Fielden out for four months

Wigan have been dealt a blow with the news that Stuart Fielden will be out for up to four months with a knee injury.

Fielden, 31, was forced out of the World Club Challenge defeat against St George Illawarra with the injury, and underwent surgery on Tuesday.

Head Coach Michael Maguire said: “It is unfortunate for Stuart and the Club that he will be out of action for such a long length of time. The knee has required surgery and although the operation was successful, recovery and full rehab will take between 12 and 16 weeks.

“It is a blow to lose such an experienced player from the side but it will provide an opportunity for someone else in the Squad to seize their chance.”

Fielden arrived at Wigan mid-way through the 2006 after spending the first part of his career at Bradford.