WIGAN WARRIORS head coach Matt Peet believes that “something has to give” in relation to the spate of injuries being suffered across the board in Super League.
Injuries have been mounting in 2026, with Junior Nsemba, Jack Farrimond and Nathan Lowe the latest casualties for Wigan heading into the final stages of the season.
With the World Cup taking place at the end of the year, it’s fair to say that internationals will not be able to recover as well from a gruelling domestic season.
And Peet believes that a short pre-season and budget constraints are among a number of factors that have intertwined to make the 2026 campaign one ladened with injuries.
“From late January/early February, they play every week, they have a short pre-season and the salary cap makes it very hard to carry more players and older players,” he explained.
“We get a loop game (at Magic Weekend) which is very intense and we wouldn’t have it any other way, but that brings its own challenge.
“We’re getting exactly what you would expect. When you put these sorts of athletes at it relentlessly with no breaks and a short pre-season and then we expect them to play in a World Cup at the end of the year, something has to give.
“We are all dealing with it the best we can, every club is in the same boat but it’s now the nature of the game.”
Peet also touched upon a wider issue of players being fined for incidents which are later promoted by the powers-that-be.
“We promote gladiatorial contests. We encourage physicality with the way we promote the game but then fine lads on a Monday morning for being a split-second out with their timing.
“I’m not even complaining about disciplinary points or suspensions, I’m complaining about fines.
“You fine these players after you sell the game on the back of high collisions and high speeds. It’s a tough one.”