A major setback before next week’s top of the table clash.
Junior Nsemba of Wigan is tackled by Tom Briscoe of Hull FC
Junior Nsemba will miss Wigan Warriors’ clash with Hull KR next week after failing a head injury assessment. The England back-rower looked to be in trouble after remaining motionless on the floor after a tackle attempt and ultimately did not pass his HIA.
Nsemba did eventually return to his feet and walk off the field unattended, but it was adjudged that he had clear concussion symptoms and was failed as a result.
He will now miss their top-of-the-table clash with the Robins next Friday, a significant blow to Matt Peet’s side in what will inevitably be a crucial clash in their attempts to retain the League Leaders’ Shield.
Wigan aren’t blessed with options in the back row. They started the season with Willie Isa, but he decided to retire, and Wigan never replaced him.
It makes Sam Walters’s return timely. The forward returned against Warrington, albeit in the front row. Ethan Havard played 80 minutes in the role recently, too, meaning they do have options.
That said, it will be hard to replace Nsemba, who emerged as one of the competition’s stars after bursting onto the scene last year.
Wigan remain without Luke Thompson and Bevan French, though both are closing in on returns and could be in contention to play against the Robins next week. French was named in the 21-man squad for the game with Warrington but wasn’t chosen on the night.