Wigan head coach Matt Peet says that Liam Marshall is in contention to make his return against Leeds this Friday at the DW Stadium, live on Sky Sports. 

The try-scoring winger did not feature against Tony Smith’s Hull in the 14-10 defeat, having crossed for nine tries so far in the 2023 campaign in nine appearances.

Ahead of Friday’s Super League Round 12 televised clash, Peet provided all the latest on his squad.

“It’s a lower abdominal injury,” Peet said on Marshall.

“It’s a bit of a tricky one, actually. A few times he felt like he was better. He was playing up into the international break through the pain. 

“We thought the week off would do him good, but he he still was struggling a little bit.

“We won’t rush him. When he’s back, he’ll play.” 

Ryan Hampshire in the mix

Meanwhile, Ryan Hampshire continues to fight to make his first Super League appearance since last June. The outside-back made his return to Wigan ahead of 2023 from Castleford, and featured for the reserves side against Wakefield for the first time since suffering an ACL injury last June. 

“He’s certainly in the mix. We haven’t confirmed the team yet,” Peet said.

“He’ll be in the 21 again and we have to make sure he continues ticking the right boxes.

“He’s come back from a long-term injury, so it’s about making sure he’s right at the end of the week and getting his work done.”

Half-back Cade Cust has returned to full training, Peet has confirmed. The Australian playmaker has not featured since the club’s 20-14 win over Salford back in March due to a neck injury.

Peet explained: “He’s done a full session today. He’s ticking all the boxes and has got good feedback from the specialist.

“When the time is right, he’ll get a taste as well. We’re going to end up with hopefully a few bodies back at similar time.”

The Wigan coach also confirmed that prop forward Kaide Ellis is on schedule and will look to make a return in the coming weeks.

Ellis, 26, suffered a hamstring injury in training ahead of the side’s fixture with Wakefield in Round 10.

Matt Peet praises Iain Thornley following return

Peet has praised Iain Thornley following his long-awaited return from injury against Hull.

The outside-back scored twice in his first game in over nine months after suffering a knee injury against Castleford in June last year.

Thornley made his return to full training earlier in March, and later made his professional return to action with Barrow on loan in the Championship, scoring against Halifax.

Having also featured for Wigan’s reserves alongside Hampshire, Thornley eventually made his first team return against Hull, scoring a brace in the 14-10 defeat at MKM Stadium.

“I thought he was outstanding,” Peet said.

“I thought it was testament to how hard he’s worked behind the scenes.

“There’s a lot of players in the game who come back from injury, Jake Trueman was the same, they go through a helluva lot these players, particularly the long-term injuries.

“To step back in to the game and perform the way he did I thought was credit to him.”