WARRINGTON scrum-half Richie Myler is the surprise omission from Tony Smith’s Wembley line up to tackle Leeds at Wembley tomorrow.
Myler misses out alongside side young Prop Mike Cooper with Smith saying it was a “tough decision.”
He says Myler, at just 20, has “plenty of years ahead of him” and feels he has been targeted in previous games.
The 20-year-old former Salford half-back was a tryscorer in Warrington’s previous cup victories over Featherstone, Huddersfield and Catalans Dragons and has made way for Micky Higham, in the only change to the side that won the semi-final earlier this month.
Higham missed the 54-12 win over Catalans with a broken thumb but has done enough in thelast two matches to earn a place on the bench.
Last year’s Lance Todd Trophy winner as man of the match, Michael Monaghan, switches from hooker to scrum-half, with Jon Clarke starting as hooker – another surprise decision as Monaghan has shown his best form int he hooking role.
“It was a difficult decision,” Smith said at the team’s traditional eve-of-final walkabout at Wembley.
“It’s not easy and it’s not a pleasurable job but when you’re fit and healthy somebody has got to miss out.
“It’s tough on Richard because he’s had a terrific year and he’s been very good for us.
“He’s handled it exceptionally well and showed a lot of maturity. I’m sure he’s going to play in plenty of big games and I gave him a lot of reassurance about that.”
Team: Mathers; Riley, Atkins, King, Hicks; Briers, Monaghan; Morley (capt), Clarke, Carvell, L Anderson, Westwood, Harrison.
Substitutes: V Anderson, Wood, Higham, Solomona.
Myler to miss out at Wembley
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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I suppose someone had to miss out and yes at 20 he has many more opportunities ahead of him … A shock decision i suppose but Tony Smith knows exactly what he is doing !!! Just look where he has taken the club already since he arrived ……. When we lift the trophy again tomorrow Ritchie Myler will be there to share the celebrations ….
This is a big decision by the coach. Myler is a match winner and should have been inthe 17 unless he has done something none of us know about.
I hope this decision doesn't come back to haunt the coach.
Saying he has plenty of years ahead of him means nothing.
Wire got to wembley in 74 and 75 and then didn't go for another 15 years – if history repeats itself that would make Myler 35 and probably retired!
After their last back to back Wembleys Wire nearly went belly up and out of business.
If Mr Moran ever tires of the club, the same could happen again.