Warrington Wolves predicted team vs Huddersfield Giants

By Matt Turner Sports reporter

Leon Hayes appears set for a return to the Warrington Wolves side <i>(Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)</i>

Leon Hayes appears set for a return to the Warrington Wolves side (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

WHAT kind of physical shape are Warrington Wolves in for their third game in 10 days?

Their display against Huddersfield Giants will be telling on that front but the noises from inside the camp are positive, with head coach Sam Burgess saying his players have pulled up "surprisingly okay" from their midweek trip to Hull KR.

That notion is reflected in the 21-man squad showing only three changes, two of which were enforced as Josh Thewlis and Toff Sipley both picked up injuries at Craven Park.

With Ewan Irwin also said to be doubtful, will Burgess make any alterations beyond the necessary?

We take a look at some of the decisions he faces and predict the 17 Wire will run with against the Giants here...

No need to take risks with Irwin

We all wait with bated breath for the results of scans on Ewan Irwin’s injury picked up at Hull KR.

Of course, the anger over how he sustained it – Sam Burgess confirmed he has pulled up sore from the dangerous, studs-up kick pressure challenge that saw Mikey Lewis sin-binned – has magnified the concern, and everyone will be hoping Burgess brings good news after Sunday’s game.

Even though his inclusion in the 21-man squad has raised hopes, it still feels unlikely he will feature against Huddersfield – and nor should he if his involvement is more of a risk than is manageable.

It speaks to how important the teenager has become to this team that their hopes of a deep play-off run will be looked upon very differently if he is unavailable, but there is an able deputy ready to step in in Leon Hayes.

He had carved out some excellent form before making way for George Williams’ return, albeit through playing in the same role on the same edge as Williams now occupies.

There will be some adjustments for him to make but the two of them have history, carving out a promising-looking partnership in early-2024 before Hayes suffered the first of his devastating injuries.

It appears highly likely that their link-up will be rekindled for one week at least.

Cai time for full-back’s return?

Josh Thewlis was another player to pick up an injury at Craven Park, albeit his absence may just be for one game only.

Luckily for Burgess, options to step at full-back are plentiful.

Lachlan Webster has done an admirable job whenever he has stepped in, including in the reverse fixture against the Giants, but supporters will no doubt be desperate to see Cai Taylor-Wray finally return at number one.

Hamstring and ankle injuries either side of a broken hand have limited the livewire full-back to just seven first-team games this season, the last of which was a 30-minute cameo off the bench at Castleford Tigers earlier this month.

Since then, he has completed two full games for the Reserves, so the natural next step is surely a first-team start?

One has to wonder who benefits from keeping him on ice for any longer and if he can stay fit and build his way back into a groove in the coming weeks, he will add an exciting alternative dimension to Burgess’ team for the play-offs.

How much will Burgess freshen up?

The Wire boss appeared to hint that there may not be too many changes outside of the enforced, but he also insisted he would leave that decision until after Saturday’s captain’s run.

Within the 21-man squad, there is scope for more changes to be made should Burgess deem it appropriate.

Irwin’s injury means Williams will likely have to back up again but the two players whom he returned from injury alongside – back-rower Sam Stone and centre Arron Lindop – could be replaced if necessary with Webster and Adam Holroyd available to come in.

Going from not playing for weeks to immediately playing three times in 10 days is a big ask, so Burgess could feel obliged to take them out of the firing line.

That being said, Josh Smith’s continued exclusion appears to hint at Lindop being good to go.