Wigan Warriors are hopeful of bolstering their ranks for Friday’s derby and as they build towards the 2026 Challenge Cup final, with wing Bevan French, Liam Marshall and Noah Hodkinson all likely to be available after recovering from recent injuries.
Returns boost for Wigan
Head coach Matt Peet confirmed that the trio have overcome their respective problems and are “in contention” for selection once the club complete the remaining training sessions this week. French and Marshall have been managing hamstring injuries, while Hodkinson was sidelined with a fractured skull.
“We’ve got a few sessions to knock over yet, but hopefully they’ll be in contention... Your players in those positions, to have a bit of consistency in those spine positions is a luxury we’ve not really had,”
Peet highlighted the importance of continuity in key positions and noted the contributions of younger squad members who have stepped up in recent weeks, citing Jack Farrimond, George Marsden and Adam Keighran as people who have filled gaps during French’s absence.
Nsemba setback
The optimistic mood was tempered by a fresh blow to the squad as back‑rower Junior Nsemba faces a longer recovery than initially expected after suffering a hamstring injury at Magic Weekend. Nsemba’s lay‑off had been anticipated at around four weeks, but a re‑scan has shown the injury has not progressed as hoped.
“Junior’s had a setback, actually, so it’s going to be a while yet... It’ll be another, at least, probably around five weeks from now,”
Peet described the situation as disappointing and placed it in the wider context of the physical toll on players across the competition, underlining the challenge clubs face keeping squads fit and available through demanding spells of fixtures.
- Bevan French – likely to be available; returning from a hamstring issue.
- Liam Marshall – likely to be available; returning from a hamstring issue.
- Noah Hodkinson – likely to be available; recovered from a fractured skull.
- Junior Nsemba – setback on hamstring injury; expected to be out for around five weeks following re‑scan.
| Player | Injury | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Bevan French | Hamstring | Likely available |
| Liam Marshall | Hamstring | Likely available |
| Noah Hodkinson | Fractured skull | Likely available |
| Junior Nsemba | Hamstring | Setback; ~5 weeks out |
The potential returns will give Peet more selection options ahead of a high‑profile local fixture, but the Nsemba news is a reminder of the fine margins involved in squad management through a congested season. Supporters will be watching closely as the Warriors finish their preparations for the derby and continue their bid in cup competition.
