Ahead of their trip to Hull FC on Saturday, Warrington Wolves have conflicting news about their injuries.
While head coach Sam Burgess has stated that at least one of their four newly injured players will play in the Round 15 match, there is greater uncertainty regarding the other three.
Josh Thewlis is the player who is most likely to return to the starting lineup after being benched for Friday’s 25-14 loss to Salford Red Devils.
The goal-kicking winger was sidelined due to a pectoral muscle injury, but Burgess stated he will return to the squad to play the Black and Whites.
Josh Thewlis will make his injury comeback this weekend after he scored a hat-trick to lead Wire over Saturday’s opponents Hull FC back in Round 10.
However, star half-back George Williams, who also missed the Salford game with a calf problem, is more doubtful to be involved.
Williams, the captain of the England team, is expected to be included in Shaun Wane’s squad for the mid-season Test match against France in Toulouse the following weekend, provided he is fit. However, Burgess maintains that there is a risk to consider regarding whether or not Williams plays for his club before then.
He remarked, “George is the one who is more hesitant around people.
We do have a week free following the game, so we can decide whether or not to take that chance. It’s a bit of a risk. As of yet, we’re unsure.
We will be happy that Thewlis will return.
“He does a lot of hard work for the team, so it will be good to have him back in the side. We miss him when he’s not out there for us.”
Lachlan Fitzgibbon (back) and Jordy Crowther (ankle) sustained knocks during the Challenge Cup Final loss to Wigan Warriors earlier this month, making them the other two forward injury doubts.
Burgess states that neither Fitzgibbon nor Humberside are likely to participate at this time, despite Fitzgibbon having “an outside chance” of being involved.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon’s chances of making a comeback against Hull FC are considered “an outside chance.” (Photo courtesy of Mike Boden)
He stated of Fitzgibbon and Crowther, “Neither of them will play,” adding that there were no new injury worries.
Although there’s a chance, I would probably say no to Lachie.
Aside from a few shattered egos, we’ve recovered well from the weekend overall.
“I think the lengthier turnaround was necessary. We immediately examined the Salford match, took a few days off, and completed some excellent work early in the week.
“Now we’re fine-tuning it leading into the game on Saturday.
“The players are feeling much more refreshed – you can see it in their faces.”
