THERE is a growing perception among Warrington Wolves fans that young players are more easily dropped from Daryl Powell’s side than their more experienced teammates.

Josh Thewlis is the latest youngster to find himself on the outer, with Powell saying the 20-year-old is being taken “out of the firing line” for tomorrow's trip to Huddersfield Giants after a couple of difficult games.

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When asked about that school of thought, however, the Wire head coach insists the perception is “unfounded.”

Last week’s game against Hull KR saw Connor Wrench and Matty Nicholson left out of the side in favour of more experienced options, with Greg Minikin and Oliver Holmes preferred in their respective positions.

Half-back Riley Dean has also found himself in and out of the side and while Powell insists he values the club’s young players highly, he believes the situation the team finds itself in demands more know-how.

“I think I’ve shown this year that I’ll give young players opportunities,” he said.

“For Josh (Thewlis), over the last couple of weeks he’s not been up to his high standards.

“Experience is pretty important for us at the moment, but I value the young players at this club highly and I’ve shown that consistently this year.

“With that in mind, I think that’s unfounded.”