Wigan Warriors suffer Jake Wardle injury blow as Matt Peet discusses potential replacements

The 27-year-old suffered the MCL injury in the first half of Wigan’s opening round win over Castleford Tigers on Sunday afternoon, and played on to help his side come away from West Yorkshire with a 26-16 victory.

Wardle will now go under the knife with the aim of coming back into the fold midway through the season.

"Jake Wardle has done his MCL – he is going to have an operation as soon as possible,” said Wigan coach Matt Peet.

"It's disappointing to lose Jake. He did it very early in the game, and it was an impact injury.

"To get through that game with the damage he had to his knee, I'm very proud of him – he helped us to get two points. A typical rugby league player, I think.

"This isn't any worse because he stayed on. It was an impact in the first half, he strapped it up and played on, and his MCL was loose at the end of the game, and the scans say he needs to have an operation.”

While Wardle’s injury represents a major blow to himself and his team, an opportunity has now come up for someone else to have a run in the first-team.

When asked about possible replacements during Wardle’s absence, Peet hinted that Dayon Sambou is at the front of the queue, having arrived at the Warriors from rivals St Helens on a four-year contract in the off-season.

"This is how players get their opportunities, so we can't have a lot of complaints," Peet added.

"You’ve seen injuries across Super League, we understand it's part of a year, and that's why you put your squad together.

“It's unfortunate for Jake. I wish I had him every week because he's a fantastic player, but the important thing now is that when he does come back, he's ready to have a good season.

“We have a few options (to slot in as Wardle's replacement). Dayon Sambou has been training very well, and he'd probably be our next back in, so he's at the front of the queue.”

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