YOUNG half back Gareth O’Brien returns to Warrington’s 19 man squad for Friday’s trip to Salford after completing a month loan deal at Castleford Tigers, with Lee Briers future still in doubt.
Head of Coaching Tony Smith says Briers is still suffering from a neck injury and could require an operation which would see him miss the rest of the season and possibly bring a premature end to his career.
With Skipper Adrian Morley still sidelined following an operation to repair a torn bicep Smith is hopeful that forwards Ben Harrison and Trent Waterhouse could be back within the next week or two to bolster his squad.
Although disappointed by the two recent defeats Smith feels the poor weather conditions have played their part as much as the injuries to his squad.
O’Brien (pictured right) is the only change to the 19 man squad picked for last week’s home defeat by St Helens, with centre Rhys Evans making way for the young half-back, who is seen by many as the natural successor to Briers.
Salford will go into the game on the back of a draw against Wakefield.
The Wolves’ last visit to the Salford stadium holds good memories as the side booked their place in the Challenge Cup Final beating Huddesfield 33-6 in the semis.
But the last Super League fixture against the Reds away from home told a different story as Salford won 48-24. Warrington had won their home fixture earlier in the season 24-20.
Video interviews from Tony Smith and Chris Riley will be online later.
Wolves Squad
4 Ryan Atkins
3 Chris Bridge
10 Garreth Carvell
17 Mike Cooper
24 Ben Currie
15 Simon Grix
14 Micky Higham
18 Chris Hill
1 Brett Hodgson
26 James Laithwaite
21 Tyrone McCarthy
5 Joel Monaghan
9 Michael Monaghan
7 Richie Myler
23 Gareth O’Brien
19 Stefan Ratchford
2 Chris Riley
12 Ben Westwood
16 Paul Wood
