Wigan Warriors injury news: Key prop suffers setback, faces extended period in treatment room

Drew Darbyshire
Ethan Havard Wigan Warriors Alamy

Ethan Havard in action for Wigan Warriors - Alamy

Wigan Warriors prop Ethan Havard has suffered a setback to his hamstring injury and faces an extended period on the sidelines.

The England international picked up a hamstring injury in their defeat at Wakefield Trinity in Round 18, and he was initially expected to be ruled out for four to six weeks.

But the club have now confirmed that Havard has suffered a setback in training that required surgery, with coach Matt Peet saying there’s an outside chance of him playing again this year.

Wigan coach Matt Peet said: “It’s sad news for Ethan and the team.

“He is a determined character and is already working hard on his rehabilitation.

“It is a blow, we were really excited to get him back. He was looking so good through his rehabilitation, he is such a consummate professional and when he has played this year he’s been outstanding, so no doubt it’s a blow.

“But these injuries are happening across the league and itss the team who deals with these the best and are best prepared through their squad depth and lads coming in to take their chance that will do the best in the competition.

“It’s part of the job, it’s one of the worst parts of the job but it’s one we have to get on with.

“If you know Ethan he’s a very strong character, very determined and quickly after this setback he was talking in a positive manner, probably quicker than I was, so it is quite inspirational the way he reacts to adversity and full of optimism.

“There’s an outside chance he could play this year.”

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet provides injury update

Speaking in his weekly press conference, Peet provided an injury update on Willie Isa, Sam Powell and Cade Cust, the latter two of whom have been included in his 21-man squad to face Hull on Friday night.

“Willie’s timeframe is probably similar (to Ethan),” Peet said. “We’ve got to be prepared and expect to complete the season without the pair of them, but it is tight and knowing them both like we do, there is the opportunity to return a week or two early.

“Cade’s alright. If he was to play it would probably require him coming through all week without pain so we’ll see how he gets on.

“Sam’s been excellent as we would expect of a leader at this club and someone who has achieved what he has, come through his injury outstanding, got some big minutes under his belt for the reserves so he’s ready when we need to call on him.”

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