Price explains Warrington’s 12 changes for Salford clash

Warrington are set to feature their most inexperienced squad for 125 years in tomorrow’s clash against Salford at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Steve Price is resting a number of his key stars ahead of facing the Red Devils again on Saturday in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

“Nathan Roebuck, Kyle Shelford, Connor Wrench and Carl Oakley are all set to play,” Price revealed in his pre-match press conference.

“Connor Wrench, Nathan Roebuck and Carl Oakley are local guys, who have come through our community clubs.

“They came through our scholarships and academies. It is a fitting reward for them.

“It is awesome that they are home grown and have the opportunity to represent their Warrington town so that is pleasing.

“A couple of them were quite emotional when I told them they would be playing.

“Especially their families, as you would be. I just want to see them go out there and represent our colours with pride and to enjoy the occasion.”

The other Wire debutant, Kyle Shelford, has come full circle in his short rugby league career after failing to make the grade at Wigan.

Shelford, 24, signed for the Wolves in January after toughing it out in the Championship for Swinton, where he played part-time.

He is also the son of former New Zealand international Adrian Shelford who sadly passed away in 2003 when Kyle was just seven years old.

Speaking about the 24-year-old’s debut, Price said: “Kyle was our reserve grade captain before Covid.

“I have not really spoken to Kyle (Shelford) about the situation with his father.

“But knowing Kyle, he is a pretty humble, grounded sort of guy. He will just go out there and focus on what he can control.

“He has been a part-time player. He still has a job and it is a fitting reward for him.”

The four debutants are part of wholesale changes made by Price, with 12 of the players who featured in Friday’s win over Catalans not included in the squad.

“I did say it is going to take a big squad to get through the season,” said Price.

“The more successful you are, the more games you play and we are very fortunate to have a bigger squad than we have had in previous years.