Tuesday 23 February 2016 19:00, UK
Wigan coach Shaun Wane will consider dipping into the transfer market for a new hooker after potentially losing Michael McIlorum for six months.
McIlorum will undergo surgery next week after breaking and dislocating an ankle in Saturday's 42-12 defeat by Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Series.
Sam Powell, who stepped into the role for the last 65 minutes against the Broncos, will start Thursday's Super League match against Salford at hooker and Wane says he has a number of other options as he ponders the possibility of bringing in a replacement.
"If there's someone available, we will," Wane said. "I need a definite idea on Micky first. It's a long one; it could be a season-long one. He's being operated on next week and he's going for another scan tomorrow [Wednesday] so we'll know more then.
"There's no panic at the moment because we've got Sam Powell and other people who can jump in - Kyle Shelford, Josh Ganson and Luke Waterworth, who is injured at the moment.
"If I can bring someone in who makes us better, I will do that but for the next week or so I am going to see what pans out with Micky."
Waterworth is the brother-in-law of Leigh hooker Bob Beswick, who is being linked with a return to Wigan where he made the last of his 19 Super League appearances in 2005, while Ganson, who recently turned 18, is the son of referees boss Steve Ganson and tipped for a bright future in the game.
"Josh is a good player with the ball," Wane said. "He needs to improve his defence a bit but he's very young yet. I wouldn't throw him in for game after game but he can come in and fix us for one game if needed.
"I'm not stressed out about it at all but I am gutted at losing Micky because I believe he's one of the best in the game.
"He's a great player, a true leader and the players love playing with him. It's a real bad injury and it's our job to support him and get him involved more with us on the coaching side."
Wigan have also lost forward Willie Isa, their close-season recruit from Widnes, for six weeks with a knee injury, which is likely to mean John Bateman switching to the second row for the visit of the Red Devils and skipper Sean O'Loughlin reverting to his customary loose forward spot from the front row.
"Willie has been playing really well and it will hurt us but John is a more than adequate replacement for him," said Wane, who has called former England prop Lee Mossop and youngsters Nick Gregson and Joe Bretherton in his 19-man squad.
