Iain Thornley had become somewhat of the forgotten man at the DW stadium given his injury and the fact that the two major signings for Matt Peet were both centres.
Despite that Thornley is now at the back end of his recovery and is at the returning to match fitness phase, something that a loan move will help out.
Thornley has made a short term loan move to Barrow Raiders of the Championship and he helped the struggling side to their first league win of the season this weekend.
Barrow pulled off a shock as they beat the impressive Halifax Panthers and Thornley was delighted to get back into the action.
In comments made to Wigan’s website he explained his recovery and what’s to come.
“I managed to get 60-minutes out, which is what I’ve been recommended by Wigan being my first game in 10-months since doing my ACL but I’m good to go now, I can carry on and play full matches so it was good to get the minutes in and get that box ticked.”
Reflecting on the injury process, he added: “It’s been a long road. It’s one of those injuries where there’s a bit of clock watching at times, waiting for things to heal. It’s just good to be where I am now, back playing.”
On the game, he said: “We [Barrow] only won 16-12, it was 10-10 at half time so it was a good competitive game of rugby. I really rate the Championship and the rugby that they play, I’ve played there myself before and I think the intensity that they play at is great, especially for someone like myself coming back from injury.”
Thornley’s try was decisive given the tight margin of victory but he played down his contribution.
“I didn’t really have to do much, the winger kind of did all the work for me – it was literally a case of putting the ball down but they all count whether it’s a meter or ninety-nine, they’re all the same points.”
Finally, he spoke on his aims going forward: “I could only do 60-minutes in this one, so I’ve got that box ticked. My next game I can do 80-minutes, kick-on and get some form, show what I can do and put my hand up for selection for Matty.”
