Wigan Warriors boss gives timeframe for Mike Cooper, plus update on Liam Byrne

Cooper picked up a knee injury during the brutal encounter with Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge, forcing him to miss last week’s return to Super League against Huddersfield Giants.

Head coach Peet has revealed the 35-year-old prop is expected to be sidelined for six weeks - avoiding the worst-case scenario for the veteran forward.

“Mike Cooper has some good news, he’s going to be six weeks with his knee injury,” Peet said.

“There were two options, one was much longer-term, but it turns out he just needs a bit of a tidy up on his knee.

“The other end of the spectrum was an injury the same that Junior Nsemba suffered, which is about five months.

“We’re happy for Mike there.”

Kruise Leeming’s original timeframe of two-to-three weeks for an ankle injury remains on track, while Byrne will miss Saturday’s fixture against London Broncos in the capital.

The 24-year-old was a late withdrawal against Ian Watson’s Giants due to a hip injury, after initially being named on the bench for the Super League round three clash.

He was replaced by 2024 recruit Tiaki Chan for his Warriors debut at the DW Stadium, with Wigan extending their unbeaten run to 13 game with a 30-16 result at home.

Peet says the Ireland international is expected to be back in contention for the round five clash against Salford Red Devils.