Wigan returnee named for first appearance of season with decision made on Ryan Hampshire

Iain Thornley will make his first appearance of the season after being named on the wing for Wigan for their Super League clash against Hull at the MKM Stadium. 

Thornley, 31, returned to full training in March following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The outside-back suffered a knee injury against Castleford in Round 14 of the 2022 Super League season, and underwent nine months of recovery.

He featured on loan at Barrow earlier this season, marking his professional return with a try on his only appearance for Paul Crarey’s side in the 16-12 victory over Halifax at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.

Thornley was recalled by Wigan shortly after, named in the squad to face St Helens on Good Friday, but did not feature.

Following his appearance for the reserves in the win over Wakefield, Thornley has been named on the wing alongside centre Jake Wardle, with Liam Marshall missing out. Abbas Miski partners Toby King on the other side.

Decision made on Ryan Hampshire

Meanwhile, Ryan Hampshire has been named as 18th man by head coach Matt Peet. The utility back made his long-awaited return from injury for the reserves, as Wigan defeated Wakefield 26-12 at Robin Park Arena.

He was named in the halves for his first game since suffering an ACL injury last June with Castleford, scoring a try in the victory.

Hampshire returned to his junior club ahead of the 2023 campaign from the Tigers on a one-year deal, with further options in the club’s favour for two more.

Following the side’s Super League win over Wakefield prior to the international break, Harvie Hill and Junior Nsemba retain their place in the 17, named on the bench.

Meanwhile, Jake Trueman has been named for his Hull debut by head coach Tony Smith. The playmaker has been named on the bench, with Jake Clifford and Ben McNamara starting.

Trueman, 24, has been sidelined since last July after suffering an ACL injury against Huddersfield, ending his Tigers career prematurely before linking up with Hull on a three-year deal ahead of 2023.

Hull: Litten, McIntosh, Sutcliffe, Tuimavave, Scott, Clifford, McNamara, Fash, Houghton, Sao, Griffin, Lane, Cator. Bench: Dwyer, Satae, Taylor, Trueman. 18: Lovodua.

Wigan: French, Miski, King, Wardle, Thornley, Shorrocks, Smith, Havard, Powell, Byrne, Pearce-Paul, Farrell, Smithies. Bench: Mago, O’Neill, Hill, Nsemba. 18: Hampshire.

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