WARRINGTON Wolves have named a young squad to take on a Wigan outfit boasting their new Aussie signing Mark Riddell in the ‘festive fixture’ at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday December 28, kick off 3pm.
Wigan, who have sold out of their allocation of tickets for the clash will be fielding a strong line up while Warrington Head Coach James Lowes has included established Super League players such as Kevin Penny, Lee Mitchell, Ben Harrison and Matty Blythe alongside the best of Wolves’ academy sides.
Wolves’ Chief Executive, Andy Gatcliffe has appealed for fans to turn up and show their support for Lowes’ young side: “The number one priority in relation to the 1st team squad at this time is to ensure that as many if not all of the senior players are fully fit and therefore fully available for selection at the start of the Super League campaign. As everyone is aware, we have had quite a lengthy list of players with long-term injuries. After, in some cases, many months of medical treatment and rehab we cannot, and will not, take any chances on jeopardising their return in time for engage Super League XIV.”
Gatcliffe continued: “I appreciate the ‘loyal fans’ views and wishes, that they want to see the strongest possible team beat Wigan, but James Lowes must do what he believes to be best. Engage Super League XIV is the focus.
“We are proud of our young professionals and this game with Wigan will give us a chance to showcase their talent. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to nurture and develop these athletes. I’m sure our fantastic supporters will get behind the lads and enjoy the first game of rugby here in over three months.”
The full squad v Wigan is as follows:
1. Chris Murphy 2. Kevin Penny 3.
James Mendeika 4. Matty Blythe 5. Rhys Williams 6. Nigel Scott 7. Scott
Leatherbarrow 8. Michael Cooper 9. Alex Thompson 10. Adam Neal 11. Lee
Mitchell 12. Liam Hulme 13. Tyrone McCarthy 14. Dave Saxon 15. James
Laithwaite 16. Matthew Lomax 17. Ben Harrison 18. Danny Martin 19. Josh
Cullen 20. Christopher Dean 21. Jack Reid
