Bevan French: Wigan full-back to wait for return

Bevan French won’t return for Wigan for this Friday’s Challenge Cup clash with Salford.

French, 26, returned to the UK earlier in February. He travelled to France for the club’s 10-day trip, but is yet to make his first appearance of the season for the Warriors.

Head coach Matt Peet confirmed that French and Iain Thornley are working towards their recovery but will not feature.

The Wigan boss had previously hinted that the full-back could have made his first appearance in the club’s Challenge Cup journey.

Thornley, 30, sustained an injury in the opening round against Hull KR and has been sidelined since.

Fans to wait for Bevan French return

“Bevan’s not quite ready,” said Peet. 

“Same with Iain (Thornley). They are both working hard. 

“They are close. They’re training hard and both getting back on the field with the team. 

“Bevan won’t be this week.”

However, there is some good news for Wigan fans. Centre or winger Jake Bibby will return, having missed the club’s victory against Castleford last Thursday.

Peet added: “Jake Bibby will come back in. He’s the only one. He’ll come back in for Sam Halsall. We are fortunately relatively healthy apart from the two suspensions. We are in good shape.”

The sixth round Challenge Cup clash between Wigan and Salford will be broadcast live on Premier Sports on Friday.

Full draw

Five of the eight Challenge Cup ties in the sixth round will be televised.

Wigan v Salford (Friday, Premier Sports)

Sheffield v Hull (Saturday)

Whitehaven v St Helens (Saturday, The Sportsman)

Catalans v Featherstone (Saturday)

Hull KR v Leigh – (Saturday)

Leeds v Castleford – (Saturday, BBC)

Warrington v Wakefield (Sunday, Premier Sports)

Barrow v Huddersfield (Sunday, BBC)

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