BWhcSL: Round 13 Preview

It’s the penultimate round in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League as the top four battle for home advantage with the Play-Offs just two weeks away.

Wigan Warriors return to action this weekend when they host Edinburgh Giants (KO 2pm).

The Warriors have enjoyed an impressive campaign to date and strengthened their position in the top four with a landmark victory over Halifax Panthers three weeks ago - becoming the first team since 2024 to beat them:

“I think any win in the league is an important one and it helps us. Obviously, they were missing players and we can only play what's in front of us, but even without the England players, it was still a competitive lineup from Halifax,” said the Warriors’ Jack Heggie.

“We played very, very well on the day and I think we were good for the win, they still had a good team out there in offence.”

With some changes in the off-season, the Warriors are set to comfortably earn a spot in the play-offs, with the goal now turning to securing home advantage:

“We've not completely changed how we do things, I think we've been benefactors of some good performances this year,” added Heggie.

“We've got a new coach in Phil [Roberts] which has changed our mentality and how we do things a little bit more.

“We've also got a couple more players with Matt [Turner] coming from North Wales Crusaders who's been a great addition to the team.

“And we've got a few guys that are from our development and reserves teams that are a year older, a year more experience under the belt.

“So, when we've had players missing, we know we've been able to fill them in with players that have that extra experience.

“I think the games are close between us and Leeds and London and sometimes it can be determined by one score.

“I think last year we didn't put our best performances forward against Leeds and London, particularly I think away in the away matches.

“So, I think it's just these minor changes. But again, normally these results are sort of a 50-50 call and it's who plays better on the day.”

With the move to a full home-and-away format more than doubling the length of the season, this year has presented a significant but valuable challenge for every side:

“I think it's important that the league, introduced home and away games as opposed to last year.

“I don't think last year’s league format was fair in the respect that some teams had to travel more than others.

“For example, we had both Edinburgh away and London away, whereas some teams didn't have to make that travel and it does impact on results.

“Obviously the additional games is a challenge, it's a logistical challenge and it's a performance challenge because it's not like the running game where we're professional.

“I can't remember the exact figures but I think we've used 14 or 15 players this year, which is probably the most we've ever done.

“But we're proud of that again because it gives players opportunities to play at the top level, whereas last year, because we had fewer games, we didn't have the same opportunity.”

Sheffield Eagles and London Roosters also meet on Saturday, with the Eagles looking to finish their campaign on a positive note as they play out the final rounds of the season (KO 11:45am).

London, meanwhile, will be aiming to strengthen their push for home advantage in the top four.

Elsewhere, Leeds Rhinos welcome Hull FC in their first meeting since Round 4 of the competition (KO 2:30pm).

On that occasion, the Rhinos ran away with the game, but FC will be determined to produce an improved performance this weekend and test Leeds for the full contest.

The Rhinos are still battling it out for second place alongside London Roosters and Wigan Warriors. Who will secure second spot?

The final game of the weekend then sees Halifax Panthers host Bradford Bulls (KO 3pm).

The Panthers need one more point from their last two games to secure the League Leaders' Shield, and they have a far superior points difference to both London Roosters and Wigan Warriors.

With their first full regular season in the top-flight almost complete, the Bulls will be eager to deliver another strong showing and underline the impact they have made on the competition this year.

Betfred Wheelchair Super League – Round 13 Fixtures:

Saturday 22nd August

Sheffield Eagles v London Roosters – KO 11:45am

Wigan Warriors v Edinburgh Giants – KO 2pm

Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC – KO 2:30pm

Halifax Panthers v Bradford Bulls – KO 3pm