Daryl Powell addresses Thomas Mikaele reports linking forward with NRL return

Josh McAllister
Thomas Mikaele, PA Images

Picture by Danny Lawson/PA Wire/PA Images.

Warrington boss Daryl Powell expects Thomas Mikaele to play this Saturday in Super League against Hull after reports in Australia linked the forward with an immediate return to the NRL.

Journalist ‘The Mole’ reported that the 25-year-old is set to join the Gold Coast Titans in Australia with immediate effect.

However, for the short-term at least, Powell expects to still have one of his star forwards including for their televised home game on Saturday. 

New Zealand-born Mikaele made the Super League switch midway through the 2022 campaign after being granted a release from Wests Tigers.

He joined on a two-and-a-half-year deal, meaning his current contract runs until the end of 2024.

To date, Mikaele has made 17 Super League appearances, crossing for four tries. He was also a scorer in their recent 38-0 win over Castleford.    

Warrington boss addresses Thomas Mikaele rumours

“I expect him to play Saturday,” Powell said on Mikaele. 

“Obviously there’s a little bit of news out there on Tommy. But I’ve got nothing to say at this moment. He’ll play on Saturday and we’ll take it from there.”

Meanwhile, Powell confirmed that Sam Kasiano is set to miss Saturday’s fixture at the Halliwell Jones Stadium due to suspension.

The Rugby Football League are yet to confirm the weekend’s disciplinary, but the 32-year-old is set to be sidelined with a ban.

“Sam Kasiano has got a ban, so we’re a little bit stretched in the middle at the moment,’ Powell confirmed.

“The boys have been doing a class job. We’ll be under a little bit of pressure this week.”

Daryl Clark is set to undergo scans later on Monday. The hooker sustained a knee injury in the victory at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle and was forced off in the first half against his former club.

Powell added: “Daryl Clark has got a scan today. We’ll know a little bit more later on this afternoon, but he’s got a knee injury.

“He’ll be a heavy doubt for this week I would say.”

Outside-back Josh Thewlis is expected to return to full training ahead of the Round Seven fixture after completing his return to play protocols following his failed head injury assessment against Leigh.

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