Australian star Phelps gets fitness boost

Wigan full-back Cameron Phelps has been handed a fitness boost after the Australian was told he will be out for only four weeks with the ankle injury suffered in last week’s Super League clash against Hull KR.

The 25-year-old feared he would be out for three months after he was forced off with a broken bone at half-time of the 32-6 victory at the DW Stadium.

But a scan has revealed the problem to be ligament damage and coach Michael Maguire is hopeful the player will be back in action within a month.

Maguire said: “It is a lot more positive than when he had the scan – they were concerned it may be up to 12 weeks. He is actually able to walk on it too, which is even better.

“He had been playing very well for us – he has been very busy around the ball and defensively working hard.

“He is a loss but we have got someone in position who will do the job for us.

“Now he’s got the information about the short term he’ll be off he’s a lot happier.”