Wigan Warriors receive Brad O'Neill boost as coach provides update on injured duo

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet has provided the latest injury news ahead of Sunday’s clash with Salford Red Devils

Wigan Warriors have been boosted by the return of Brad O’Neill for Sunday’s clash with Salford Red Devils, coach Matt Peet has confirmed.

The 22-year-old hooker hasn’t featured since suffering an ACL injury against Warrington Wolves on July 26, with Sunday’s home game against Salford marking his first appearance in almost nine months.

“He’ll play this week,” said Peet. “It’s been planned for a while. He’s just trained, he’s buzzing

“There’s a bit of that (holding him back) with Brad. His enthusiasm is one of the things we love about him, and there has been a bit of having to hold him back, but you’d rather have that than the other way, wouldn’t you?

“I think it’ll be a case of building his minutes up. It would have been good if we’d have had another game next week (so he could build his minutes) but we’ll work hard in training ahead to this game.”

Peet also provided the latest injury news on fullback Jai Field and winger Abbas Miski, who are sidelined by hamstring and knee injuries respectively

Field didn’t play in their defeat to Leeds Rhinos last time out, having left the action early the week previous against Hull FC. He was named in the 21-man squad for last Saturday’s game at Headingley but didn’t make the matchday squad due to still having tightness in his hamstring.

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... uo-5053051#

[Charriots Offiah]

Great news.

[Exiled Wiganer]

I think there may have been slightly more in that article, as it goes on to say that Field may play at the week end, depending on how he trains, and that Miski is definitely out. Great to have Brad back. He is a beast.

[Wiganer Ted]

Be very surprised if Brad starts.
Leeming to start with Brad off the bench for me!
Let's see how Matty plays it.

[Firestarter]

Be very surprised if Brad starts.
Leeming to start with Brad off the bench for me!
Let's see how Matty plays it.

I reckon he will start and do 20 mins.Then maybe a last 10 depending how the game is going

[josie andrews]

O’Neill: Special day


* Brad O’Neill has reflected on a ‘special day’ as he returned to action for the first time in eight months.

* O’Neill: “I enjoyed being back out there with my best mates on the field and to come off safe and healthy is the main thing.”

* Watch full match reaction with Matt Peet and Jake Wardle on Wigan TV HERE.

BRAD O’NEILL HAS REFLECTED ON THE ‘SPECIAL’ MOMENT HE RETURNED TO ACTION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EIGHT MONTHS.

The hooker, who came off the interchange bench in the Warriors Betfred Super League Round Six win over Salford Red Devils, played his first minutes since suffering an ACL injury against Warrington Wolves last July.

Speaking post-match, O’Neill said: “You’re always thinking of a game you’ll come back into, and I couldn’t have picked a better one. We had a few games in mind, but this one felt good with it being at home and in front of family and friends. I enjoyed being back out there with my best mates on the field and to come off safe and healthy is the main thing – it was a special day.”

Sharing his matchday excitement, O’Neill said: “There was certainly more excitement when I woke up. It was the little things that excited me like being in the changing rooms and putting the kit back on, as it’s felt like forever since I last did that. On the pitch it was just doing what I needed to do.”

Reflecting on his time out injured, O’Neill said: “There’s been highs and lows in the last eight months. Even on down days I’ve had staff and mates around me. I’ve trained hard, done what I’ve been told and listened. Sometimes I’ve pushed and tried to progress quicker, but the coaching staff have reined me in well. It’s been a good learning process on the body, but also life away from rugby.”

O’Neill added: “There was always something to look forward to which made the process feel quicker – Grand Final, time off, training and Las Vegas. I’ve missed some big games, but I don’t feel I’ve missed many. You’re on a rollercoaster of emotions where sometimes it feels quick, but other times longer. It’s good to be back.”

The Warriors travel to Sewell Group Craven Park on Friday 11 April to take on Hull KR in Betfred Super League Round Seven action. Tickets for the clash remain available to purchase from The Brick Community Stadium Ticket Office and online HERE.

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2025/03/ ... ecial-day/