Former Bath winger thrown in at deep end
WIGAN will give debuts to former rugby union winger Liam Forsyth and French international prop Romain Navarrete in tomorrow’s Super League Grand Final re-match at Warrington.
Forsyth, a former Wigan Academy player who turns 21 later this month, rejoined the club in October after a 12-month stint with Bath, where he played reserve-grade rugby union, while Navarrete, 22, was signed from Catalans Dragons.
Navarrete is set to take the place of Ryan Sutton, who is facing a lay-off of between four and six weeks with an eye injury sustained in the champions’ 20-0 win over Leigh last Friday.
Regular wingers Joe Burgess and Lewis Tierney are facing a similar length of time on the sidelines after sustaining knee injuries in the same game, paving the way for Forsyth to make his Super League debut alongside another Academy product Liam Marshall, 22, who made his first Wigan start against the Centurions.
Marshall will get another chance despite not impressing his boss.
“He did okay but he needs to improve and he will improve,” said Wigan coach Shaun Wane.
“He’s a good player but the fans didn’t see him at his best and I need a more complete performance from him.”
With centre Oliver Gildart, half-back Jake Shorrocks and second rower John Bateman all still recovering from knee injuries alongside long-term casualties Sam Tomkins, Michael McIlorum and Dom Manfredi, the Warriors will be without nine members Newsome Panthers .......................... Ossett Trinity Tigers ........................ Hanging Heaton ................................. Woodhouse Warriors ...................... Clayton ..................................................... Wakefield City ...................................... West Craven Warriors ..................... Hollinwood ............................................. Eastmoor Dragons ........................... Moorends Thorne Marauders Allerton Bywater ................................ Dewsbury Celtic ................................. Doncaster Toll Bar ............................ Birkenshaw ............................................ Greetland All Rounders ................. Queensbury .......................................... Kinsley Hotel Raiders ...................... Siddal ........................................................ King Cross Park .................................. Wortley Dragons ................................ Selby Warriors ..................................... Swillington ............................................. Slaithwaite Saracens ....................... Beeston Broncos ............................... Wyke A ...................................................... Silsden ......................................................