Warrington Wolves assistant coach Steve McNamara has given a rundown on the club’s injury situation with a raft of first-team talent expected to return in time for round one of Super League.
The Wolves took on Widnes Vikings on Friday night and claimed a 50-12 victory to step up their preparations for the new season. It was a strong starting line-up at the Halliwell Jones Stadium but while it was enough to blow Championship Widnes away early in the game, it was missing a number of senior faces.
The likes of George Williams, Ben Currie and James Harrison sat out, while new signings James Bentley, Albert Hopoate and Toafofoa Sipley were also missing on the night.
McNamara has moved to explain why with injuries and a suspension to blame, while he has given an update on the long-term injuries such as Arron Lindop and Matty Ashton, who are both on the comeback trail after suffering knee injuries.
Warrington Wolves injury latest
“George Williams was on international duty, he didn’t play,” McNamara said after the game on Friday night.
“James Harrison and Ben Currie had surgery at the end of last season. They’re OK, they’re in full training, but we’re just giving them a few more weeks.
“Albert Hopoate, Arron Lindop, Matty Ashton and Oli Leyland are all coming back from ACL injuries, they’re on a strong path coming back from that.
“James Bentley had minor groin surgery two or three weeks back an he’s in full training, but again, it was too early for him.
“Toafofoa Sipley is suspended. He’s got a three-match suspension from the NRL last season. Tonight was one of those games, the Leigh game will be the next one and then the Challenge Cup, so he will be available for round one.
“Zack Gardner is coming back from hamstring surgery at the end of last season.
“There’s a good crew there who’ve not been available for us tonight, but we had plenty of numbers to choose from and young players certainly help out with the depth in your squad.”
Asked if most of the above named will be ready for round one, McNamara added: “Arron Lindop won’t be available for round one and Oli Leyland won’t be either at this stage, but the other ones, like Matty Ashton, they’re all pushing to be available for round one.
“It’s not certain that they all will be, but they’re certainly all pushing themselves hard to be in contention.
“Currie, Williams, Harrison, Bentley, they’ll all be available as things stand right now for round one.”
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