BRIAN Noble looks set to put his faith in Chris Ashton against Hull KR - despite slamming his decision to pose in a Northampton Saints shirt.
Wigan ended months of speculation on Monday when they confirmed the 19-year-old full-back will switch codes to rugby union at the end of the Super League season.
The teen ace, who will join the Guinness Premiership outfit on a £140,000-a-year contract, angered Warriors fans when he appeared on his new club's website in a Saints top on the same day.
But with Michael Withers still an injury doubt, Noble will include Ashton in his starting line-up as the Cherry and Whites chase their third successive win in tonight's clash at the KC Stadium.
"He's a young man and young men make mistakes, and I feel that particular issue is a mistake on his part," said the Warriors coach.
"It's particularly disappointing in respect of the Wigan fans because they have shown whole-heartedly what they think of Chris Ashton.
"Young people do strange things and I think he has been caught on the hop by Northampton in respect of the picture."
But the Wigan coach added: "He is still contracted to this club until the end of the season. He will be treated like any other player at this team; if he doesn't play well he won't play, if he does he has a chance of playing."
Thomas Leuluai has been given the all-clear after being struck down by a virus earlier in the week.
Fixtures Tonight: Leeds v Harlequins RL, St Helens v Hull K R.
Sunday: Bradford v Catalans, Huddersfield v Salford, Wakefield v Warrington.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article