Fielden like a new signing for Wigan

Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin says the return of prop Stuart Fielden will be like a new signing for the club.

Fielden, 32, hasn’t played since tearing a pectoral muscle in training last July, and has made just one appearance for the Warriors in two seasons.

The Warriors, currently three points clear of Warrington at the top of Super League with seven games to play, are also hopeful over the fitness of Thomas Leuluai and Pat Richards.

Speaking in his blog on the club’s official website, O’Loughlin said: We’ve had a good season up to now and with a few players coming back in to the frame like Tommy and Paddy and hopefully Stu Fielden (who will be like a new signing!) we can build up a real head of steam for the play offs. 

“Speaking of Stu, hopefully he will be back training with us soon. We’re all hoping he will get out on the field this year as he’s worked so hard on his recovery and is a top bloke and a world class forward too.”

Fielden, the most expensive player in Super League history having joined from Bradford for £450,000 in 2006, has made 140 appearances for the Warriors.

They travel to London to face the Broncos, now coached by Tony Rea, at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.