WOLVES boss Tony Smith has rested Lee Briers for the visit of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats to The Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick off 3pm.

With Wolves welcoming full back Brett Hodgson back into the side and with Richie Myler awaiting the result of a knee scan, Smith has decided to give Warrington stalwart Briers a break and allow Stefan Ratchford and the returning Michael Monaghan to try their hand together in the halves.

Smith also gives second rower James Laithwaite his first start of the season after he played off the bench in the 40-30 victory over Castleford last week.

Fresh from a successful cameo in that match, Brad Dwyer retains his place on the bench, while Tyrone McCarthy also gets his first start of the year as Trent Waterhouse begins on the bench.

There are two former Wolves in Wakefield's ranks, with Richard Mathers and young playmaker  Bobbie Goulding both named in the Wildcat's 17. 

Wolves: Brett Hodgson; Joel Monaghan, Simon Grix, Chris Bridge, Chris Riley; Stefan Ratchford, Michael Monaghan; Paul Wood, Micky Higham, Chris Hill, Ben Westwood, James Laithwaite, Tyrone McCarthy. Subs: Trent Waterhouse, Ben Harrison, Ben Currie, Brad Dwyer.

Wildcats: Richard Mathers; Liam Kay, Reece Lyne, Frankie Mariano, Ben Cockayne; Lee Smith, Tim Smith; Andy Raleigh, Paul Aiton, Kyle Amor, Ali Lauititi, Danny Kirmond, Kyle Trout. Subs: Danny Washbrook, Oliver Wilkes, Bobbie Goulding, Tautai.