Ethan Havard absence explained as Wigan Warriors coach provides injury update
Ethan Havard was a notable absentee for Wigan Warriors in their 24-14 Super League defeat to Castleford Tigers on Sunday afternoon, despite initially being in line for a return.
The England international had been named in Matt Peet’s 21-man squad announced on Friday, suggesting he was ready to feature after missing the Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Wakefield Trinity.
Havard had been sidelined under concussion protocols following a clash with Daryl Clark during the Good Friday defeat to St Helens. Although he passed his initial head injury assessment, Wigan opted to withdraw him as a precaution after reviewing the incident, ensuring he completed the full return-to-play concussion process.
Having successfully come through those protocols, Havard looked set to return against Castleford. However, a late setback ruled him out.
“We thought we were getting Ethan back, and then he pulled up with a calf injury in the last minute of our last session,” head coach Matt Peet explained. “One of those – it was a bit of adversity.
“We’re not sure yet (on the extent of it), we’re just waiting for the scan results.”
Havard’s withdrawal was part of a reshuffle that saw Dayon Sambou, Tom Forber and Taylor Kerr come into the matchday squad. They replaced suspended duo Harry Smith and Sam Walters, while Noah Hodkinson dropped to 18th man.
Sambou, making just his second senior appearance, impressed in the first half with a stunning acrobatic finish in the corner, one of the few highlights on a disappointing afternoon for the hosts. However, the winger appeared to struggle with a knee/leg issue later in the game.
“I thought Dayon did well,” Peet said. “He took his try really well, had a number of carries and handled a lot defensively. He was probably isolated defensively at times, but he can be proud of his performance.
“He’s very athletic – that’s something he works hard on – and that finish showed a real strength of his.”
The defeat leaves Wigan fifth in the Super League table after eight rounds, with five wins and three losses. Attention now turns to a quick turnaround, as the Warriors look to respond against Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday night.