Wigan Warriors news: Matt Peet provides Bevan French update

Bevan French is expected to arrive in the UK later this week, Wigan head coach Matt Peet has confirmed.

The full-back has been with family in Australia following the passing of his mother.

French had returned to Australia last year after suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in June. He has undergone his rehabilitation Down Under, whilst also looking after his mother, who was battling a long illness.

The Australian will return to the country later this week to link up with Peet and his squad for the 2022 Super League campaign.

The Wigan boss also confirmed that he will not be in contention to play for the Warriors in their season opener against Hull KR.

Wigan fans to wait for Bevan French and his return to the field

When asked when fans may see the talented full-back return, Peet said: “It’s definitely too early – maybe ask me once I’ve had a week with him.

“Not that we’re expecting any shocks because we’ve been working closely with him, the fact is that he’s had a couple of weeks where he probably hasn’t done a lot.

“We’re going to get him in, put him through all the proper checks then we’ll probably be able to give you a date to pencil in.”

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Matt Peet on first game

Wigan will open their 2022 campaign with a trip to Craven Park on Friday night.

It will be Peet’s first competitive game in charge of the club, heading into the season with two victories in pre-season over Newcastle Thunder and Warrington.

On what his side can expect, Peet said: “I think they’ll play with freedom. They’ll move the ball you would expect. But I’m also aware that they can play direct. I remember a few years ago, it was one of the games post-covid and empty stadiums, and we were expecting all the ball movement and they went straight through the heart of us.

“I think it’s going concentrating on ourselves knowing Hull KR are a team who oppose a lot of different challenges.

“It’s a great test of our system and our ability to adapt. They’re going to throw a range of things at us. We know Jordan Abdull’s kicking game, him and Mikey Lewis will challenge us with their skill. The two running nines and then they’ve got a good set of outside-backs.”

READ MORE: Sean O’Loughlin tipped to be a ‘world class’ head coach in future

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