Willie Isa cleared to face Huddersfield following gruesome lip injury

Back-rower Willie Isa has been cleared by doctors to be named in Wigan’s 21-man squad to face Huddersfield following his graphic lip injury last week.

Isa, 34, required stitches after a head collision with former team-mate Michael McIlorum in last Thursday’s defeat to Catalans.

The ex-Samoa international remained on the field with blood pouring from his lip, requiring him to change shirts. However, he was eventually pulled from action to be checked on just before the half-time break. He later returned to action in the second 40 as his side fell to a 18-10 defeat at the DW Stadium.

Peet provides Willie Isa update

Head coach Matt Peet commented: “Willie had a clash of heads to the mouth and his lip split. As you could see he was determined to stay on but eventually he did the right thing in coming off.

“Other than that it is healing well, the doctor checked up today (Tuesday) and he should be back in contention this week. There’s no doubt he’s determined but sometimes you’ve got to give in to medical advice.”

Peet also confirmed that there were no other fresh injury concerns ahead of their trip to the John Smith’s Stadium.

The Wigan boss has announced yet another unchanged 21-man squad for the Round Five fixture.

Centre Iain Thornley and outside-back Ryan Hampshire continue their rehabilitation from long term injuries.

Wigan are two from four so far in 2023, and sit third in the table. Meanwhile, Huddersfield have won two out of their three games and sit just below on points difference.

Wigan 21-man squad: Field, French, King, Wardle, Marshall, Cust, Smith, Singleton, Powell, Byrne, Isa, Farrell, Smithies, Cooper, Ellis, Havard, Pearce-Paul, Mago, O’Neill, Miski, Nsemba.

Casualty Ward: Isa lip, Sutcliffe blow, Leigh update & scans for Hudds duo