Lachlan Fitzgibbon’s return is expected to give Warrington Wolves an advantage when they play Leigh Leopards on Friday night. Due to a shoulder injury, the back-rower hasn’t played since the beginning of July, missing a significant portion of the campaign.
But, Fitzgibbon overcame the problem, and Sam Burgess welcomed the 30-year-old back into the team this week as they prepared to play Leigh Leopards in what could be yet another pivotal match. Fitzgibbon’s comeback coincides with James Harrison’s temporary absence due to a leg injury.
Due to a knee injury, Matt Dufty, an influential full-back, will also be absent for The Wire going forward.
With four games left in the season, Burgess’ team is currently sitting third in the Super League standings, two points behind the League Leaders’ Shield pace. Leigh is only one point out of the play-offs, so both they and their hosts on Friday night have a lot to gain over the next few weeks.
Leigh will be without forward John Asiata, who is headed to Hull FC, due to suspension, but they will be eager to build on their excellent recent performance as they finish the season strongly. Adrian Lam’s team has emerged victorious from their last three games and now has an improbable opportunity as both Catalans Dragons and St Helens are struggling.
Oliver Gildart’s timely return from injury has also benefited Hull KR manager Willie Peters, as KR will be participating in their home game against Salford Red Devils. Gildart has been cleared to play this week after missing the team’s decisive victory over St Helens last time out due to a head knock.
James Batchelor, who is serving a suspension, is replaced by Gildart.
After serving one-match bans, Paul Rowley was able to include Tim Lafai and Oliver Partington in the squad, and Jack Ormondroyd was included for the first time since May.
Matty Ashton, John Bateman, Jordy Crowther, Ben Currie, Josh Drinkwater, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Adam Holroyd, Toby King, Arron Lindop, Zane Musgrove, Matty Nicholson, Joe Philbin, Sam Powell, Rodrick Tai, Cai Taylor-Wray, Josh Thewlis, Paul Vaughan, Danny Walker, Tom Whitehead, George Williams, and Luke Yates are the Warrington Wolves’ 21-man squad to face Leigh.
Leigh Leopards 21-man squad to take on Warrington: Gareth O’Brien, Zak Hardaker, Ricky Leutele, Josh Charnley, Matt Moylan, Lachlan Lam, Tom Amone, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Kai O’Donnell, Jack Hughes, Matt Davis, Frankie Halton, Owen Trout, Ollie Holmes, Keanan Brand, Umyla Hanley, Louis Brogan, Brad Dwyer, Darnell McIntosh, Aaron Pene.
Hull KR 21-man squad to take on Salford: Peta Hiku, Niall Evalds, Tom Opacic, Oliver Gildart, Ryan Hall, Mikey Lewis, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, George King, Dean Hadley, Elliot Minchella, Matt Parcell, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Matty Storton, Kelepi Tanginoa, Tyrone May, Joe Burgess, Jack Broadbent, Jack Brown, Danny Richardson.
Salford Red Devils’ 21-man squad to take on Hull KR: Ryan Brierley, Ethan Ryan, Nene Macdonald, Tim Lafai, Deon Cross, Marc Sneyd, Brad Singleton, Amir Bourouh, Sam Stone, Kallum Watkins, Oliver Partington, Chris Atkin, Shane Wright, Joe Shorrocks, Jack Ormondroyd, Chris Hankinson, Joe Mellor, Harvey Wilson, Loghan Lewis, Joe Bullock, Jayden Nikorima.
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