Wigan’s Willie Isa learns fate at tribunal ahead of much-anticipated Good Friday derby

Josh McAllister
Willie Isa, SWPix

Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com.

Wigan will be without back-rower Willie Isa for their Good Friday derby after losing his appeal to overturn his one-match suspension. 

An independent tribunal upheld a Match Review Panel decision to impose the suspension for a Grade B dangerous contact with a Leigh Leopards opponent during last Thursday’s televised fixture.

Isa, 34, was the only player to receive a ban following Super League Round Seven.

Team-mate Jake Wardle will be free to play after being sent to the sin-bin against Leigh at the Totally Wicked Stadium. The centre was fined £250 for a Grade B late contact on passer for the tackle on opposition full-back Gareth O’Brien. 

Selection headaches for Wigan boss Peet

Wigan boss Matt Peet will also be without star players Jai Field and Cade Cust due to respective injuries ahead of the Good Friday clash.

Full-back or half-back Field, 25, will be sidelined for up to 10 weeks due to a hamstring issue sustained in the win over Leigh, although Peet admitted he was fearing the worst after the speedster left the field in the latter stages of their 34-6 victory over the Leopards.

Playmaker Cust, 24, will also be forced to watch from the sidelines this Friday.

Peet confirmed a neck injury to the Australian half-back ahead of their Round Seven clash with the Leopards.

Winger Liam Marshall, who missed the win over Leigh, could be a potential boost for the Warriors. 

Full Super League Round Seven disciplinary

Kaide Ellis – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Contact – B – £250 Fine

Matty English – Huddersfield Giants – Dangerous Contact – A – Not applicable

Willie Isa – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Contact – B – 1 Match Penalty Notice

Brad O’Neill – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Contact – A – Not applicable

Brad O’Neill – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Contact – B – £250 Fine

Jake Wardle – Wigan Warriors – Dangerous Contact – B – £250 Fine

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