EARLIER today, Daryl Powell named his 21-man Warrington Wolves squad for Friday's return to Super League action against Hull KR.
> Click here to see the squad in full
Now, sports reporter Matt Turner names his predicted Wire 17 for the game...
NOT many expected to see Joe Bullock in the Warrington Wolves squad for Friday – and the timing of his return is opportune.
If fit, he surely will come straight back into the 17 that takes the field at Craven Park, more than likely from the bench I would say.
Make no mistake, pack battles have been lost even with him involved, but it at least means the front-row options are a little better stocked.
He will probably take the place of either Billy Magoulias or Matt Davis on the bench – that will probably depend on how well the former has pulled up following his debut and whether or not the short turnaround may be too much of a risk for him at this stage.
The other question mark is on the left wing, with Matty Ashton a doubt with a calf injury.
He is another that should come straight back in if fit, with Connor Wrench once again set to deputise if not.
Wrench has a massive future in this team without doubt, but as a centre. While he took his try well on Sunday, he was caught infield a few too many times off the ball and allowed opposite number Liam Kay to get around him too frequently.
That can happen to wingers and it will no doubt happen to Ashton as he too gets to grips with the position, but the former Swinton man is without doubt first choice and will surely slot back in if fitness allows.
And so we come to the actual free space in the team in the right second row, with Ellis Robson left out of the 21 having started on Sunday.
Ellis Longstaff will no doubt be a popular option among fans to fill the gap, but I imagine Jack Hughes will come straight back in from suspension at loose forward with Oliver Holmes moving back to the edge.
With all that in mind, my predicted Wire team to face Hull KR looks like this:
Thewlis; Charnley, Mata’utia, King, Ashton; Widdop Williams; Mulhern, Walker, Cooper, Holmes, Currie, Hughes.
Subs: Bullock, Philbin, Magoulias, D Clark
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel