Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet admits this week’s clash with Catalans Dragons will probably come a little too soon for Zach Eckersley.
Eckersley has been named in the 21-man squad to take on the French side at the Brick Community Stadium and hasn’t been ruled out of the contest, with Peet giving him every chance to prove his fitness.
It comes less than a week after the youngster had to be helped from the field with a leg injury in the club’s defeat to Hull FC last weekend. Eckersley was sent for an x-ray, which came back all clear, but the knock he took has left him with severe bruising and soreness.
As such, while his inclusion in the squad suggests there’s a chance he could play against the Dragons, Peet is ready to leave him out of Friday’s game.
“It was just a really bad whack,” Peet said, per Wigan Today. “He’s got severe bruising and soreness around that. Fortunately, it wasn’t broken, but it probably is a little bit too soon this week.”
Eckersley isn’t the only doubt heading into this week’s game, with Jack Farrimond included in the squad, too. Whether the young half-back is fully recovered from the hamstring injury that has seen him miss the last two games remains to be seen, though.
While the above pair have been included, Jai Field misses out after picking up a head knock in that loss to the Black and Whites.
Wigan Warriors boss provides Jai Field latest
“Jai’s alright,” Peet added on his star full-back. “He failed the test. There was a bit of confusion there with the green card, but I think it’s the right thing for Jai for him to be looked after and rested this week. Once he came off, he wasn’t well.
“We obviously lose Jai and potentially Zach. Noah’s our reserve team full-back and he’s playing well, so this week he’s trained in that role.”
On whether Hodkinson will play, Peet added: “It’s a bit early to say but in our field sessions this week, he’s run at full-back. He’s a natural.
“He’s played there and trains there quite a bit with our players as well. He’s been in with our group all through pre-season and has played games in the Championship, so he’s used to playing against men as well.”
