JAMES Harrison looks to have played his way into contention for Warrington Wolves' next Super League game against Hull FC.

The 25-year-old impressed head coach Daryl Powell when he made his comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament injury for the reserves against Wigan on Saturday.

Harrison, the son of former Great Britain prop Karl Harrison, suffered the severe knee injury setback last summer while playing for his former club Featherstone Rovers after he had signed his first full-time deal with The Wire for 2022.

"Jimmy Harrison played for 60 minutes and was outstanding I thought," said Powell.

"Everything he did was class. A great engine, skilful, he had four offloads in the game.

"Obviously it's a different level, but he looked in great shape.

"I think the physios and conditioners have done a great job with him.

"I don't think he'll be too far away for our next game against Hull if I'm honest, looking at all the things he does really well.

"I've always been impressed with him.

"As a player he's very mature and as a man he's very mature.

"I'll be considering him for the next game. See how he goes in training over this next couple of weeks."

Powell had been excited to see Harrison play after watching what he was achieving in training, including a club record.

That came in a Bronco test, where players run shuttles of 20 metres, 40 metres and 60 metres five times over as quickly as possible.

Powell said: “Jimmy got a club record for a front-rower in a Bronco test the other week. He’s from good stock with his dad Karl, an international front rower.

“He’s a pretty fit dude. He’s put size on, he’s around 110kg now. He’s got a little bit, statuesque wise, of Walmsley in him.

"He’ll put a little bit more weight on, he’s not quite as heavy as him, but he’s got a really good way about the way he plays."

Powell was also pleased with another of his 2022 signings, Greg Minikin, getting to pull on the primrose and blue shirt for the first time in the same game, also making his comeback from an ACL injury.

Minikin, 27, played for 80 minutes in the outside backs and came through well, although Powell said he needs a bit more time before being ready for first-team contention.

The winger or centre played under Powell’s guidance at Castleford Tigers before moving on to Hull KR, with whom he suffered his ACL injury playing against Cas last September.

“I didn’t sign many players when I first came in (as head coach) and these two guys getting ACLs was a fair rattler from a recruitment perspective, but absolutely it gives me options and puts pressure on places," said Powell.

“I think at the moment we really need that. We need pressure on places and if you’re not playing well enough you need to be out of the team.

"That is a message to all of our players, come on boys, we need to play well here, this is important now, we’re at a critical stage of the season and we need to step up and find some consistency in what we’re doing on and off the field. And start to get our games right, give ourselves a chance to get in that top six.”