Wigan Warriors forward pack ‘too small’ slams four-time Grand Final winner
Four-time Super League Grand Final winner Kyle Amor has laid into Wigan’s forward pack, claiming they were ‘too small’ to compete against St Helens during their 34-16 Super League defeat.
Matt Peet’s side have claimed just one win in their last five Super League fixtures, while they cemented their spot in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup with an 18-14 win over Leeds at Headingley Stadium.
The Warriors have fallen to defeats to Hull, Leeds, Catalans and St Helens since the beginning of May, picking up their only Super League two points against Hull KR at Craven Park in Round 13.
Their recent form has seen the side drop to the last play-off place on the Super League table in sixth, although a strong start to the campaign means they are still only four points from table toppers Catalans.
Wigan have been struck by a handful of injuries throughout the campaign, losing experienced prop forward Mike Cooper for the rest of the season after suffering multiple knee ligaments damage on Good Friday.
Kai Pearce-Paul, Willie Isa and Ethan Havard are also currently sidelined with respective injuries, while Brad Singleton returned to action for the first time since the win over Warrington in April to feature last Friday.
Injuries have seen the likes of Harvie Hill and Junior Nsemba given their chance in the first team in 2023, with five appearances each so far, while some supporters have expressed their concern and would be keen to see the side search into the market amid the current injury crisis.
Commentating during Friday’s clash at the Totally Wicked Stadium for the BBC alongside Dave Woods, ex-Saints prop Amor gave his brutal assessment on Wigan’s current pack situation.
Friday marked back-to-back defeats for the Warriors follow a humiliating 46-22 defeat to Catalans at Magic Weekend inside St James’ Park, with recently-retired Amor giving his thoughts during the coverage.
Kyle Amor: Wigan’s pack ‘too small’
“I just think this Warriors pack at the moment, they’re just too small,” Amor said.
“They can’t compete and they can’t cope.
“We saw that at Magic Weekend against Catalans Dragons with the sheer size and power that they have.
“They’ve not been able to deal with St Helens at all in the same fashion.”
Wigan have previously been linked with a move for off-contract England international Luke Thompson, although any speculated deal wouldn’t begin until 2024.
It’s a sparse market for off-contract forwards, which would provide Peet with a huge challenge in bringing in any imminent signings for a mid-season boost.
Isa, 34, is still expected to be sidelined for “months” with a hamstring issue, while NRL-bound Pearce-Paul still has around a month of recovery remaining.
And Wigan aren’t the only Super League club looking into the market, with Warrington boss Daryl Powell admitting that the club are searching following the 12-match suspension handed to Josh McGuire.
Leeds may also be in the market amid their own injury crisis within their forward pack, with the likes of Tom Holroyd, Sam Lisone, Morgan Gannon and Zane Tetevano all currently injured.
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