Wigan Warriors boss confirms Junior Nsemba return for Leeds Rhinos clash and provides Liam Farrell latest
Wigan Warriors star Junior Nsemba is set to return to action this weekend!
Wigan Warriors star Junior Nsemba will make his return from injury in Saturday’s clash with Leeds Rhinos, coach Matt Peet has confirmed.
Nsemba has not featured since sustaining a hamstring injury in Wigan’s win over St Helens at Magic Weekend on July 5, meaning Saturday marks his first game in two months.
The 22-year-old had suffered a setback during his recovery, which had sidelined him for longer than first anticipated.
However, he has been named in Wigan’s 21-man squad for the trip to Leeds this weekend, and Peet has confirmed that the powerhouse back-rower will play at AMT Headingley.
“He looks good,” said Peet. “I'm trying to remember if this game was always the one (pencilled in for his return) because obviously it's changed a little bit.
“He will feature on Saturday - it's great to see him back.
“He might take a few weeks to get going again, but it's certainly good to welcome one of your starters back at this time of the year, and I know he's raring to go.”
Saturday’s sold-out encounter at AMT Headingley looks set to decide the League Leaders’ Shield, with the Warriors and Rhinos sitting second and first in the Super League table respectively ahead of their meeting in the penultimate round of the regular season. Both teams are level on 40 competition points, although the Rhinos have a superior points difference.
One man that won’t be taking to the field this weekend, though, is Warriors captain Liam Farrell, who has been sidelined since Wigan’s win at Hull FC on June 27.
The 36-year-old is set for an appointment with a specialist to assess where his shoulder is at, with the aim of having a better understanding on a potential return soon enough.
Wigan will host Catalans Dragons in the final game of their regular campaign at the Brick Community Stadium next Friday evening.
“We’ve just not had that appointment yet - I think it might even be today (Thursday),” Peet added. “So maybe on the back of the game at the weekend, we'll know his chances for Catalans.”