Willie Isa’s injury return date has been detailed, highlighting the important role he is expected to fulfill for the Wigan Warriors.
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has discussed the potential return of veteran forward Willie Isa, who was recently seen back in training after suffering a severe injury earlier in the season. Isa had been stretchered off the field during an April Challenge Cup match against Castleford Tigers, with Peet describing the injury as a “dislocation and fracture in his lower leg.”
It was later confirmed that Isa had broken and dislocated his ankle. Now, nearly five months after the injury, Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has discussed Isa’s potential return.
“Willie is working incredibly hard, just as he has since the beginning of his injury,” Peet told Wigan Today.
Soon after the injury in April, Isa shared on social media, “the comeback is on… again,” and defended Sylvester Namo, the tackler involved, from any blame. On X, Isa expressed, “This moment was hard to understand and accept, but I recognize it’s part of the game and don’t blame anyone. I’m incredibly thankful for the medical teams at @WiganWarriorsRL & @CTRLFC and for all the support from the rugby league community. The comeback is on… again.”
There is no fixed return date for the Wigan Warriors veteran.
Isa is one of four Wigan Warriors players who are off contract at the end of the season and there had been fears that he could have played his final game for the club, but the news that he is back in training brings a glimmer of hope that he could still play in 2024.
Despite not taking to the field, Isa has played a major role in the club’s success as Peet spoke about his huge influence, noting: “He’s still part of our leadership group, he’s still part of this club and this team and he’s still having a big influence on what you’re seeing on and off the field.”
On the forward’s actual fitness and chances of returning to play, Peet explained: “He’s in great physical condition, but his injury was that bad that it’s still from one day to the next.
“We’re in the territory of pushing a little bit and then some days he reacts really well, but some days he pulls up a bit sore.
“He’s doing everything he can to get himself back. There’s no contact (training) yet, just running, changing direction and getting some decent load into him.
“The contact will come right at the last stage before he plays, but that’s not imminent.”
Wigan Warriors’ final two regular season games come at home against Leeds Rhinos on Friday and Salford Red Devils next week. With the Warriors expected to finish inside the top two, they would have a week off meaning that their first play-off game would come in the first week of October.
