Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has a selection headache on his hands, but one that is much more frustrating than a month ago.
The Warriors have lost both Bevan French and Jai Field in recent weeks, with the bitter news of French’s lay-off being confirmed earlier today [Tuesday].
The former Man of Steel will miss the next 16 weeks with a torn hamstring, whilst Field is set for a month on the sidelines due to suffering with appendicitis.
Losing the club’s two best players is somewhat of a nightmare for the current league leaders, who head into Challenge Cup action this week against Bradford Bulls.
The majority of Super League clubs are currently without their first-choice full-backs, with injuries being sprung up all across the league.
Wigan, like all other clubs, will need to rely on their squad depth to get them through the next few months before the star men are able to return to the action.
With that in mind, here are a few potential options that Wigan could utilise going forward, as they adapt to having neither French nor Field in the starting side.
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Potential Wigan Warriors selection options
Full-back: Zach Eckersley, Wing: Dayon Sambou, Halves: Jack Farrimond and Harry Smith
This option seems the most likely, given that Eckersley is experienced in the full-back role, having played there throughout his academy days and at times in the Wigan first-team.
That would mean Peet would need to find a replacement winger, be that Nathan Lowe or Dayon Sambou, and it also means that Farrimond and Smith can partner each other in the halves.
The pair combined well in victory over Toulouse, with youngster Farrimond racking up four assists on the afternoon, whilst Smith controlled the game well from half-back.
Full-back: Noah Hodkinson, Wing: Zach Eckersley, Halves: Jack Farrimond and Harry Smith
Another potential selection choice would be for the boss to rely on another youngster in the spine, and that would be 20-year-old Hodkinson. The speedster has yet to make his Super League debut, but did recently turn out for Salford in the Championship, helping them to victory.
Keeping the halves pairing the same is so important in building consistency, and it also leaves Eckersley to remain on the wing, where he has been so dominant this season.
With French out for the long-term, it gives Farrimond an expected run in the side, something that he will be looking to take with both hands after limited time in the first team so far in his career.
