Matt Peet gives encouraging update on injured player

Matt Peet has provided an injury update from Robin Park Arena ahead of Friday’s Round 3 encounter against Castleford Tigers.

Iain Thornley returned to the field for full training with the squad on Tuesday morning following his recovery from a knee injury sustained at Castleford in Round 14 of the 2022 Betfred Super League.

Thornley has been sidelined for 9-months but is looking closer to being available again for the Warriors. Speaking on Thornley, Peet said: “Iain has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes with the physios so it’s nice to see him back amongst his team mates and he’s looking good.”

Ryan Hampshire also continues his recovery from an ACL injury, however Peet says that there are no further injury concerns heading into Round 3: “We’re fully fit from last week and there’s some decisions to make.”

Peet also spoke about the challenge posed by the trip to Castleford.

Peet said: “As much as it’s a challenge, its a fantastic place to go and play. It’s a challenge and hopefully that’s what the players play it for. What players want is that intensity in the ground, that noise and rivalry make it an atmosphere.”

💬 MP on venue at Castleford: "As much as it's a challenge, its a fantastic place to go and play. It's a challenge and hopefully that's what the players play it for. What players want is that intensity in the ground, that noise and rivalry make it an atmosphere."#WWRL #SLCASWIG

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) February 28, 2023

He also weighed in on the threat that the Tigers pose and backs them to start winning games at some point soon:

“They’ll know at sometime it will turn for them. They’ll be confident that they’ll begin to execute chances properly. They’ve got that quality and experience that they will start winning games at some point.

“Although the result didn’t go their way (against St Helens), there were lots of threats. We are aware that they bring a massive challenge.”

Wigan themselves started the season with a defeat, and Peet spoke about the importance of early season form:

“I think it’s part of building momentum. I think it can build confidence. I also think peaking at the right time is important and I think the best way to do that is thinking about the process each week.”

There was of course confirmation of Joe Shorrocks’ departure earlier today and Peet explained the decision to let him go on loan:

“He needs to play and he deserves to play. He’s trained really and well and he’s a player I rate highly. There will be times in the year we need Joe and we know he’ll be looked after at Leigh.”