Wigan’s Ryan Hampshire set for first team return after reserves outing

Wigan’s Ryan Hampshire could make his Super League return against Hull this Thursday after being included in Matt Peet’s 21-man squad. 

The outside-back scored on his return from injury during the reserve side’s 36-12 victory over Wakefield at Robin Park Arena.

He was named in the halves alongside Kieran Tyrer, crossing for his four-pointer in the first half.

It was the 28-year-old’s first game since suffering an ACL injury last June with Castleford, managing just five games under then-head coach Lee Radford.

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

During his first stint at the DW Stadium, he made 30 first team appearances, scoring nine tries. He left the club in 2016 and went on to feature for Leigh and Wakefield before joining the Tigers.

Having featured during the 22-6 Super League win over Wakefield at home, both Harvie Hill and and Junior Nsemba retain their place in the 21-man squad.

Zach Eckersley, who was named as 18th man for the Round 10 fixture, has also been included once again.

Fresh from their England victory over France in Warrington, Toby King, Jake Wardle, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Morgan Smithies, Kai Pearce-Paul have all been named.

Willie Isa misses out through suspension, while Kaide Ellis is sidelined through injury. Iain Thornley has been named, having also featured for the reserves against Wakefield.

Wigan travel to the MKM Stadium on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.

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

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