“Horrific” – Wigan Warriors dealt brutal injury blow in Challenge Cup win

Wigan Warriors eased into the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 60-6 victory over Castleford Tigers but it’s a win that has come at the cost of one of the club’s key players.

Matt Peet’s side ran in 12 tries as they hammered an injury-riddled and under-par Castleford Tigers with winger Liam Marshall continuing his impressive season by scoring a brace in each half, whilst fellow winger Abbas Miski scored two of his own.

In total eight different players scored for the Cherry and Whites, marking the second week in a row that the feat had happened, with Wigan having now scored 20 tries and 100 points in the two games after their Good Friday derby loss to St Helens.

The victory has set up a repeat of last year’s semi-final against Hull KR in which Brad Schneider delivered a masterclass and a final drop goal to knock the holders out and the current form of each side suggests fans will be in for a classic.

It is a win that has come at a great cost though with Matt Peet confirming after the game that his side will be without Willie Isa for the foreseeable future.

Wigan Warriors forward suffers “horrific” injury

Peet confirmed the news of Isa’s injury to the Wigan Warriors’ website in his post-match review with the powerful forward having left the field in the first half.

“He’s dislocated and broken an area in his lower leg,” Peet explained.

“He needs an x-ray tonight to find out the extent.”

Whilst there isn’t an estimated return date currently it certainly won’t be a return in time for the semi-final which is set for the weekend of 18th and 19th May at a natural venue which is to be confirmed this week.

Isa was stretchered from the field with fans on social media labelling the injury as “horrific”, even going further than Peet and claiming that it was a broken ankle.

The fan posted: “Willie Isa has broken his ankle. Seeing his foot like that was horrific. Hope he’ll be alright, sending him much love.”

Everyone at Serious About Rugby League echoes that last sentiment and wishes Isa all the best in his recovery, the iconic forward being a fan favourite at the DW Stadium.

He was one of the try-scorers in that victory over Leigh last week which prompted ridicule from former teammate Sam Tomkins over Isa’s lack of try-scoring prowess.

It had marked just the 17th in his Wigan career and his first since the 2021 season. Hopefully he can recover well and be back on the field scoring again this season.

Willie Isa has broken his Ankle 🤢🤢🤢
Seeing his foot like that was horrific 😱
Hope he’ll be alright, sending him much love 🙏🙏🙏🍒🤍🍒🤍

— DeanC_2024 (@DeanC_2024) April 14, 2024