Wigan Warriors injury worry as try-scorer stretchered off against Leigh Leopards

There were concerning scenes at the Brick Community Stadium with one Wigan Warriors man stretchered off after a lengthy delay.

Zach Eckersley has been stretchered off after a long delay with the young outside back seeing his head and neck strapped by the medical team who dealt with him for under ten minutes.

Earlier in the night, Eckersley had scored a try in the corner after some brilliant work by Bevan French with the former Man of Steel dancing along the line before offloading to Eckersley.

The 21-year-old had been recalled to the squad and replaced Abbas Miski on the wing with the Lebanon international ruled out for two months after undergoing surgery on his knee.

It was unclear how exactly Eckersley suffered his injury with the outside back carrying the ball in and appearing to be the victim of a crusher-style tackle.

Referee Chris Kendall explained to the Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards captains Liam Farrell and Lachlan Lam that the incident would go on report.

He explained: “We’ve got the player injury. There’s a potential dangerous contact but there is a lot to dissect in this kind of tackle. We’re unsure if it is foul play or not so it is going to go on report and it will be looked at on Monday.”

Eckersley left the field when Wigan were leading 36-22 with Matt Peet’s side having raced into an early 12-0 lead which they stretched ro 28-12 by half time.

Two Ethan O’Neill tries shortly after the break brought it back to 28-22 but since then, Wigan kicked on via tries from Eckersley and Kruise Leeming. An Owen Trout try was a consolation as Wigan won 36-28.

It’s since been confirmed that Eckersley is conscious and will head to hospital for further checks.

65′ 🔄Warriors interchange, sponsored by @HWMoonToyota:

Off: Eckersley
On: Ellis

After a lengthy stoppage, Eckersley leaves the field on a stretcher – everyone sends their best wishes to Zach.

🍒⚪️ 36-22 🐆🔵#WWRL #SLWIGLEI pic.twitter.com/IpVAQolPKE

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) May 16, 2025