WOLVES boss Tony Smith has named his 19-man squad for Friday’s opening Middle 8s game at Widnes Vikings.

As expected, skipper Chris Hill is expected to return to the fold after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Dom Crosby is also in contention to play for the first time since the 40-0 defeat at Leeds on May 26.

Ben Currie drops out after suffering another knee injury during the 22-6 win over the Vikings on July 20, The Wire’s final Super League regular round game.

Joe Westerman, Kurt Gidley and Ben Pomeroy are still injured, while Ben Westwood serves the final game of his three-match suspension.

Wolves squad: Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Dom Crosby, Brad Dwyer, Peta Hiku, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Tom Lineham, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Andre Savelio, Ashton Sims, Morgan Smith.

Widnes coach Denis Betts is able to welcome back several key names after fielding an understrength side at The Halliwell Jones Stadium a fortnight ago.

Rangi Chase, Chris Houston, Rhys Hanbury, Lloyd White and ex-Wire Chris Bridge are all expected to feature at the Halton Stadium.

Vikings squad: Chris Bridge, Jack Buchanan, Greg Burke, Hep Cahill, James Chapelhow, Rangi Chase, Danny Craven, Gil Dudson, Rhys Hanbury, Chris Houston, Jordan Johnstone, Manase Manuokafoa, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Tom Olbison, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley.