Wigan Warriors coach Shaun Wane has revealed that he is hopeful of welcoming back a quartet of top stars for next weekend’s Challenge Cup tie against Castleford Tigers, as his horrific injury situation begins to ease.
Sean O’Loughlin and Matty Bowen both return from injury without any ill-effects during the Warriors’ disappointing loss to Huddersfield on Thursday night but, speaking after the game, Wane confirmed his squad should be even stronger for the quarter-final clash with the Tigers – as well as revealing second-rower John Bateman played the game with an infection in his jaw.
He told the media: “I’ve got Ben (Flower) back next week, as well as Eddy Pettybourne, Liam Farrell and hopefully Josh Charnley. So we can start making changes and I’m looking forward to making a few decisions in a team selection meeting.
“That was always planned; he didn’t want to come off – and neither did John Bateman. I thought they were both really good, but it was always the plan to take Lockers off with 20 minutes remaining. John has had an infection in his jaw, and he’s played through it – but he’s a tough guy, and that’s what he does.”
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