Clubs put on alert as Wigan boss ponders potential loan move for centre

With Wigan centre Iain Thornley closing in on his return from injury, head coach Matt Peet is now considering the next step for the 31-year-old.

Thornley endured a frustrating return to the Warriors in 2022, limited to just nine appearances due to injury.

He has been sidelined for nine months since picking up a knee injury last June against Castleford.

The 2013 Grand Final winner returned to full training earlier this month, with Peet now eager to get him onto the field to begin the next stage of his return.   

“He’s coming up to the point where he’s ready for an opportunity, it’s just finding the right one,” Peet said. 

“Whether that’s in reserve grade, out on loan or in first team. But it’s at that time now where he’s probably ready to test it in game intensity in the next few weeks.”

First-team players Abbas Miski, Logan Astley, Brad O’Neill and Junior Nsemba all featured in Wigan’s reserves 32-12 win over Huddersfield last weekend.

Asked about potential other loan moves, Peet responded: “We have plans, but they change. We get phone calls all the time asking about our players, so the plans are very alive. 

“Each player we have a development plan for, particular our younger players. 

“It’s about looking for the best opportunities for them on a weekly basis and at the moment that’s taking quite a bit of time and John Duffy is doing a great job in communicating with those clubs. 

“We’ve got to obviously win games and build our first team, but in the background you’ve got to be developing your next players.”

Wigan enjoying injury-free start to season

Excluding the injuries to Thornley and the returning Ryan Hampshire, Wigan have been one of the few clubs to enjoy an injury-free start to the 2023 campaign.

Peet has managed to make minimum changes to his 21-man squad since the opening round, with only Joe Shorrocks’ loan move to Leigh a main change.

And the 38-year-old coach has highlighted both luck and preparation as a part of the start to the year.

“I think there’s no doubt you’re riding your luck,” Peet said on his side’s start to the season regarding injuries. 

“Some injuries happen where you have absolutely no control over. But there’s some things that we do have control over. 

“The main one is the players. We have quite a young squad and they look after themselves. They’re very diligent and I’d like to think we train quite smart. We also have a world class facility and we’re quite fortunate to have it.

“With all those things combined, training smart, the facilities and the hard work of the players and a dose of luck, long may that continue. But we’re also prepared that we’re getting players out on loan as we mentioned that we’ve got some depth there.

“We’ll enjoy it while it lasts, but we’re also prepared for the next stage of the season.”

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