the hardest choice of the lot, Zak Hardaker or Niall Evalds, whoever it is, people will be unhappy. Niall Evalds has proved his worth in the Play-Offs, an unbelievable tackle against Castleford and an intense performance against Wigan the week before backed-up by his match intensity stats. However, big games call for big performances and Hardaker will do this on Friday night. A great attacking threat for Wigan, but the best defensive full-back in Super League...sorry Salford fans.
2. Ken Sio
Ken Sio has scored breakaway tries and also been a clinical finisher for Salford this year as one of the best wingers in Super League. He's scored 13 tries in 17 games, making 2010 metres.
3. Oliver Gildart
He'll be disappointed not to have made the 2019 Super League Dream Team, but Gildart is one of Wigan's most attacking threats, don't be surprised to see Gildart and George Williams link-up for a try.
4. Jake Bibby
Jake Bibby will join up with the Wigan squad for 2020, he's been a driving force for Salford en-route to the Play-Offs scoring 13 tries and making 2083 metres.
5. Liam Marshall
Only St Helens' Regan Grace has clocked a faster speed than Liam Marshall this season, he's scored 17 tries in 22 appearances in all competitions for Wigan.
6. George Williams
One of the two Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel candidates in this side, George Williams will be hoping this won't be his last game in the Cherry and White. Williams will join up with former team mates, John Bateman and Ryan Sutton in Canberra for 2020. This year, he's scored 14 tries and assisted 21.
7. Jackson Hastings
Like Williams, Jackson Hastings is a candidate for the Man of Steel award, he will replace Williams for Wigan in 2020 and what a signing that could be for Wigan. This year, he's made more assists than any other player (36), and he's scored eight tries.
🔥 @SalfordDevils are 80 minutes away from Old Trafford...
🤩 The performance that got them there #OwnTheMoment pic.twitter.com/4ydwHqG8DK
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) October 2, 2019
8. Oliver Partington
Oliver Partington has really come to life this season, and you cannot miss him. Involved in the majority of defensive sets, his tough tackling and wind-up merchant persona has wound up some of the more experienced of players, he'll be a key figure for Wigan in the coming years.
9. Sam Powell
Two underrated hookers, Joey Lussick and Sam Powell will go head to head on Friday. Powell gets the nod in this team, he's made 12 assists this season and has been an influential player in both defence and attack.
10. Gil Dudson
Gil Dudson signed from Widnes Vikings at the beginning of the season, he's made over 2000 metres this season and 725 tackles for Salford.
11. Josh Jones
He made the 2019 Super League Dream Team and has already committed his future to Hull FC for the 2020 season. A metre-making machine, Jones has made 3383 metres, and more tackle busts than any other player in Super League (157).
12. Liam Farrell
He's played less than half of Wigan's games this season, but his return from injury coincided with Wigan's magnificent run to finish second. He scored eight tries in 13 Super League games including a hat-trick against Wakefield Trinity.
13. Morgan Smithies
One of the nominees for the 2019 Super League Young Player of the Year award, Morgan Smithies, has made a big impact on Super League. He broke the most tackles in a game record with an astonishing 72 tackles.
The Betfred Super League Grand Final is the biggest night in Super League and takes place at Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United on Saturday 12 October (6pm KO). Secure your seat by visiting https://www.superleague.co.uk/tickets/grand-final
