WARRINGTON Wolves could be forced into shuffling round their backline for their Super League clash at Halifax Blue Sox tonight, Friday.

For scrum half Scott Wilson is nursing an upper body injury that he has been carrying and is doubtful of playing against the rejuvenated Blue Sox.

If the Australian is not fit, Lee Briers will switch to No.7, Jon Roper will transfer to stand off, Alan Hunte will move into the centres and Dean Hanger will step off the bench on to the wing.

There is more trouble for the Wolves camp though as skipper Simon Gillies also looks likely to miss out against a side which beat Leeds at home 21-20 last week.

Gillies has 'wear and tear' injuries and Steve McCurrie is on standby for his first start since May 3.

Prop Gary Chambers trained on Tuesday and is hopeful of recovering from the back injury that has seen him miss Warrington's last two games.

But back rower Dean Busby's foot injury is failing to respond to treatment and he was expected to be having another x-ray as the GUARDIAN went to press.

With so many uncertainties it is hardly ideal preparation for the Wolves going into a game that they must win to keep their slim top five hopes alive.

For if Warrington go through the rest of the season undefeated and Castleford lose at Saints on Wednesday and slip up against either Wakefield, tonight, or Halifax, or Huddersfield, then the Wolves can still reach the play-offs.

Van de Velde says: "It's another important game for us. Once again, our season depends on this 80 minutes of football and the team must remain focused."

Van de Velde has watched Halifax's win over Leeds on video and said he was impressed with their display.

He added: "They have a new coach in Gary Mercer who was leading by example. The team was very aggressive and committed."

New Zealander Mercer, who enjoyed three successful seasons with Warrington between 1989 and 1992, has been in charge since John Pendlebury quit the New Shay club amid a mid-season financial crisis.

The cash problems saw the departure of star half backs Gavin Clinch and Chris Chester to Wigan and Australian forward Des Clark is now being linked to a move to St. Helens.

Supporters should note that tonight's game is not on television and that it kicks off at 7.30pm.

The Wolves' next home game against Castleford Tigers on Sunday, August 29, has been switched to a 6.35pm kick-off and will be shown on SkySports.

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