Billy Magoulias: Warrington coach says new forward ‘made for British game’
Warrington head coach Daryl Powell believes Billy Magoulias will fit right into the British game of rugby league.
Magoulias, 25, is set to make his first appearance of the season in this weekend’s Challenge Cup.
Warrington host Wakefield just a week after losing to them in Super League at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in the sixth round of the competition. Sunday’s tie will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, with a 2:00pm kick-off.
The former NRL forward is yet to make an appearance for his new side. He sustained an ankle injury during pre-season training that required surgery.
The Australian signed for the Wolves in October from NRL club Cronulla Sharks.
Billy Magoulias set for debut
Powell believes Magoulias will have an impact at Warrington, with his debut in sight.
“He’s a 13; an old style, ball playing middle unit player. I think he’s a little bit of difference to what Warrington have had in the past,” Powell said.
“It’ll be interesting how he plays in the British game. I think he’s made for the British game.
“At the moment, he’d start on the bench for us. Obviously, he’s not going to be 100% fit. But he’s looking good.”
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Squad update
Full-back Stefan Ratchford will be sidelined for up to four weeks, Powell confirmed.
Ratchford, 33, left the field through injury against Wakefield
“He’s between three and four weeks,” said Powell. “Initially, we were worried that he would be longer term than that, maybe three months.
“It’s not a bad one, so hopefully he’ll be three of four weeks.
“Jack Hughes is suspended. Greg Minikin and James Harrison are still recovering with ACLs and are longer terms. They’re due in July. They’re still out of the frame and working hard on their recovery and going really well.
“Daryl Clark missed out last week with a neck injury. He’s trained today and we’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow. Fingers crossed he’ll be okay.
“Connor Wrench isn’t far off. I think he’ll be alright next week.
“Ellis Robson has come back from Toulouse. He’ll be available for us this week. He’s a potential to play this week, so that’ll be his first hit-out.”