Sam Walters absence explained as Wigan Warriors boss provides Harry Smith fitness update ahead of Super League opener
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has confirmed that Sam Walters was not risked for Sunday’s Challenge Cup clash with Rochdale Hornets, while senior halfback Harry Smith faces a race to be fit for their Super League season opener as he continues his recovery from off-season surgery.
Versatile forward Walters was a notable absentee from the matchday squad as Wigan ran out 83-0 winners against Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena in the third round of the Challenge Cup, but Peet insisted the decision was not injury-related. Instead, it was a planned move as the club manages workloads ahead of their upcoming Round One clash with Castleford Tigers at The OneBore Stadium on Sunday.
“Sam is in great condition, and he’s got some minutes under his belt,” Peet said. “So I thought he was one who could move to one side today.”
Attention now turns to the availability of influential halfback Smith, who has not featured in any of Wigan’s pre-season fixtures after undergoing surgery on a wrist injury in the off-season. The England international is progressing in his rehabilitation but still has steps to complete before being cleared to return to play.
“Harry has got to get through a few more things in training, so we’ll see,” Peet said when asked about Smith’s chances of being fit for the Super League opener.
If Smith is unable to return in time, Peet confirmed that young halfback Jack Farrimond is ready to step in, with the homegrown talent having featured alongside Bevan French in the halves in the last two outings against Hull FC and Rochdale.
“Jack is ready to go,” Peet said.
The Warriors boss also indicated that he has a clear idea of his squad for the opening league fixture at Castleford, with only minor details still to be finalised following their win over Rochdale.
“I know pretty much what it will be,” he added. “There are probably a few things I need to confirm from today, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Wigan face Castleford on Sunday as they begin their 2026 Super League campaign, with Smith’s fitness likely to be one of the key decisions ahead of kick-off in West Yorkshire.