Cullen names strong side to face Widnes (From Warrington Guardian)

Cullen names strong side to face Widnes

WARRINGTON Wolves are to field their strongest team available in the Boxing Day friendly against fierce rivals Widnes Vikings.

There are nine Super League regulars in the starting 13 named by Paul Cullen this week, including new recruit Toa Kohe-Love.

It will be the start of the New Zealander's second spell with the club and will be his first outing since a knee reconstruction earlier this year.

Wolves fans will be treated to cheering on some favourites in action, like Australian prop Danny Lima and Warringtonian back rower Mike Wainwright, and there will be a chance to see new young blood in primrose and blue too.

Cullen is to hand debuts to Academy internationals Simon Grix, aged 19, signed from Halifax, at stand off and Andy Bracek, aged 18, captured from St Helens, in the back row.

A glut of players who helped Wolves win the junior Academy Division One Grand Final in October are also in the reckoning, including prop Steve Pickersgill who has been promoted to the full-time ranks.

Wolves are expecting Widnes Vikings coach Frank Endacott to bring his strongest possible 13 with him for what looks set to be a competitive clash at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick-off 3pm.

Wolves: Daryl Cardiss; Phil Berry, Ben Westwood, Toa Kohe-Love, Dean Gaskell; Simon Grix, Graham Appo; Danny Lima, Jon Clarke, Steve Pickersgill, Andy Bracek, Mike Wainwright, Paul Noone. Subs from: Jamie Durbin, Chris Hull, Anthony Jerram, Craig Ashall, Ben Harrison, Matty Briers, Zac Elston and Chris Baines.

Harrison's appearance will be of particular note in that he is only 16-years-old. He is a highly regarded tall and powerful back rower from Barrow, who has taken a week off school to be able to give full-time preparation to the game along with the rest of the first team players.

Wolves have 11 players missing who can be considered Super League regulars.

Neither Lee Briers (finger), Mark Gleeson (shoulder), Paul Wood (shoulder) or Mark Hilton (nose) will be risked following reconstructive surgery. Warren Stevens misses out too after a knee operation.

Overseas players Brent Grose, Nathan Wood and Chris Leikvoll do not return until the New Year and Martin Gleeson, Logan Swann and Henry Fa'afili are on late holidays following international duties.

Tickets for the game are on sale at the club's shop or alternatively fans can pay on the turnstiles on the day.

The Halliwell Jones Stadium is to stage its first student international match on Sunday.

Great Britain Students will tackle their Australian counterparts in the second of two Tests for the Academic Ashes.

Sunday's match will kick-off at 5pm and admission is £5 including a programme.