Powell out of World Club Challenge

Wigan’s Sam Powell has been ruled out of the World Club Challenge with an ankle injury.

Powell, 21, suffered the injury in training and will definitely miss the clash with Sydney Roosters, while the full extent of the injury will be investigated by the club’s specialists on their return to the UK next week.

Head Coach Shaun Wane said: “It is a big blow for Sam who has worked really hard in pre-season but with his character I’m sure he will bounce back stronger.”

A product of the club’s famed academy, Powell started a hooker in the Super League defeat to Huddersfield last week, and is equally comfortable at half-back, where he played for England Knights in their match against Samoa in the autumn.