“Just a niggle” – Warrington Wolves make call on star player

Warrington Wolves have confirmed that they will be without captain George Williams again when they take on Castleford Tiger on Friday night as the star playmaker recovers from an ankle injury.

Williams had spoken to Sky Sports’ presenter Brian Carney last Friday when Warrington Wolves welcomed Hull FC to the Halliwell Jones, the England skipper providing an update on his injury.

He explained: “It’s just a little ankle injury which is disappointing, I’ve just picked up a niggle.”

What would now be concerning for Wire fans is that Williams isn’t in the 21-man squad to face Castleford meaning that the “niggle” could perhaps be more serious than first explained.

In Williams’ place, Warrington will likely run with young half Leon Hayes once again who impressed against Hull FC when partnered with Josh Drinkwater.

After their heavy win over FC last week, Sam Burgess’ side face a Castleford side that are yet to win meaning that Warrington could potentially build some momentum.

Craig Lingard forced into changes to face Warrington Wolves

As for the visitors Castleford, they’ve been forced into dropping half-back Danny Richardson from the squad as he will now undergo the HIA return to play protocol.

Ex-Hull KR man Luis Johnson comes in and could be set for his second debut after featuring on loan for the Tigers in 2024.

He is one of three signings from Hull KR that feature alongside Sam Wood and Rowan Milnes, the latter likely being the man to step into the void left by Richardson.

Castleford haven’t had much luck on the road against Warrington Wolves in recent years, incurring a 66-12 loss at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2023, whilst also being nilled at home last season as well.

Sam Burgess will hope that his team can replicate that type of result as he looks to kick on following the win over Hull FC.

Warrington Wolves 21-Man Squad

MATTY ASHTON
BEN CURRIE
JOSH DRINKWATER
GIL DUDSON
MATT DUFTY
LACHLAN FITZGIBBON
JAMES HARRISON
LEON HAYES
ADAM HOLROYD
TOBY KING
ARRON LINDOP
ZANE MUSGROVE
JOE PHILBIN
SAM POWELL
STEFAN RATCHFORD
JOSH THEWLIS
PAUL VAUGHAN
DANNY WALKER
TOM WHITEHEAD
MAX WOOD
CONNOR WRENCH

Castleford Tigers 21-Man Squad

1 – Luke Hooley
2 – Josh Simm
3 – Jack Broadbent
4 – Sam Wood
5 – Innes Senior
7 – Jacob Miller
10 – George Lawler
11 – Elie El-Zakem
12 – Alex Mellor
13 – Joe Westerman
14 – Liam Horne
16 – Rowan Milnes
17 – Nixon Putt
19 – Sam hall
20 – Muizz Mustapha
22 – Charbel Tasipale
24 – Cain Robb
25 – Brad Martin
26 – Samy Kibula
27 – Albert Vete
30 – Luis Johnson