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Wigan star ruled out for season as hooker dilemma addressed

· Ben Olawumi · 2026-08-12T15:52:08+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Wigan star Noah Hodkinson ruled out for season as hooker dilemma for Bradford clash addressed Noah Hodkinson in action for Wigan Warriors in 2026 Wigan Warriors young gun Noah Hodkinson has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 season with a torn quad, suffered last weekend in victory over Toulouse Olympique. Utility back Hodkinson, who had donned a shirt on loan for both Widnes Vikings and Salford RLFC in the Championship prior, made his first-team bow for Wigan back in March during a Challenge Cup tie against Bradford Bulls. The 20-year-old has gone on to score 15 tries for the Warriors in 14 appearances across all competitions this term, slotting in both at full-back and on the wing. One of those tries came last weekend as Matt Peet’s side got the better of French outfit Toulouse on home soil, but on the back of that game, Hodkinson’s season is now over. Noah Hodkinson ruled out for season The injury to the youth product – who will turn 21 in November – was the headline news out of head coach Peet’s pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon ahead of this weekend’s trip to Bradford in Super League. Peet detailed: “Noah had a scan on his squad out of the (Toulouse) game, and it’s looking like he’ll miss the rest of the season. “That was unfortunate. He pulled up tight and we didn’t think too much of it, but the scan revealed quite a serious tear to his quad. “Jake (Wardle) and Adam (Keighran) are good to go.” First-choice centres Wardle and Keighran have each been absent in recent weeks, with Wigan continuing their push for a top-two finish. Australian ace Keighran has missed two games through a groin issue, while England international Wardle was rested for the game against Toulouse as he ‘managed minor niggles’. Peet added: “Liam Farrell and Junior Nsemba will be a while yet (before they return). “We’ve got the two bans (for Brad O’Neill and Sam Walters) as well.” Hooker dilemma for Bradford clash addressed As referenced by Peet, the Cherry and Whites will be without hooker O’Neill this weekend as he serves a one-match suspension. O’Neill has played 80 minutes more often than not this season, meaning his absence leaves a huge void to fill. Peet said: “Taylor (Kerr) will play nine. Everything has been considered.” The Warriors boss did not confirm whether the plan is for youngster Kerr, who can cover a wealth of positions, will play 80 minutes in O’Neill’s place. However, it does appear hooker Tom Forber won’t be involved, with the 23-year-old having featured just five times across all competitions for Wigan so far this season. After playing games on loan for both Castleford Tigers and Barrow Raiders, was sent on a season-long loan to Championship side Oldham last month: but could have been recalled had the Warriors desired. Asked about Forber’s future and whether there was a growing frustration from the youngster as he awaits his opportunity to return to the Cherry and Whites’ first-team, Peet said: “I’d expect him to want game time and to play Super League. “There are conversations taking place all the time about what he, and the rest of the players that are outside the 17, have to do to get in. “It’s about the players not just waiting for an opportunity, but getting the performances in out on loan or in reserve grade that mean we would want to pick them.” WATCH THE LRL PODCAST!