Despite picking up four injuries following their win over Hull FC, Wigan Warriors have allowed two of their youngsters to go out on loan to the Championship.
Winger Josh Cartwright and prop Finn McMillan, who both made their Super League debuts earlier this season, have joined second-tier side Batley Bulldogs, and will link up with James Ford’s side ahead of their clash with Oldham RLFC on Friday.
They join Leeds Rhinos forward Jacob Stead at the club, after he too arrived at the side on loan earlier this week.
The pair join on initial one-week loans, though there is scope for that to be extended, should both sides agree.
Both will be looking to land senior minutes after being regulars in the reserves setup at Wigan this season. Both men featured in the recent win over Leeds, which took place before the Rhinos’ win over Hull KR.
There was a chance that one, if not both, could actually feature in Super League this week due to recent injuries. The Warriors will need to find a replacement winger after Noah Hodkinson fractured his skull against Hull FC, whilst injuries to Liam Farrell and Luke Thompson leave Wigan light in the pack, so a chance could have risen for McMillan to make his second top-flight appearance.
However, Wigan must feel they have enough strength in depth to cover those injuries and still send players out on loan, which again is another testament to how strong their development and pathways system is.
Real deal Rhinos, toothless Tigers stunned by York + ceasefire at Odsal – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
✍️ 𝙒𝙄𝙂𝘼𝙉 𝘿𝙐𝙊 𝙅𝙊𝙄𝙉 𝙊𝙉 𝙇𝙊𝘼𝙉!
We can announce the initial one week loan signings of Josh Cartwright and Finn McMillan from Wigan Warriors!
Josh, an outside back came through the ranks at Wigan, progressing through the Scholarship and Academy before making his… pic.twitter.com/1FNRsEXYV2
— Batley Bulldogs RLFC (@BatleyRLFC) July 1, 2026
