New Wigan Warriors signing Frank-Paul Nuuausala has put his hand up to play at Leeds Rhinos on Friday night – despite only being in the country a matter of hours – as the club’s injury problems take another turn for the worse.
Wane could hand the towering New Zealander a debut at Headingley this weekend despite having not played since Round Seven of the NRL season.
That is due to a number of injury worries the club have following last weekend’s game against Wakefield. There are doubts over both Sam Tomkins and Josh Charnley, Sean O’Loughlin is suspended and although Lee Mossop will return from suspension, the Warriors look down to the bare bones this weekend – leading Nuuausala to throw his name into the mix.
“I’m pretty tired from my flight,” explained Nuuausala, who only landed in England on Monday night.
“But everyone has given me great hospitality and I’m honoured to be here: I want to have a chance of pulling the jersey on this weekend.
“I’ve been training hard but haven’t played since earlier this year. However, Sticky (Ricky Stuart, Canberra coach) wanted me to make sure I was right for Wigan and get over my injuries so I’ve been rested up properly.”
Wane also confirmed he may have no option but to hand a debut to Nuuausala, too.
“He arrived Monday night so he slept a few hours, but he was up at 4am and he trained on Tuesday so we’ll decide whether to risk him this Friday,” Wane said.
“I want him to play as we’re struggling; we’ve got no more bodies. Dom Crosby and Anthony Gelling are not going to be good – Lee Mossop is back from suspension but that’s going to be it.”
Wane said calls over Tomkins and Charnley will be made on their team run day on Thursday, the day before the game.
