SAM Burgess and his Wigan Warriors counterpart Matt Peet face a strange and awkward selection scenario this weekend.

Warrington Wolves welcome their neighbours to The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday for the first Super League meeting between the two of 2024.

It is a huge game regardless of league position but given the two sides are alongside St Helens among a trio of teams to jointly top the table, the significance only increases.

However, this will be both sides’ final game before they meet 190 miles further south at Wembley Stadium in what should be a mouth-watering Challenge Cup Final.

So will points or preservation be the priority for both head coaches? Will all of the stars be out this weekend or will they be given the weekend off?

Make no mistake, both head coaches will want to win this game but will be wary of the potential cost.

Part of Burgess’ decision has been made for him, with George Williams handed a one-match ban for a late hit during Saturday’s win at Catalans Dragons that would rule him out of this game.

Warrington can contest the charge – and whether they do or not could be seen as an indicator as to how Burgess plans to approach the game – but given the danger of an lengthened suspension should the appeal be deemed frivolous, any appeal would seem highly unlikely.

There does, of course, exist the possibility that both head coaches opt to field their strongest side and worry about Wembley next week.

The winner of this game will head to London at the very least joint-top of the table – perhaps even in the sole lead depending on how Saints fare against Catalans on Friday night – and in a season as tight as this, any advantage that can be gained could prove to be priceless.

However, it is a strategy laced with risk as any injuries suffered would put Wembley places in doubt, while a suspension or failed HIA would rule them out for definite.

With that in mind, much-changed line-ups on both sides appear to be the most likely option with both having players ready to slot in.

Warrington have players waiting in the wings who have proven they can be relied upon.

Max Wood was named on the bench in Perpignan but did not get onto the field, so expect to see him feature while the likes of Stefan Ratchford, Connor Wrench, Joe Bullock and Arron Lindop – all of whom have featured in 21-man squads of late without playing – could come into contention.

Could we also see debuts handed out for the likes of new signing Dan Okoro and perhaps even youngsters such as Cai Taylor-Wray, who has also been in a 21-man squad recently?

What would you do? Cast your votes in the poll below…