CHRIS Hill will return for Wolves in their opening Middle 8s game at Widnes on Friday, assistant first team coach Lee Briers confirmed.

The Wire skipper sat out the 22-6 win over the Vikings on July 20, their final Super League regular rounds game, with a hamstring injury.

However, Briers confirmed the England international would return to contention and that no new injuries have been picked up in the two weeks since the last game.

“Chris Hill will come back into the squad, the new injury we have from the last Widnes game is Ben Currie,” he said.

“It’s disappointing for Ben, but it gives an opportunity for somebody else.

“Having Chris back, with the leadership he brings us, is invaluable at this time.”

Briers says loose forward Joe Westerman (hip) will miss Friday’s game at the Select Security Stadium but should be in contention to face Catalans Dragons on August 12.

Kurt Gidley (fractured fibula) and Ben Pomeroy (fractured toe) are set for longer absences and Briers says both are “itching” to return to the fold.

“Joe Westerman will be another week or so, he won’t make Friday. He’s been dealing with his hip injury for about a month now but he’s starting to get on top of it now,” he said.

“Hopefully, with another week of rehab, he’ll be ready to go in the next round.

“Gids and Ben Pomeroy have been ultimate pros, as you would expect.

“They’re both itching to get back, but it’s just a waiting game for them at the moment.”