GARY Chambers admitted using winger Matty Ashton at Huddersfield Giants was not worth the risk after he was struck down by illness.

Warrington Wolves’ leading try-scorer had been due to start in his usual left-wing role but was a late drop-out having been taken ill earlier on Friday.

Josh Thewlis, who himself was returning having missed last week’s loss to St Helens, slotted into his spot as The Wire won 20-8 to book their spot in the Super League play-offs.

Chambers now hopes that, with the right amount of rest and recuperation, Ashton will be fit to play a full part in Warrington’s trip to St Helens next weekend in the eliminator round.

“He’s just got a bug – he sounded rotten on the phone,” the interim head coach said.

“He woke up with it, went back to bed but woke up sounding even worse so it wasn’t worth it.

“We’ve got Josh (Thewlis) there who came back in and we were alright. Matty Russell gave us lots to think about as well – he makes big yards.”

Chambers reported no additional injuries sustained at the John Smith’s Stadium, with half-back George Williams and prop Joe Bullock having returned from thigh and ankle injuries respectively.

“We’ve come through alright I think – there’s a fair bit of ice on bodies in there which is normal after a game like that,” he said.

“We’ll have a look at that, give them a couple of days off and then get back into it again.”