Shaun Wane: We didn't try to bring Josh Charnley back to Wigan Warriors

Shaun Wane is delighted to see Josh Charnley back in Super League '“ but confirmed he didn't try and bring him back to Wigan.
Josh Charnley in action for Wigan in 2013Josh Charnley in action for Wigan in 2013
Josh Charnley in action for Wigan in 2013

Charnley, who left the Warriors at the end of the title-winning 2016 campaign, cut short his spell in rugby union to join Warrington on Monday.

The winger spoke to the media yesterday and revealed he had other options before settling on the Wolves.

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But Wane says the competition he has for wing spots - with Joe Burgess, Tom Davies, Liam Marshall and injured Dom Manfredi in his top squad - meant he didn’t consider making a move for him.

“No. I rate him very highly but we’re well covered there, and we’ve Dom coming back,” he said.

“It’s great to have Josh back, I’m happy for him. He’s a great lad and a good friend of the club.

“It didn’t work out in rugby union but he’s a quality player and Warrington have got themselves a great competitor.”

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Charnley played more than 170 games for Wigan over seven years and is set to face his former club for the first time at the Magic Weekend in May.

“We’ll be going to try and get him – he’s going to have a tough day!” smiled Wane.

“But I’ve loads of respect for Josh, he’s a really good player and I’m really glad he’s going to be enjoying his rugby again.”

Wane will today name his 19-man squad for Friday’s visit of Huddersfield.

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He is leaning towards bringing either Joel Tomkins or Dan Sarginson back into his side.

Wane is waiting to discover when Wigan’s match with Castleford will be rearranged, following Sunday’s postponement due to the weather.

He would prefer it to be played on June 23, when there are no Super League fixtures to accommodate an England Test against New Zealand, rather than squeeze it in mid-week.

“I’d rather play it at the weekend, even missing a couple of players - they’d be in the same boat,” he added.

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Wigan’s reserves are due to play Bradford at Dudley Hill tomorrow, kick-off 7.30pm.

The Warriors Under-19s are due to host Huddersfield at Orrell on Saturday (2pm).

The U16s travel to Widnes tonight (Wednesday, 7pm).