Wigan Warriors: Matt Peet confirms operation for key player with timeframe confirmed

Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has confirmed that Sam Powell will undergo a minor operation which will rule the hooker out for the next four weeks.

Powell, 30, was originally dropped from the starting side for last week’s derby clash against St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium in Super League.

The regular starting number #9 was again absent for the club’s quarter-final Challenge Cup tie with Warrington at the DW Stadium, with Brad O’Neill starting at hooker and Cade Cust featuring from the interchange bench.

Sam Powell to undergo surgery 

“Sam Powell originally was dropped just for selection reasons,” Peet confirmed.

“But he’s been playing with a shoulder injury and he’s going to have a small operation on that now.

“He’s been playing through the pain has Sam through the year.

“He’s been playing very, very brave and it’s time now for him to have a small operation which will keep him out for about four weeks.”

Matt Peet proud of Challenge Cup victory

Wigan booked their place in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and a tie against Hull KR following a hard-fought 14-12 victory over Warrington, despite playing 73 minutes with just 12-men.

Kaide Ellis was shown a red by official Liam Moore for a headbutt on opposition captain Stefan Ratchford.

Despite the disadvantage, Toby King went on to open the scoring against his parent club, while Abbas Miski crossed in the second half, with Harry Smith converting both tries and adding an extra two from a penalty in the first 40.

It was a tense finish at the DW Stadium, with Joe Bullock scoring on 54 minutes and later Josh Thewlis to set up a nervy final seven minutes.

And it looked like Thewlis had scored the match-winner late on, before the pass from Peter Mata’utia was ruled forward.

“I’m proud of the team, a huge amount of commitment and endeavour, which is what we asked for all week, just never giving in,” Peet added.

“Obviously with the way the game played out, that was a huge testament. The lads showed a commitment to the cause and one another.”

On the red card, Peet kept his answer short, responding: “I didn’t ask him how he was feeling, I just told him how I was feeling, which I’ll keep private. But it was 100% supportive.”

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