Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has shared an update on the injury status of half-back Harry Smith and another key forward, with Smith previously a doubt for Sunday’s season opener against Castleford Tigers.
Smith, who featured in the Ashes for England, played much of the latter part of the 2025 campaign with a wrist injury that he underwent an operation on in the off-season.
As such, the 26-year-old has yet to feature in pre-season or the Challenge Cup game this past weekend, with Jack Farrimond partnering Bevan French in the halves as Wigan Warriors recorded the first ever 83-0 win in professional rugby league history.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, for which the 21-man squad will be named at midday on Friday, Matt Peet has confirmed that Smith will be named in the squad, though that doesn’t necessarily mean he will play.
In a media release shared on the Wigan Warriors’ website, Peet said: “Harry Smith will be in the 21. He’s got another session left, but if he comes through that alright then he’s up for selection.”
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Smith’s inclusion in the 21-man squad isn’t a guaranteed start for him as young talent Jack Farrimond will be named too, with the youngster more than ready to step up.
Peet confirmed: “Jack (Farrimond) trained today, so I’ve got some choices to make. Whether we choose to use Harry this week or not, we’re confident we’ve protected him. The good thing about his injury is he’s been able to do all his running, so he’s as fit as a fiddle.”
There was also confirmation that Sam Walters, who can play both prop or second-row, is available which is a major boost given the fact Wigan lost their prop signing Oliver Wilson to a long-term injury during the pre-season.
In respect to Sunday’s opposition Castleford, Peet praised their new head coach Ryan Carr, formerly of Featherstone Rovers and with plenty of NRL experience.
The Wigan boss said: “I know a little bit about Ryan Carr’s career. I’ve met him a few times and I’ve got big respect for him. Tactically very astute and a good man-manager from what I’ve heard.
“He’ll have them well-shaped, well-organised, fit, and the work ethic will be high. Castleford will have a strong crowd behind them, and we’ll have to be very good to get the result.”
Wigan kick off against Castleford at 3:00 pm on Sunday afternoon at the OneBore Stadium.
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