WARRINGTON’S long-serving half-back Lee Briers, who has missed the Wolves’ last five Super League matches with an ankle injury, is battling illness in a bid to be fit for his club’s busy Easter programme.

The 31-year-old former skipper, who needs two tries to bring up a century in Super League, has recovered from injury but was ordered to stay away from training because of a stomach bug.

“I’m expecting him to play this weekend,” said Wolves coach Tony Smith. “The doctor kept him away from training but I expect him to be right physically.

“He’s having a little horror run but I’d like to think he’ll be available to us over Easter, although whether we slot him in straight away I’m not sure.”

Warrington, who take on Salford at home on Friday and visit Hull on Monday, have bolstered their ranks by recalling Matty Blythe, Lee Mitchell and Tyrone McCarthy from Leigh, where they have been playing on a dual registration.

“Those boys are itching to play for us,” said Smith. “It’s been tough for them because they all experienced a reasonable amount of first grade last year but they’ve not had a look in yet.

“They won’t be playing for Leigh on Friday in case we need them for Monday but, if not, we might put them on offer to Leigh.”

SUPER League leaders Wigan will be without second row forward Harrison Hansen for up to three months with a shoulder injury.

The 24-year-old Samoan international sustained the injury in the Warriors’ win over Hull earlier this month and, after scans identified a tear, has been told he needs to have an operation.

Maguire will also check on the fitness of Cameron Phelps, who missed last week’s win over Leeds with a leg injury, and Mark Riddell, Sam Tomkins and Andy Coley before finalising his squad for Friday’s clash with St Helens.