Wigan Warriors look set to find themselves short in the pack after a reported season-ending injury but what options do they have available?
All Out Rugby League have reported that the Warriors’ key signing for 2026, Oliver Wilson, will miss the upcoming campaign after suffering an Achilles injury in training.
It’s a devastating blow for Wigan and for Wilson with the prop signing from Huddersfield this off-season to help form a new-look pack for the Warriors.
The likes of Liam Byrne (Warrington Wolves) and Harvie Hill (Hull FC) have left on permanent deals whilst Tyler Dupree has been loaned out to Toulouse Olympique.
There was set to be growing roles for Tiaki Chan and Sam Eseh, who have both spent loan periods away from the club, however, they’ll now be thrust up the depth chart given Wilson’s injury.
With that in mind, we’ve looked at three possible signings and two other options that Wigan Warriors could look at to try and fill the void left by Wilson’s season-ending injury.
One of the key reasons why Wigan can look at signing a replacement is because Oliver Wilson hasn’t played a game in the 2026 season, therefore does not count on the club’s cap, meaning the funds assigned to him remain free and can be used to recruit a replacement.
How Wigan Warriors could replace Oliver Wilson after season-ending injury
Recall Tyler Dupree
It’s the most obvious option as Dupree is someone who has been embedded in the Wigan system for two and a half years and he’s clearly a Super League standard prop. It would be tough on Toulouse, who have perhaps been slower to recruit than the other promoted sides, but it’s thought that Wigan would be able to exercise a recall if they wished. Harvey Makin is set to spend the season on loan with Oldham so he could be another recall option.
Promote youth
The option of promoting youth would also mean promoting the likes of Tiaki Chan and Sam Eseh into far bigger roles as any academy product would likely take on the role left by either Chan or Eseh, that being a rotational option. There are plenty of highly-touted players in Wigan’s academy with loose forward Taylor Kerr one option if Kaide Ellis made a switch to prop. Kian McDermott is also expected to play a bigger role in 2026 whilst Lukas Mason, son of Keith Mason, is another who may step up.
Ryan Matterson
The Parramatta Eels man has already had one taste of Super League and he could be viewed as someone Wigan may try loan in with the veteran forward still on the outers at Parra. He’s shown willing to make the switch to England before, spending the end of last year with Warrington, and if it still looks likely that he’s on the fringes down under then he may seek game time in a bid to earn a new contract somewhere in 2027.
Fletcher Baker
Baker has left Brisbane Broncos and signed a development deal with Canterbury Bulldogs for 2026 but the prospect of being a potential starter in Super League might be more appealing to the 25-year-old. He has 60 games of NRL experience to his name though just two came in 2025, hence his exit from the Broncos. Canterbury look busy at prop having just signed Leo Thompson so the route to NRL action is congested, possibly leaving Baker open to a Super League move.
Jake Clydsdale
The 21-year-old from Canberra doesn’t boast great experience but the New South Wales Cup has proven to be a great breeding ground for Super League talent in recent seasons, particularly in the pack, so Wigan could take a gamble here. He made 12 appearances in the comp in 2025 and has a similar profile to Sam Walters, standing at almost six foot seven inches.
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