WARRINGTON and St Helens are hoping to demonstrate their strength in depth tonight as they look to maintain the pressure on Engage Super League leaders Wigan.
With three players called up for England’s mid-season international against France tomorrow, both the Wolves and Saints have had to dip into their reserves for their home matches against Hull KR and Huddersfield respectively.
An additional call-up would have given the clubs the option of re-arranging their fixtures, as Catalans Dragons have done, although Leeds – with four players in the England team – have waived their right to postpone tomorrow’s trip to Harlequins.
Wigan coach Michael Maguire says he is considering asking his three internationals to double up for his side’s match at Wakefield on Sunday, an option denied to Warrington’s Tony Smith after the Rovers game was brought forward from Sunday to be shown live on Sky Sports.
Former England boss Smith insists he would not have expected his players to play twice in two days and says he has no problem in fielding a weakened team.
“I’d be unlikely to double anybody up,” he said.
“I’m not saying I never will in the future because you never know what position you’re going to find yourself in. But I’m one of those people who have been critical of playing two games in a short period of time over Easter so you can’t have it both ways. To have three players in the England team is recognition of what we’re doing here as a club and hopefully we’ll get more in the future.
“I want a bigger problem and, if that means dropping two points, so be it. I’m very supportive.”
Smith has experienced prop Paul Wood returning from injury to replace ever-present Adrian Morley while second-rower Ben Westwood was missing last week through suspension and Tyrone McCarthy has been recalled from his dual registration with Leigh to help plug the gap caused by the absence of the club’s third international, Chris Bridge.
Smith said: “I’ve got some young guys who have been disappointed they haven’t been given much of a chance so far and they get their opportunity this weekend. I’m really happy about that.”
Australian hooker Michael Monaghan will captain the side in the absence of Morley.
“He’s a logical choice,” said Smith. “He does a lot of captaincy regardless.”
Hull KR will have the services of full-back Shaun Briscoe and winger Peter Fox, who both played under Smith in his last match as England coach in November’s Four Nations final but have been discarded by new coach Steve McNamara.
Rovers have a dismal recent away record but have won the last three league meetings with Warrington and returned to winning ways against Catalans last Sunday.
“We’re going there with confidence,” said Robins skipper Michael Vella.
“They are a good side but we believe we can beat any team – if we play well – and we’re going to have to play well to get a result.”
FIXTURES: TONIGHT Engage Super League (8pm): Hull v Salford, St Helens v Huddersfield, Warrington v Hull KR.
