Finch to miss start of season

New Wigan signing Brett Finch will miss the start of the season after picking up a neck injury.

Finch, 29, joined the club from Melbourne in the close season but requires surgery, ruling him out of the first games of 2011.

Head Coach Michael Maguire said: “The news is a blow to the Club and the player and as yet we are unsure of how long he will be on the sidelines but he will miss the start of the 2011 season. Brett is a great character and we know he will be looking to bounce back as soon as possible.”

Finch will therefore miss Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Salford, although fellow new signings Ryan Hoffman and Jeff Lima are set to feature.

Martin Gleeson (calf) and Sam Tomkins (groin) also miss out, while Pat Richards continues to make his recovery from the Achilles injury he sustained in last season’s Grand Final.

Maguire added: “The boys are really looking forward to their first competitive action of 2011 and Salford will provide a great test for us. Pre-season games are vitally important we have chosen a strong squad of 20 players for the clash.”

Squad: Amos Roberts, Darrell Goulding, Stefan Marsh, George Carmont, Josh Charnley, Paul Deacon, Thomas Leuluai, Andy Coley, Michael McIlorum, Paul Prescott, Ryan Hoffman, Joel Tomkins, Sean O’Loughlin, Stuart Fielden, Jeff Lima, Harrison Hansen, Liam Farrell, Lee Mossop, Chris Tuson, Karl Pryce.