Could Sam Burgess make Warrington Wolves changes tagainst Wigan?

Warrington Wolves will meet their neighbours in the Challenge Cup Final next weekend, but they will first face off in Super League at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Both sides will be keen to avoid injuries and suspensions to their star players before the big day at Wembley, but there are also two competition points on the line and with both sides involved in a three-way tie for top spot along with St Helens, they could prove crucial.

To that end, there may be a chance for some of those on the fringes to shine – and even play their way into Burgess’ Wembley plans – this week and we picked out five players who could benefit from that…

CONNOR WRENCH

Wrench is arguably the man who can consider himself the most unfortunate to not be in the team at the moment.

He appeared to have the right centre spot locked down but then suffered an ankle injury during the win over Leigh Leopards last month.

In his absence, Rodrick Tai has made the position his own with impressive displays in his past four starts.

It is the position that is arguably the most “up for grabs” in many eyes, and Wrench will no doubt be desperate to put his case forward.

Connor Wrench has not played since injuring his ankle against Leigh Leopards (Image: SWPix.com)

JOE BULLOCK

The curious case of the fair-haired front-rower, who went from being sent out on loan to being tied to a new two-year deal in a matter of weeks.

Bullock has gone well in the five games he has played for Wire this year, and he has plenty of supporters among the fanbase who feel he should figure more regularly.

For now, he is having to bide his time but should Burgess want to freshen up any of his middle-unit players over the next fortnight, he has a ready-made replacement waiting in the wings.

Joe Bullock has played five times for Warrington this year (Image: SWPix.com)

MAX WOOD

It would be a surprise if Wood did not feature on Friday, with Jordy Crowther not expected to play as he continues to nurse a niggle that forced him out of the trip to France.

The former Wigan youngster was named on the bench for the game in Perpignan but did not make it onto the field, so Burgess may well be keen to get him some game time.

Wood has shown he can be more than relied upon in the games he has played, and he will no doubt be motivated to show his old club what they're missing.

Max Wood is an option should Sam Burgess decide to freshen up his middle unit (Image: Mike Boden)

ADAM HOLROYD

Another youngster who has shown he can more than hold his own at Super League level is Holroyd, who has made a sustained first-team breakthrough this year.

Like Wood, the last of his nine appearances this season came against Hull FC recently with Matty Nicholson and Lachlan Fitzgibbon entrenched in his back-row position.

With Nicholson seemingly set for a move to the NRL next year, however, Holroyd may well be given every chance to show the club his replacement is sitting right under their noses.

Adam Holroyd last featured off the bench against Hull FC earlier this month (Image: Mike Boden)

ARRON LINDOP

Wire’s established back three of Matt Dufty, Josh Thewlis and Matty Ashton get whacked around on a weekly basis, so it would surprise nobody if Burgess opted to sit them down to make sure they are fresh for Wembley.

Since missing the Round One defeat to Catalans, Thewlis has been ever-present so should he be given time to heal, the man who stepped in for him that day could do so again.

Lindop made a memorable, try-scoring senior debut at the Stade Gilbert Brutus and slotted in well against Hull FC recently in Ashton’s absence.

With Matty Russell out on loan at Leeds Rhinos, the 18-year-old homegrown talent is the undisputed next in line on the wing.

Arron Lindop made his senior debut in the Round One loss to Catalans (Image: Joe Richardson)

There are, of course, others who could be in line to step in, with club captain Stefan Ratchford seemingly set to play in the halves given George Williams' suspension and Leon Hayes' season-ending injury.

New signing Dan Okoro is still waiting for his debut having spent the past few weeks back on loan at Bradford Bulls while fellow youngster Tom Whitehead is also ready to step in.

Another young prop in Lucas Green is currently impressing out on loan at Swinton Lions while Wesley Bruines is close to being in contention for his debut having torn his hamstring in pre-season.

Academy products Cai Taylor-Wray and Nolan Tupaea are also said to be closing in on making their senior debuts and could well be next in line