Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has revealed that centre Jake Wardle has a “good chance” of featuring in Friday night’s game against Warrington Wolves.
The Warriors travel to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on the back of a shock defeat to Castleford Tigers, in what was their third straight Super League loss in a row.
It is the first time in the Peet era since they have incured that stat, and with a Warrington side up next who have had a brilliant start to the year, they will need to show plenty of improvement if they are to come away with the two points.
Something that could help them to a victory though is the return of Wardle, who has been missing since round one with a knee injury.
The England international was said to be missing for 10-12 weeks at the time of his injury, but he has been able to return early, in what is a huge positive for the Cherry and Whites.
As always with early returnees, there is an element of risk that the player may not be ready to take to the field, but Peet is confident Wardle will come back into the fold on Friday evening after praising his efforts in recovery.
The Wigan boss said: “There’s a good chance he’ll play. He’s been doing his work with the physios and he seems excited.
“Physically he looks excellent as he did at the start of the season. He was frustrated to miss out after Round 1, but he’s got a lot of work done physically that will stand him in good stead.”
Wardle returned to the 21-man squad in place of Dayon Sambou, the former St Helens winger who scored a viral try in the Tigers defeat last time out.
Peet has revealed the youngster has picked up a lengthy injury, meaning Wardle’s return comes at an even more beneficial time.
Providing an update on Sambou, he said: “He did his PCL early in the game, but was determined to play on. He won’t have an operation, but he’s going to be in a brace for a few weeks at least.”
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