New Giants arrival Lee Mossop will miss Cup-tie

May 27 2009 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Wigan are making plans to fly stand-off Tim Smith back from Australia, where he is currently on compassionate leave, but are unsure whether he will arrive in time to play at the JJB Stadium.

Coach Brian Noble is more confident of having the services of centre George Carmont and second rower Phil Bailey, who both missed the Warrington game through injury.

Salford will be without winger Darrell Goulding, who is on loan from Wigan and Cup-tied, but the return to fitness of New Zealand scrum half Jeremy Smith and Australian prop Craig Stapleton means coach Shaun McRae can select from an otherwise full-strength squad.

“Both Stapo and Jeremy Smith will be available and come into the squad, but it’s far too early to say who will be play at this stage,” said McRae.

Salford, who have won their last three matches, knocked Wigan out of the Cup in 1996 and 2006.

The City Reds go into the clash with their confidence high after two highly impressive Super League wins.

They followed up the 24-4 win at the Giants with a home triumph over Bradford Bulls.