Wigan name team for Powergen
Challenge Cup final

Wigan Warriors have named their team for Saturday's Powergen Challenge Cup Final against St Helens, and confirmed that centre Martin Aspinwall will miss the clash after failing a fitness test.

Aspinwall has not played since tearing a hamstring in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final win over Warrington Wolves last month.

He had hoped to recover in time for Saturday's Cardiff showdown, but the club have announced that he was unable to prove his fitness on Tuesday.

Aspinwall joins Brian Carney, Harrison Hansen and Dave Allen in missing the game through injury, while hooker Mark Smith will miss the game after being named as 18th man.

There is, though, a boost for Great Britain international David Hodgson, who made his comeback from a ruptured Achilles in last Friday's Tetley's Rugby Super League win over Widnes Vikings.

He has been named on the right wing, with Sean O'Loughlin given the nod at centre inside him, ahead of substitute Stephen Wild.

Craig Smith and Quentin Pongia will be the starting props, while Gareth Hock and Danny Tickle begin the game at second row, with Mick Cassidy also among the replacements.

"We gave a fitness test to Martin Aspinwall but unfortunately he had not fully recovered from his hamstring injury," said coach Mike Gregory.

"It is most disappointing for Martin but we are fortunate to have David Hodgson back who has recovered from his Achilles injury."

The Warriors go into Saturday's game as 7/4 outsiders, but Gregory is confident that his side - who drew with Saints on Good Friday in Super League - can upset the odds.

"I am more than happy with the way things have gone," he said.

"Although St Helens are the supposed form team, we are the only team to have taken a point from them at Knowsley Road this year.

"St Helens are recognised by most people as playing well at the moment but we have also been unbeaten since the tremendous match on Good Friday.

"Everyone here is eagerly looking forward to Saturday. I sense a fierce determination within our team and it will be a cracking Final."

The Warriors will leave for Wales on Thursday following a special dinner at The JJB Stadium, involving a host of players who have played for Wigan in Challenge Cup Finals.

Supporters are also able to wave the team off at 2pm from the stadium.

Wigan Warriors team Kris Radlinski; David Hodgson, Sean O'Loughlin, Kevin Brown, Brett Dallas; Danny Orr, Adrian Lam; Craig Smith, Terry Newton, Quentin Pongia, Gareth Hock, Danny Tickle, Andy Farrell (c) Subs: Terry O'Connor, Danny Sculthorpe, Mick Cassidy, Stephen Wild