Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has spoken about the possible return of veteran forward Willie Isa after he was pictured back in training following his horror injury earlier in the season.
Isa was stretchered off the field during April’s Challenge Cup tie with Castleford Tigers following what Matt Peet described as a “dislocation and fracture in his lower leg”.
It was later revealed to be Isa’s ankle that had been broken and dislocated and now, almost five months to the day after the incident, the Wigan Warriors head coach has spoken about Isa’s possible return.
“Willie is working phenomenally hard as he has done since day one of his injury,” Peet told Wigan Today.
Back in April, shortly after the injury, Isa took to social media declaring “the comeback is on… again” as he also admonished tackler Sylvester Namo of any blame.
The Wigan Warriors veteran had posted on X: “This moment was hard to comprehend + come to terms with but I realise it is part of the game + have no blame on anyone!
“Incredibly grateful for the medical staff at @WiganWarriorsRL & @CTRLFC & for all the messages of support from the RL community.
“The comeback is on.. again.”
No set return date for Wigan Warriors veteran
Credit: Imago Images
Isa is one of four Wigan Warriors players who are off contract at the end of the season and there had been fears that he could have played his final game for the club, but the news that he is back in training brings a glimmer of hope that he could still play in 2024.
Despite not taking to the field, Isa has played a major role in the club’s success as Peet spoke about his huge influence, noting: “He’s still part of our leadership group, he’s still part of this club and this team and he’s still having a big influence on what you’re seeing on and off the field.”
On the forward’s actual fitness and chances of returning to play, Peet explained: “He’s in great physical condition, but his injury was that bad that it’s still from one day to the next.
“We’re in the territory of pushing a little bit and then some days he reacts really well, but some days he pulls up a bit sore.
“He’s doing everything he can to get himself back. There’s no contact (training) yet, just running, changing direction and getting some decent load into him.
“The contact will come right at the last stage before he plays, but that’s not imminent.”
Wigan Warriors’ final two regular season games come at home against Leeds Rhinos on Friday and Salford Red Devils next week. With the Warriors expected to finish inside the top two, they would have a week off meaning that their first play-off game would come in the first week of October.
