Wigan Warriors boss provides Jake Wardle update and insight into Sam Eseh opportunity
Jake Wardle is in line to return for Wigan Warriors’ trip to Bradford Bulls on Saturday
Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has confirmed that key centre Jake Wardle will be back to face Bradford Bulls on Saturday.
Wardle was a notable absentee from the teamsheet on Saturday as the Warriors ran in eight tries to claim a 48-18 win over Toulouse Olympique at the Brick Community Stadium, with the England international being rested as he manages some minor niggles.
The positive news for Wigan is that it is only a week-long absence and that he should be good to return for Saturday’s trip to Bartercard Odsal to face Bradford, along with goal-kicking centre Adam Keighran, who has missed the last two games with a minor groin injury.
“The thing with Jake was that it was an opportunity to take him out, really,” said Peet. “He’ll be back next week.”
Academy graduate George O’Loughlin was the man picked to fill the void left by Wardle in the centres, with the 19-year-old enjoying a couple of impressive moments on both sides of the ball against Toulouse.
“He’s a good player, very well-rounded,” said Peet. “He had some important parts to play, technically very good defensively and a good skill set as well, so we’re going to see more of George.”
The other change to Wigan’s 17 came in the shape of Sam Eseh, who replaced 18-year-old prop Shea O’Connor on the bench. Eseh made an immediate impact upon entering the field in the second half, barging over for a try thanks to a strong carry from close range.
“I’ve just been keen to give Sam a go,” said Peet. “He played a lot of games for us at the start of the year.
“Shea came in and kept his spot, so I had a conversation with Shea that he is going to play again, he’s done nothing wrong, but we just wanted to give an opportunity to Sam, and I thought he did well.”
Peet also shared praise for young pair Zach Eckersley and Noah Hodkinson, who bagged three tries between them against Toulouse as they continue to build an impressive combination on the right edge.
“They’re good players, and when we give them opportunities, we expect them to take them,” Peet added. “They’ve got that ability and athleticism, so I thought they had some nice moments.”