Warrington prop James Harrison likened to Alex Walmsley
James Harrison (left) of Warrington and St Helens prop Alex Walmsley (right)
Warrington coach Daryl Powell has likened returning prop James Harrison to England and St Helens front-rower Alex Walmsley.
Harrison joined Warrington in the off-season on a two-year contract from Championship heavyweights Featherstone.
However, the 25-year-old has yet to make his debut for the Wolves after suffering an ACL whilst playing for Featherstone last summer.
He and Warrington’s other new signing Greg Minikin are set to play their first game of 2022 this weekend for the club’s reserves.
Powell is eager to see what heights Harrison can achieve in a Primrose and Blue jersey. He has even likened him to England’s Walmsley.
He said: “I think it is really exciting for me getting Greg and James back.
“I’m keen to see how James Harrison goes in a full-time environment. He got a record for a front-rower in a Bronco test the other week.
“He is a good kid and comes from good stock in his dad Karl, who is an international front-rower. I know what Greg can do but I’m really excited to see what James Harrison can do in the reserves.
“It was a club record for a middle. He is a pretty fit dude, he’s put size on. He’s 100 kilos now so statuesque-wise, he is a bit like Walmsley. He is not quite as heavy as him but he has got a really good way about the way he plays. I’m excited to see him play.”
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Warrington boss excited to have James Harrison and Greg Minikin available
Harrison and Minikin will make their returns to the field when they travel to Wigan on Saturday.
And Powell will welcome the healthy selection headache in the coming weeks.
He added: “Getting two ACL injuries was a bit of a rattler from a recruitment perspective, but them coming back gives me options and it puts pressure on places.
“I think at the moment we really need that, we need people pushing for places and if you aren’t playing well enough then you need to be out of the team. I think that is the message to all of our players.
“We are at a critical stage of the season and we need to step up and find consistency in what we are doing on and off the field to give ourselves a chance to get in that top six.”
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