Bevan French will miss Wigan Warriors’ season-opener against Leigh Centurions on Friday, opening the door for Zak Hardaker to stake a claim for his old position.
French remains in Australia following his off-season break and, while he will return in the next couple of days, he will not be considered for the showdown with John Duffy’s newly-promoted side.
England centre Oliver Gildart and Aussie half-back Jackson Hastings are doubtful while Dom Manfredi (thumb), Liam Marshall (ACL) will definitely miss out, leaving Adrian Lam with a significantly-depleted squad.
Close-season signings Jai Field and John Bateman should feature and Warriors boss Lam said of French: “He'll be in the country in the next couple of days, then we'll assess the situation and move forward from there.”
Hardaker has been forced to reinvent himself in the centres following French’s emergence at Wigan in the full-back berth.
But he will now be handed an opportunity reclaim his old position, saying: “It's nothing too stressful. I was aware Bevan was going to come back a little later that originally.
“I am a fullback, so there was a conversation about playing there and I'm looking forward to it.
“If Bevan comes in and is fit any flying it might be the case of me going back to centre.
“We're taking it each game as it comes and I'll certainly do that.
“It's my favourite position and I'm excited to play that position on Friday.
"Whether that’s for one, two, three, four weeks or all season, we’ve not set a date."
New Leigh recruit Nathan Peats is not yet available, but Duffy is hopeful he will be in the country from next week.
Jamie Ellis (knee) and Ben Flower (hamstring) have been ruled out of but Matty Gee will be fit.
