Warrington Wolves and Hull KR handed injury boosts as squads named for key games

Warrington Wolves look set to be boosted by the return of Lachlan Fitzgibbon as they take on Leigh Leopards on Friday night. The back-rower hasn’t featured since the start of July due to a shoulder injury and as such, he has missed a crucial chunk of the season.

However, after seeing Fitzgibbon overcome the issue, Sam Burgess has welcomed the 30-year-old back into his fold this week to take on Leigh Leopards in what could be another decisive contest. Fitzgibbon’s return comes as James Harrison is ruled out for a period due to a leg problem.

The Wire will continue to be without Matt Dufty, too, with the influential full-back sidelined with a knee issue.

Burgess’ side sit third in the Super League table, two points off the League Leaders’ Shield pace with just four games remaining this season. As such, they have plenty to play for over the coming weeks and so do their hosts on Friday night with Leigh sitting just a point off the play-offs.

Leigh will be without Hull FC-bound forward John Asiata through suspension, but they’ll be keen to continue their fine recent form as they end the season strongly. Adrian Lam’s side have won their last three games and with Catalans Dragons and St Helens stuttering, they have been presented with an unlikely opportunity.

Hull KR boss Willie Peters has also been given an injury boost with Oliver Gildart returning from injury in time to be involved in KR’s home game against Salford Red Devils. Gildart missed the club’s emphatic win over St Helens last time out due to a head knock, but he has been given the all clear to be involved this week.

Gildart replaces James Batchelor, who will serve a suspension.

Paul Rowley has been able to name Oliver Partington and Tim Lafai in the squad after their respective one-match bans, while Jack Ormondroyd is named for the first time since May.

Warrington Wolves 21-man squad to take on Leigh: Matty Ashton, John Bateman, Jordy Crowther, Ben Currie, Josh Drinkwater, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Adam Holroyd, Toby King, Arron Lindop, Zane Musgrove, Matty Nicholson, Joe Philbin, Sam Powell, Rodrick Tai, Cai Taylor-Wray, Josh Thewlis, Paul Vaughan, Danny Walker, Tom Whitehead, George Williams, Luke Yates.

Leigh Leopards 21-man squad to take on Warrington: Gareth O’Brien, Zak Hardaker, Ricky Leutele, Josh Charnley, Matt Moylan, Lachlan Lam, Tom Amone, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Kai O’Donnell, Jack Hughes, Matt Davis, Frankie Halton, Owen Trout, Ollie Holmes, Keanan Brand, Umyla Hanley, Louis Brogan, Brad Dwyer, Darnell McIntosh, Aaron Pene.

Hull KR 21-man squad to take on Salford: Peta Hiku, Niall Evalds, Tom Opacic, Oliver Gildart, Ryan Hall, Mikey Lewis, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, George King, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella, Matt Parcell, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Matty Storton, Kelepi Tanginoa, Tyrone May, Joe Burgess, Jack Broadbent, Jack Brown, Danny Richardson.

Salford Red Devils’ 21-man squad to take on Hull KR: Ryan Brierley, Ethan Ryan, Nene Macdonald, Tim Lafai, Deon Cross, Marc Sneyd, Brad Singleton, Amir Bourouh, Sam Stone, Kallum Watkins, Oliver Partington, Chris Atkin, Shane Wright, Joe Shorrocks, Jack Ormondroyd, Chris Hankinson, Joe Mellor, Harvey Wilson, Loghan Lewis, Joe Bullock, Jayden Nikorima.