Wigan Warriors dealt Ethan Havard blow as coach provides Junior Nsemba injury update
Wigan Warriors will be without key prop Ethan Havard for Sunday’s trip to Wakefield Trinity in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, head coach Matt Peet has confirmed.
England international Havard left the field around the hour mark in Wigan’s 34-24 defeat to St Helens on Good Friday for a head injury assessment following a clash of heads with Saints hooker Daryl Clark. Havard passed his HIA on the day and later returned to the field, but from looking back at the footage, the Warriors have made the decision that Havard will sit out this weekend’s Cup quarter-final at Wakefield as he goes through the usual concussion protocol.
"We’ve lost Ethan Havard,” said Peet in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to the DIY Kitchens Stadium.
"He had an HIA, which he passed on the day, but looking back at the footage, it was a hefty one, so he’ll be sat down this week, and rightly so. It was a bang, and we need to look after him.
“He is alright. He’s worked through his stages and return-to-play, and it’s the best thing for Ethan.”
Meanwhile, Junior Nsemba left the action with around 15 minutes remaining against St Helens with an ankle injury, and he will be monitored in the coming days to determine whether or not he plays against Wakefield.
"He is a chance, Junior,” said Peet. “He has been with the physios, we’ll look to get him in a training session later in the week and see how he comes through that.”
Meanwhile, Jai Field made his return to the pitch on Good Friday after a four-match absence, having his appendix removed, and Peet confirmed that the Australian fullback came through it okay.
"Yeah, he is good,” Peet said. “I thought he played tough. I thought physically, he looked good. You’d always like to be in the game a little bit more in terms of getting himself in attacking positions, but that’ll come. For his first game after a bit of time out, I think he can be proud of his performance.”
Elsewhere, key man Bevan French is continuing his recovery from a significant hamstring injury sustained last month.
"It’s a while yet,” Peet added. “I can’t remember the exact date (of his return), but he’s still in a brace.”