Matt Peet has provided an injury update as John Bateman returns to the squad for the first time since suffering a broken rib at Magic Weekend five weeks ago.
Matt Peet confirmed that both John Bateman and Liam Farrell would be back in contention ahead of Friday’s game against Toulouse. Bateman has been sidelined since suffering a broken rib against St Helens at Magic Weekend, whilst Farrell has been held back with a calf strain.
On the return of Bateman, Peet said: “A timely boost. He’s worked very hard, he’s been dying to play for a while now. He’s looking great in training and he’s a quality player but he brings us that leadership as well.”
It would be a huge boost for Peet to have both experienced back-rowers back in the side as they meet a desperate Toulouse side needing to win to stay in Super League.
Morgan Smithies was a late withdrawal against Wakefield on Sunday, Peet said he is back in contention this week: “He has a chance, we’ll make that call tomorrow but he won’t be rushed or pushed. It’s not worth the risk, to pull a calf at this time of year would be devastating for us so we’ll look after him and everybody else.”
Peet also provided an update on Club captain Tommy Leuluai and Sam Powell: “We’re getting towards the end of the season now so it’s getting closer where we’ll have to make a call on both of them. They’re both working really hard, I mentioned last week about the work Tommy has been doing at St George’s and every time I walk past Sam Powell he has a different contraption on, he’s never away from the training ground which is what we expect from him and everyone else.”
Wigan will be wanting to get back on the horse following a disappointing loss to Wakefield last week, but they will also have to do without big forward Mike Cooper who has received a one-match ban following a dangerous contact charge.
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