Wigan Warriors boss confirms Liam Farrell availability as healthy selection headache arises

Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has a healthy selection headache after captain Liam Farrell starred on his return to action following a lengthy injury lay-off.

Farrell, who will hang up his boots at the end of the season following a trophy-laden career, made his first appearance since June in Friday’s 50-12 win over Catalans Dragons, which saw the Warriors secure the League Leaders’ Shield.

The 36-year-old had been sidelined with a neck injury but slotted back into his familiar back-row position after coming off the bench in the first half.

Farrell made an immediate impact, crossing for a try before setting up Jai Field in the second half as Wigan wrapped up the regular season with a convincing victory.

Speaking after the game, Peet admitted he was keen to get Farrell back on the field before the end of the Super League campaign and confirmed that he is now available to play a part in Wigan’s bid for Grand Final glory.

“We did have it in mind (his return), but he did have to get the relevant clearance, and there was a discussion between me and Faz once we got that clearance,” said Peet.

“I was always really keen for him to get back into the 17. He is an asset for us - his leadership, his quality as a player, so when you’ve got that sort of player coming into a semi-final or final, you want to have them available.

“He’s available (for the upcoming weeks), yeah. He’s just played really well, so I’ve got decisions to make, but that’s no different… I didn’t give it too much thought coming into the game because you never know what you’re going to pick up in the game, so now I’ve got a bit of thinking to do.”

Farrell scored a trademark try against Catalans, running a superb line to burst onto a flat ball from Bevan French, with Peet paying tribute to his captain post-match.

“What I’ve always thought personally about Faz is that he is a player for the more intense games, finals football,” Peet added. “That’s because he is fit, determined and stubborn.

“Players doing certain things in run-of-the-mill games is one thing, but when you have big moments... I think that’s what has been a real defining characteristic of his career.”