Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet has revealed that they welcome back one player for their trip to St Helens, whilst praising two rising stars.
Experienced prop Brad Singleton has been out of action since suffering a calf injury against Warrington on April 14.
However, he has been named in Peet’s 21-man squad for Friday’s derby clash with St Helens.
Speaking in his weekly press conference, Peet said: “Potentially he could come into the squad this week, if not, then maybe next week.
“He’s been working hard, he looks good and when he does come back he’ll be a welcome addition.”
The Warriors are down on troops in the forward pack, with Mike Cooper, Willie Isa, Ethan Havard, Kai Pearce-Paul and Singleton sidelined in recent weeks – but Peet is refusing to use injuries as an excuse.
He said: “It’s not something we’ve spoken about to be honest, it’s just about working hard on the training field and in the video room.
“We’ll get players back when the time is right and they’ll be welcome when they do, but we’ll work with the players that are available at any given time.
“You know when you put your squad together in the off-season and in pre-season that these challenges are going to come.
“Every team goes through these periods at certain times and it’s the team who weathers them the best that’ll end up finishing at the top end of the table. And then you are hoping when it comes to knockout rugby that you’ve got all hands on deck.”
Wigan Warriors boss hails young duo after impressive displays
The injuries to Peet’s pack has seen opportunities given to hot prospects Harvie Hill and Junior Nsemba, who have stood up well in Super League when called upon.
Peet said: “What it does do is when them players start to come back, our squad all of a sudden looks much deeper for what Harvie and Junior have proven they can do over the last month or so.
“When you look at St Helens and players like Jake Wingfield and George Delaney missing out, it just shows why the two clubs are so proud of their development programmes.”
Wigan travel across Billinge Hill to face St Helens in Friday night’s Super League derby clash, 8pm kick-off.
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