The right timing pivotal as Wigan boss ensures youngsters will be given a chance in 2023

Head coach Matt Peet ensures that Wigan’s youngsters will be given their chance in the first team in 2023, with Mike Cooper ruled out for the rest of the season. 

Cooper, 34, starts his road to recovery which could take up to 12 months after suffering a knee injury in the 14-6 Good Friday derby victory over St Helens at home.

His absence for the rest of the season will provide opportunities for rising prospects to make their impact, with Harvie Hill recently recalled from his loan spell with Toulouse – though Peet admits it’s about the right timing for his up-and-coming stars.

Hill, 19, made two appearances for the French outfit in the Championship, and has been included in Wigan’s 21-man squad to face Warrington this Friday at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

A handful of youngsters were handed their debuts under Peet last season, including seven against Hull KR. The likes of Tom Forber and Junior Nsemba featured at Craven Park on that day, and have also been included in the first team squad for this Friday.

Zach Eckersley also made his first appearance against the Robins, with Peet impressed by the youngster’s recent display for Widnes on loan, scoring a hat-trick against Swinton in the Championship. 

Matt Peet will give youngsters their opportunity in 2023

“We’ve got a few (youngsters) and that’s exciting,” Peet said.

“They know they’re going to get their opportunity at some point and they’ve got to be ready.

“I think Junior (Nsemba), he trains with us all the time and we know what he’s capable of 13 on 13 in training.

“I watched him against Huddersfield reserves and he was outstanding that day.

“We know what we’ve got in our squad, so it’s just about getting the timing right and making sure when the opportunity presents itself, it’s the right one for the right player.”

“These lads are going to play a part.”

Joe Shorrocks recently returned to the picture at Wigan following his short-loan spell at Leigh, featuring in four games including wins over Hull KR and St Helens.

Good Friday became the second time that the 23-year-old has beaten the world champions, playing in the halves in his side’s victory in front of a sold-out DW Stadium.

Peet believes Shorrocks is a good role model for youngsters also knocking on the door, having waited patiently for his chance to shine.

“John Duffy is doing a fantastic job,” Peet said on loan movements.

“You’ve always got one eye on the next six or eight games and behind the scenes, John is responsible and Joe Shorrocks is a good advert for how that’s worked.

“I expect the same in the coming months with the likes of Junior, Harvie and Tom Forber.

“These lads are going to play a part. I look forward to when they do and they’ve got to be ready physically and mentally.”

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