Warrington to give debut to American-born winger

Aug 23 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WARRINGTON are set to give a debut to American-born winger Taylor Welch in tomorrow’s engage Super League game at Castleford.

Wolves coach James Lowes has put the 18-year-old Texan on stand-by in case Chris Riley fails to pass the mandatory “head test” after being concussed in Sunday’s 36-34 defeat by Hull KR.

Welch moved to England in 2003 and was spotted by the Wolves playing rugby union at Lymm High School in Cheshire.

He joined Warrington’s academy two years ago and earned his call-up after a series of impressive performances for the under-18s.

Warrington, who need a win to keep alive their hopes of a home tie in the play-offs, are definitely without veteran prop Paul Rauhihi, who misses his first match of the season with a groin injury.

Meanwhile, Widnes Vikings aim to finish the regular Co-operative National League One season in fourth place with victory at Whitehaven tomorrow.

Vikings are all but mathematically sure of a place in the top six shake-up but fifth will be guaranteed if coach Steve McCormack pulls off a win at his former club,

“We are still not guaranteed to be in the play-offs but it’s certainly in our own hands and considering what has gone on, I am very proud of the players and what they have achieved,” he said.

“It is a massive achievement. Now we are virtually in there, we have reached our goals but hopefully we will go further.”