Warrington hit with another injury as Riley Dean returns to squad
Picture by John Clifton/SWpix.com
Warrington boss Daryl Powell says Riley Dean has been named in his 21-man squad for the trip to Hull KR due to a couple of injury doubts during the week.
However, the 57-year-old coach does not believe the half-back will feature this Friday in his side.
George Williams and Josh Drinkwater look set to partner each other once again, while Featherstone will feature in the third round of the Challenge Cup.
It means, at this stage, Dean will not be cup-tied, having been pulled out of Sean Long’s squad for their fixture against Halifax on Sunday.
Powell explains Riley Dean inclusion
“I don’t think he will play,” Powell said on Dean. “But we had a couple of doubts during the week and I just wanted to put him in there and keep him connected to us. He’s not going to play at Featherstone this week.
“His plan will stay the same. Fev has been great for Riley and I think Riley has been great for Featherstone as well. I think his plan will stay the same.”
Powell has confirmed a fresh injury blow in his squad, though.
Back-rower Adam Holroyd is set to be sidelined for an unconfirmed period due to a shoulder injury sustained in the reserves 40-16 win over Salford.
The 18-year-old started in their first team for their win at Huddersfield. He was was named 18th man against Salford last Thursday.
Matty Nicholson returns to squad
“Matty Nicholson coming back into the frame is a real good one for us,” Powell said. “Adam Holroyd got injured in the reserves with a dislocated shoulder, so we’ve lost a back-rower there and he potentially needs an operation.
“So Matty Nicholson coming back in is fantastic.
“Jimmy Harrison has been struggling a little bit. Players coming back next week will be a little bit of a relief for him. He needs time to settle his knee down.
“And over the next few weeks, Joe Philbin, it will be awesome to see him come back in as well, and Gil. And then obviously Josh McGuire in the coming weeks as well. It’ll be pretty handy to have and I obviously need to manage that.”
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