WARRINGTON Wolves have become accustomed to many of their players missing large chunks of pre-season.

Under normal circumstances, the off-season would be dominated by the international calendar and over the years, The Wire have had several players represent their country once their club commitments are at an end.

Their last pre-season was no different, with the likes of Chris Hill, Daryl Clark, Gareth Widdop and others arriving back only a few weeks before the season started.

This year is different, however, with Covid-19 wiping out the planned internationals including the much-anticipated Ashes series between England and Australia.

However, head coach Steve Price is taking the positives as those who would usually be in contention for representative honours will now get some much-needed rest under their belts.

Due to the delayed finish to the 2020 campaign, The Wire will report back for pre-season training in early January to prepare for the 2021 season, which starts on March 11.

Warrington Guardian:

The likes of Chris Hill have become used to shortened pre-seasons. Picture by Mike Boden

“We’ve outlined when we’re returning, which will be after Christmas,” Price said.

“A lot of the playing group haven’t had a good off-season for a while because of internationals and things like that, so it’s a good opportunity for them to have a proper test.

“After Christmas, we’ll be coming back in and getting stuck into our pre-season.

“A lot of players never got the opportunity to do a full pre-season this year.

There was Jack Hughes with his surgery and then Hilly, Stef Ratchford, Gareth Widdop, Mike Cooper, Daryl Clark and even Joe Philbin missed a bit last season.

“Those guys will have a chance to get a full block in to be ready for 2021.”

Players also use the off-season to fix up any injuries they may have been playing through.

When asked whether any of his players were booked in for operations, Price said: “We’re looking at Mike Cooper with his hand and whether that might need to get operated on.

“We’ll know more over the next couple of weeks.”

Warrington Guardian:

Mike Cooper may need surgery on a hand injury. Picture by Mike Boden

As the squad rests up, the work continues for Price and those behind the scenes as they look at options to replenish their numbers.

In terms of incomings, Australian icon Greg Inglis and up-and-coming prop Rob Butler are confirmed new arrivals while the club has retained out-of-contract trio Ben Currie, Jason Clark and Matt Davis.

However, Anthony Gelling has left the club by mutual consent, Declan Patton and Harvey Livett – also out of contract – look to be on their way out while speculation continues to be rife over the future of Widdop.

“We’re always looking for quality players,” Price said.

“If any middle options present themselves, we’ll certainly look at it.”