MORGAN Smith will make his first senior start for Wolves in Saturday’s Middle 8s game against Halifax.

The 19-year-old, an impressive performer in his eight substitute appearances in 2017, steps in for Daryl Clark, who suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s 52-24 victory over Catalans Dragons.

Smith also played seven times for The Wire last season but he will start a game for the first time when Fax visit The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Brad Dwyer will return to the matchday squad and operate as the interchange hooker.

Wolves head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith says the academy graduate has been rewarded for his patience with a chance to shine from the start.

“Morgan has worked hard to get into a starting position and he’s finally got it,” he said.

“He’s patiently been waiting and doing a good job when called upon, so he deserves his spot.

“I hope he does really well. I have a lot of faith in him and I’m sure he’s going to do a good job.

“He’s an impressive young player and an impressive young man. I’m looking forward to giving him his opportunity.”

Clark must undergo a small procedure to correct a cartilage issue in his knee but is expected to return before the end of the season.

Mike Cooper, who missed the victory over the Dragons with an oblique injury, is rated as “touch and go” to play on Saturday but will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.

Joe Westerman (hip flexor), Ben Pomeroy (toe) and Kurt Gidley (fibula) are once again missing for Wolves but it is hoped all three will be in contention for the trip to London Broncos on September 2.

Halifax, whose head coach Richard Marshall enjoyed a spell with The Wire as one of Smith’s assistant coaches before leaving in 2014, are the first Championship team Wolves will come up against during their Middle 8s campaign.

The Wire are heavy favourites to record a sixth victory in a row, but Smith says there is plenty for his side to be wary of.

“Richard Marshall has done a fantastic job with Halifax. They play a terrific brand of rugby league,” he said.

“They throw the ball around and chance their arm. They have been encouraged to pass the ball around, move it and offload so they have a lot of attractive attributes.

“It’s going to be a good test for us to handle those, they do it well and they have a lot of good players with Super League experience.

“They’re yet to kick-start their Middle 8s campaign but they’ve certainly had an impressive season.”