“Months rather than weeks” – big injury layoff for Wigan Warriors star

Wigan Warriors had been aiming to lift all three trophies, just like Leeds Rhinos in 2015 and St Helens in 2006, but Sunday saw them fall to golden point defeat against Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-finals to deny them that dream.

They’re still well positioned to push for both the League Leaders Shield and the Grand Final but this weekend’s home fixture against Leigh Leopards will be absolutely key to that.

Currently Leigh sit two points ahead of Matt Peet’s men but a win could see them jump ahead into second place, which would leave them just shy of first place Catalans Dragons.

They head into the ‘Battle of the Borough’ with a relatively clean bill of health although Matt Peet has confirmed that forward Willie Isa will require surgery.

“Willie’s torn his pectoral muscle and requires surgery. We can’t define a time frame yet, but it will be months rather than weeks,” Peet stated via Wigan’s Twitter.

As such Isa is a key miss from the 21-man squad alongside the suspended Joe Shorrocks but there is a new face that’s in line for a debut.

Tyler Dupree made the switch from Salford to Wigan with Brad Singleton going the other way and the England international could debut at the weekend, as revealed by Peet.

“We are delighted to get the deal done as his skillset is exactly what we have been looking for. “There’s a lot to like about Tyler not just short-term but long-term as well.

“He has hit the ground running in practice and will feature – whether he’ll start or not I’m not sure.”

Leigh have yet to name their squad but Adrian Lam has confirmed that Joe Wardle has returned from injury, however Edwin Ipape landed a ban from Saturday’s game whilst Kai O’Donnell is still serving his suspension.