Selection headache for Maguire
MICHAEL Maguire admits he is bracing himself for a few restless nights this week – as he tries to pick his best Wigan team.
The coach has welcomed five players back to the squad that beat Hull KR in their last match.
And though Warriors lost Harrison Hansen to a shoulder injury in that match, his exit has been more than countered by the availability of five internationals who are returning from injury or suspension.
Centres George Carmont and Martin Gleeson are fit, hooker Mike McIlorum is back after a long lay-off while props Paul Prescott (eye) and Stuart Fielden (suspension) are available.
And with Shaun Ainscough, Cameron Phelps and Karl Pryce – who didn’t figure in their last match – still in the mix, the competition for places has been ratcheted up several notches as Wigan prepare for their final game of the regular Super League campaign, against Bradford at the DW Stadium on Friday (kick-off 8pm).
Maguire said: “I’m sure I’ll have a few restless nights this week, trying to work out who we’re going to play and who’ll play for the Under-20s.
“For the last few weeks we’ve had anywhere between seven to 10 first-grade players out through injury or suspension, and a lot of those are now back, so it’s a very competitive squad and there is a lot of pressure for the spots in the team.
“For me, it’s a good position to be in.”
While Carmont and Gleeson would be favourites to walk straight back into the side, Maguire admits the improving performances of youngsters Josh Charnley and Stefan Marsh have thrown up some selection dilemmas.
And he hopes the intense competition for places will ensure his side don’t rest on their laurels in Friday’s final match, despite the fact the result will have no influence on their league table finish. “I’m definitely not concerned about there being a lack of focus, because the players know that they need to perform as best as they can,” said Maguire.
“If they don’t, there are people behind them waiting for a spot.”
Table-topping Wigan will be presented with the League Leaders’ Shield after Friday’s match.
Only four players are ruled out through injury: Eamon O’Carroll, Phil Bailey, Lee Mossop and Harrison Hansen.
Meanwhile, Maguire has confirmed that Josh Charnley will not be returning to Hull KR, where he had a hugely-successful loan stint.
l WIGAN confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in rugby league yesterday when they announced that Bailey and Iafeta Paleaaesina have not been offered new contracts by the club.
The pair agreed deals with Salford last month. Maguire thanked them for their “exceptional” contributions to the club.
Winger Shaun Ainscough (Bradford) and hooker Mark Riddell (Australia) are the other confirmed departures from the Warriors at the end of this year.
Andy Coley and Fielden are set to stay on but question marks surround the futures of Cameron Phelps and Karl Pryce, who are both out of contract this year.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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