DARYL Powell confirmed both Josh Thewlis and Connor Wrench were being troubled by niggling injuries to keep them out of Warrington Wolves’ clash with St Helens.

Thewlis in particular was a surprise omission from the Wire side for the Round 18 game given he had been named the club’s player of the month for June, while the decision to opt for Greg Minikin over Wrench drew criticism aplenty from supporters.

While speaking to the media following his side’s 24-20 defeat, however, Powell said both youngsters were being hampered by minor fitness issues.

Thewlis is nursing a knee problem while Wrench’s back is believed to be causing him discomfort.

“He trained the other day and I thought he looked like he was off with his knee,” Powell said of Thewlis.

“He’s been strapped up pretty heavily for the past three or four weeks and has been doing a fantastic job for us.

“He looked off in training the other day and was pretty quiet as well – he’s not one of those players to tell you that he’s injured or that he needs a breather, but I felt it was right tonight.

“I’ll make on him during the week and see how the team fits together.

“Potentially, we get George (Williams) back next week and a couple of forwards who have been suspended.”

On Wrench, he added: “He's had a little bit of a back problem, and I had a feel for Greg Minikin that he was ready to play.

“Connor had a bit of an issue so I went with someone who was a little bit fresher and fitter.”

Powell also confirmed that, despite naming him in the 21-man squad and declaring he had an outside chance of featuring against Saints, half-back George Williams was never a serious contender to play as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The Wire boss retains hope that the England captain will be fit again for next week’s trip to his former club Wigan Warriors.

“He was never going to play tonight, but I didn’t have anyone else to put in the squad,” Powell said.

“He’s running, he’s got a few bits and pieces to do early next week but I’m hopeful he’ll be there or thereabouts at the back end of the week.”