Wane's injury woes are easing

Joe Burgess, Joel Tomkins and Liam Forsyth are expected to recover from minor knocks for Saturday’s televised clash with Hull FC.

Centre Oliver Gildart - victim of a Brett Ferres crusher tackle which left him with a back injury - has targeted the following match at Leigh.

Forward John Bateman and centre Anthony Gelling could be back in the mix around the same time, perhaps a week later, with Sam Tomkins also pencilled in for a return at the end of this month.

Of those, Tomkins is the only player not to figure this year.

And the presence of the former Man of Steel back in a Wigan shirt would be a welcomed sight.

Wane says his No.1 is making great progress in training.

“He’s getting close, he’s looking really good,” said Wane. “He has really come on - he’s like a different person to a few weeks ago.

“He is covering more distance in one session than the rest of the players are doing in a week.

“He’s still got things to do to work on his sharpness, his turn of direction and wrestle, but he’s looking really good and he can’t wait to get back out there.”

Tomkins has played only 16 games since returning to his hometown club from the NRL.

His comeback was postponed by a knee operation and then cut short by a broken foot which ruled him out of the Grand Final assault.

The 28-year-old’s return was delayed by further surgery to remove protective plates.

“I’ve said all along, because of the complicated nature, it may be a couple weeks later - we won’t rush him - but we’ll get a better idea as we get closer to the time,” added Wane.

Their availability would leave only winger Dom Manfredi and prop Tony Clubb to return to action this summer - Ben Flower, Morgan Escare and Jake Shorrocks are out for the rest of the year.