Wigan Warriors Scramble to Reshape Spine Ahead of Magic Weekend Clash with St Helens
As Wigan Warriors prepare to take on fierce rivals St Helens in the annual Magic Weekend event, coach Matt Peet faces a significant challenge in reshuffling his team’s spine. The Warriors have endured a string of injuries and suspensions that have left them thin on options in critical positions.
Star duo Jai Field and Bevan French have both suffered hamstring issues, with fullback Field recently returning to action, while French is still around a month away from recovery. Additionally, starting hooker Brad O’Neill has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury.
The Warriors were dealt another blow when key halfback Harry Smith was referred to the RFL tribunal following a Grade E striking offense in their 30-4 defeat to Leeds Rhinos on Saturday. This suspension will see Smith sidelined for three to five matches.
“With these key absences, Peet is left with limited options to fill the spine positions.”
Jai Field is expected to retain his role at fullback, while the halfback pairing and hooking duties remain uncertain. The halfback dilemma presents Peet with a few potential solutions, including Ryan Hampshire, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, and Jack Farrimond.
In the hooking position, Kruise Leeming is set to take on a more prominent role, and the Warriors may also turn to Tom Forber, who has recently returned from an ankle injury, to provide cover from the bench.
The possibility of shifting the dynamic Jai Field back into the halves has also been discussed, with Eckersley potentially slotting in at fullback, but this would be a bold and unexpected move.
As Wigan Warriors navigate these injury and suspension challenges, coach Matt Peet and his staff face a crucial task in finding the right combination to overcome their fierce rivals St Helens at Magic Weekend. The outcome of this derby clash could have significant implications for the Warriors’ season.
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