Likely return dates for Bevan French, Oliver Gildart & Dom Manfredi
Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2021 9:37 pm
Adrian Lam doesn’t expect to welcome back any reinforcements into his back line until later this month.
Winger Dom Manfredi (thumb) and centre Oliver Gildart (groin) are both recovering from injuries which kept them out of the opening two rounds.
And full-back Bevan French only linked-up with the squad on Thursday after a late return from Australia.
They aren’t far away from being available for selection, but Lam said: “None of those three will appear in the next two or three weeks.
“ It’s where we’re at, but one of the good things is we’re winning without them and if we keep the confidence and momentum, it’ll make us even stronger when they’re back.”
Lam is also missing winger Liam Marshall until June and his back options were further reduced by an injury to Aussie Jai Field in the opening round which will sideline him for five months.
But his makeshift backline stood up to the task against Wakefield on Thursday night, running in five second-half tries including a hat-trick from Jake Bibby.
And Zak Hardaker scored 14 points from a try and five goals from his old full-back spot... giving Lam the ‘good headache’ of accommodating him and French when they’re both available.
“ I think Bevan is one of the best full-backs in the competition, we’ll make that decision when it comes to it,” said Lam.
“I know Zak is passionate about full-back and he’s doing great, Zak was outstanding again, his talk is at another level.
“When Bevan is available that will be a headache but I’m sure we’ll get through it.”
https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... di-3188952
Winger Dom Manfredi (thumb) and centre Oliver Gildart (groin) are both recovering from injuries which kept them out of the opening two rounds.
And full-back Bevan French only linked-up with the squad on Thursday after a late return from Australia.
They aren’t far away from being available for selection, but Lam said: “None of those three will appear in the next two or three weeks.
“ It’s where we’re at, but one of the good things is we’re winning without them and if we keep the confidence and momentum, it’ll make us even stronger when they’re back.”
Lam is also missing winger Liam Marshall until June and his back options were further reduced by an injury to Aussie Jai Field in the opening round which will sideline him for five months.
But his makeshift backline stood up to the task against Wakefield on Thursday night, running in five second-half tries including a hat-trick from Jake Bibby.
And Zak Hardaker scored 14 points from a try and five goals from his old full-back spot... giving Lam the ‘good headache’ of accommodating him and French when they’re both available.
“ I think Bevan is one of the best full-backs in the competition, we’ll make that decision when it comes to it,” said Lam.
“I know Zak is passionate about full-back and he’s doing great, Zak was outstanding again, his talk is at another level.
“When Bevan is available that will be a headache but I’m sure we’ll get through it.”
https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... di-3188952