Injured Wigan man makes return as he joins Championship club on loan

Wigan centre Iain Thornley will head to Barrow Raiders on an initial two-week loan after nine months on the side-lines, and will be eligible to play in the Championship side’s game against Halifax Panthers this Sunday.

The 31-year-old made 9 appearances for Wigan in 2022, including the Challenge Cup Final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before picking up a knee injury a week later away at Castleford Tigers.

Thornley will use the opportunity to gain some valuable game time before making a bid to return for Wigan.

Wigan transition coach John Duffy said: “With no Reserves game this week this is the best opportunity for Iain to return to playing and we look forward to watching him play again. He has worked excellently through this rehabilitation.”

Meanwhile, Hull KR centre Jimmy Keinhorst is set to play for Keighley Cougars this weekend against rivals Bradford Bulls in the derby.

He is joined by another Super League loan signing in the shape of Joe Gibbons. The Leeds Rhinos youngster could feature against the Rhinos’ dual reg partners the Bulls this weekend.

Wigan though seem to be the home of loan moves with Tom Forber joining Wakefield Trinity this week after Joe Shorrocks’ move to Leigh Leopards recently.