WOLVES boss Tony Smith has warned his injury-affected side about the attacking threat posed by opponents Hull KR on Sunday.

A muscle tear suffered by Joel Monaghan has forced Smith to recall Welsh winger Rhys Williams from loan club Salford City Reds, while continuation of injuries to Lee Briers (neck/shoulder), Adrian Morley (bicep) and Ben Harrison (hernia) mean that Wolves’ squad depth will again be tested this week.

Smith lauded his side’s tighter defence against Hull FC on Saturday, but realises Wolves must keep keep getting stronger if they are to make the necessary team changes and still shut out a side who have scored more points than any other team in the competition so far this season.

“We were much better on that left-hand side and much improved defensively overall,” he said.

“Both sides were tested at different stages and we handled that pretty well. I thought our defence was a lot better.

“We need to keep advancing on that track, as KR have scored a lot of points and are a very good attacking team.”

Joel Monaghan’s stomach complaint from the 24-10 victory at the KC Stadium means Wolves will travel back to Humberside without their leading try scorer, with the recalled Williams the likely replacement.

As for skipper Morley, he still faces a two-to-three month recovery after a bicep operation, though there is good news in the shape of Chris Bridge making his competitive return to action after an operation to fix tendinitis in his knee.

And Ben Westwood will figure after serving a one-match suspension.

Smith said: “Joel Monaghan has a little bit of an abdominal tear and will definitely miss this week. It may take him a couple of weeks to get over it.

“Briers is not ready to play yet, we are giving him some time for his neck and shoulder to settle down.

“It is unlikely in the immediate future that he will require an operation, but he needs to follow a rehab programme.

“Chris Bridge will be playing for Swinton (partner club) this weekend and that is fantastic news.

“Both Chris and the club are excited that he is back and ahead of schedule.”

Heavy knocks sustained by Brett Hodgson against Hull meant the full back was taken off the field early, but no indication has been given that it may lead to the experienced Australian sitting out on Sunday.