Warrington hit with yet another injury as Daryl Powell makes major decisions on Philbin and Dudson
Warrington head coach Daryl Powell has confirmed yet another injury blow to his forward pack, while Joe Philbin and Gil Dudson have been named in the 21-man squad for the first time this year.
The fresh injury comes to prop forward Joe Bullock.
The 30-year-old has featured from the bench in all four of Warrington’s wins so far this season, but is set to be sidelined for up to six weeks with the fresh injury blow.
“He’s got a crack in his thumb,” Powell confirmed. “He played last week and struggled a little bit with it.
“We got him scanned this week and it’s showed a crack, so we need to make sure we look after him. So it’s one in, one out for the squad which makes it tough for our middle unit, they’re working really hard.
“It’s tough for him. I’m not too sure on the time, between four and six weeks. That’s tough for us that.”
Daryl Powell makes decisions on Philbin and Dudson
Joe Philbin could make his return from last year’s ACL injury having been named in the 21-man squad to face Leigh this Friday.
The 28-year-old forward suffered the season-ending blow last June in the 4-0 win over Hull at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
“He is ready to go,” Powell said on Philbin.
“He’s had a great pre-season in terms of getting back running. He’s done all the things he needs to.
“He has had a rigorous return to play protocol and he’s looking good. I’m excited to see him play.”
Meanwhile, despite being named in the 21-man squad for the first time this season, Gil Dudson will not make his official debut in Round Five against the Leopards.
The Welsh international suffered a broken hand during the pre-season fixture with Friday’s opponents and has been sidelined ever since.
“Gil won’t play this week,” Powell confirmed.
“With Gil, it was just him getting in and around it again but he’s not far off. He’s not far off.
“He is in practise and was out there today.”
James Harrison update
James Harrison missed his first game of the season in the 18-10 victory over Hull KR last Friday. And the 26-year-old forward is set for a period of time on the sidelines.
He was a try-scorer in both the victories over Leeds and Huddersfield.
Powell continued on Harrison: “He saw a specialist on Tuesday, so he’s a had a scan but needs to go down to London to see a specialist. He’s another one who has been battling through and did a great job for us.
“But he just needs to rest it. We’re not 100% sure on a timescale for Jimmy. Hopefully we’ll have more knowledge after Tuesday.”