WARRINGTON Wolves boss Darryl Van de Velde will only give his players until today to prove their fitness for Sunday's important Challenge Cup fifth round tie at holders St. Helens.

Former Saints prop Adam Fogerty has definitely been ruled out with a thigh injury but skipper Danny Farrar, second rower Brendon Tuuta and substitute Vince Fawcett are all doubtful in what could be another triple blow for the Wolves' preparations.

Hooker Farrar has been struggling with a chest infection all week and has not trained.

New Zealand tough guy Tuuta had not recovered sufficiently from his bicep muscle problem as the GUARDIAN went to press yesterday, Thursday.

And Fawcett, who played in the previous round at Wakefield while suffering from flu, is not having the best of times with his health as he has not trained all week due to gastroenteritis.

Centre Toa Kohe-Love is fit again after a shoulder reconstruction and he is available for selection.

The squad contains cover for most positions in case of injuries but there is no other specialist No.9 in the ranks so Farrar's unavailability would be the biggest concern for Van de Velde.

If Farrar is not fit, Van de Velde is expected to field Tuuta, if he is fit, or Academy scrum half John Duffy in the hooker's berth. Versatile Academy player David Highton has also been mentioned as a possibility.

Even without these preparation troubles, Warrington would have been going to Knowsley Road as firm underdogs.

But they will make the trip with plenty to prove as virtually a new team that is looking to command some respect from Super League sides.

They are keen to put the record straight with Saints having put 260 points past the Wolves on their last four visits to the ground. They will have to break tradition to do it as Warrington have lost each of their last five Challenge Cup games against Saints.

Van de Velde says: "It's a tough assignment for us. Our team is young in age and in the time it has been together.

"I am looking for the team to come out of this game a stronger team, having grown in respect for each other and more understanding of each other.

"Warrington people would love for us to go there and win. But this game is not the end of the season for us. It's an important game but it will be one of many important games for us this season.

"It's a crucial game in relation to our personal pride and respect and it will be a good indication as to how we are going to go."

Some of the 11 new faces in the Wolves squad will be familiar to Saints fans.

Fogerty, Chris Morley and Jason Roach have all been on Saints' books, while Danny Whittle's dad, Kevin, runs the bars at Knowsley Road. And, of course, Warrington's scrum half is Lee Briers, who played a crucial role to help Saints to Wembley last year by deputising for their suspended No.7 Bobbie Goulding in the cup run.

Saints have a number of new faces in their squad. Warrington supporters know all about Paul Sculthorpe who only joined Saints from the Wolves in December. They also have the former Oldham trio of Paul Atcheson, full back, Paul Davidson, second row and Brett Goldspink, prop. Castleford winger Chris Smith has joined them too.

Alan Hunte, Steve Prescott and Simon Booth left in the close season to join Hull.

Sculthorpe spoke to the GUARDIAN this week and said: "I'm preparing for it just the same as any other game, but I'm looking forward to catching up with my old mates. It'll be good to see the Warrington fans as well - I always got a great reception from them.

"There are a lot of ex-Saints lads at the Wolves now and they'll be coming with something to prove, which will add a bit of spice."

The links in this 'derby' also go into the coaching staff with Saints assistant coach Mike Gregory and Wolves defensive coach Paul Cullen being former back row partners at Warrington.

Gregory said: "When I was captain at Warrington, Paul would do anything for you. He would have killed for his team. He was a very impressive player who wouldn't take a backwards step for anyone.

"This game is all about attitude and no-one had more of that than Paul. Having him working on their defence can only do them good."

In the previous round, Saints built up a 50-0 lead at Featherstone Rovers but slackened off and won 56-24. Warrington started poorly at Wakefield Trinity but impressed in the second period to win 42-6.

Sunday's game, which will be televised live on BBC2, kicks off at 1.45pm.

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