Daryl Powell delivers latest on George Williams as Warrington receive timely injury boosts ahead of Leeds clash
Josh Drinkwater scores for Warrington against Leigh. Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Wire/PA Images.
Warrington head coach Daryl Powell has confirmed that Josh Drinkwater looks set to return to action for Thursday night’s Super League clash with Leeds at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Australian half-back Drinkwater, 31, has missed the side’s last three fixtures following an injury picked up during Magic Weekend in Newcastle.
The Wire picked up a 30-26 win over Huddersfield at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, before losing 14-12 to 12-man Wigan in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals and later suffering a 23-14 defeat to Castleford at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle back in Super League.
Drinkwater’s return is a timely boost for Powell’s side, with George Williams recently picking up a hamstring injury which is set to rule him out for the next few weeks.
“He’s not available this week,” Powell said on Williams.
“Fingers crossed it’ll be as soon as possible.
“We’ve got a strong team going out there tomorrow, that’s the main thing. George will be ready when he’s ready.”
Drinkwater is set to return to the halves, with Peter Mata’utia and Stefan Ratchford having filled in during last week’s trip to Castleford.
Warrington boss Powell also confirmed that rising youngster Leon Hayes also suffered another injury setback during last week’s training.
Josh Drinkwater set to boost Warrington
“’Drinky’ has trained all week,” Powell continued.
“There’s a strong chance he’ll be out there tomorrow unless something drastic happens.
“He is an organising, controlling half. He’s been great.
“He’s getting his voice back into training this week. He has been class and he spoke really well this morning.
“He controlled the session really well this morning. It’s been great having him back.
“It’s important that we have our halves out there.
“Obviously George won’t be out there, but ‘Drinky’ is good at organising and controlling a team and everything he has said this week and everything he has delivered has been outstanding.
“It’s great to have him back and I look forward to seeing what kind of performance he can deliver.”
Powell also confirmed that Adam Holroyd is set to feature for the first team against the Rhinos, having returned from a dislocated shoulder to feature for the club’s reserves last weekend.
“He played last week and he’ll be in the 17,” Powell confirmed.
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