WIGAN Warriors will welcome back international duo Craig Smith and Gary Connolly for this weekend's crunch clash with the red-hot Leeds Rhinos.

Leeds arrive at the JJB Stadium on Saturday in buoyant mood after upsetting reigning champions Bradford Bulls last week - a result which hauled Wigan back to within two points of the Super League summit.

But Stuart Raper's charges will be ready for them in numbers thanks to the recovery of two of their most experienced stars, who both missed the comfortable 32-0 triumph over Salford through injury.

Smith has been doubly unlucky to be struck down by a virus while recovering form an ankle injury and coach Raper said he was delighted to be getting some of his more senior players back in the fold.

"Craig Smith has had a cortisone injection and says he feels really good. He was close to being right for last week but he just needed another week's rest," he said.

"Coming into the Challenge Cup, the injury was hampering him a little bit but now he's injury-free, he should look great.

"To be fair to him, though, I think he has been playing well, even though he's been injured. And his work off the field has also been great with the influence he holds in the dressing room."

Connolly's return is crucial with fellow Great Britain ace Paul Johnson still stuck on the sidelines but Raper said their deputies had impressed in the testing times since the Challenge Cup final success.

"We have been a bit slim in a few positions - centre being one of them - but David Hodgson and Jamie Ainscough have both been outstanding for us," he said.

"So it's great to have Gary back for us but I have to give a tremendous credit to the guys who have played for us recently. "For the last three games we have had from 4-6 players out through injury but we have got on with it and the young kids who have come in have stood up and done themselves proud."

Irish winger Brian Carney is also in contention for a starting place after recovering from a bruised foot but there will be no place for long term absentees Mick Cassidy and David Furner, who are still some weeks off a comeback.