Wigan suffer huge injury blow

Wigan could be without Michael McIllorum for the rest of the season and Willie Isa for some time after both picked up injuries in the Warriors’ deflating World Club Series defeat to Brisbane.

McIllorum was forced from the field with a suspected broken ankle while Isa injured his knee.

Wane said McIllorum had gone straight to Manchester for scans after leaving the pitch.
“It’s a bad one I think,” he said.

“We took him straight to the hospital. We’ve got a good guy looking after him. It’s not good.

“But that’s nothing to do with the points and performance. No excuses for us. Willie’s done something to his knee, so it could be a costly one for us tonight. It is what it is.”

Matty Smith also received a whack on his knee and could be in doubt for Wigan’s next game against the Red Devils. The Warriors are already without a number of key players, including Sam Tomkins, Joel Tomkins and Lee Mossop.

The Warriors take on Salford this Thursday night and Wane will be seeking a quick response from his players.

“I’m disappointed but there are two ways of responding – some teams will sulk and others dust themselves down and make sure they get better,” he said.

“We need to get back into Salford on Thursday and I’m glad it’s so quick. As daft as it sounds, that will be the best thing that’s ever happened to us. We need to use that as a springboard, a learning curve and make sure we bounce back on Thursday.”