Sunday, 4 September 2011

Wolves v Warriors: Morley Returns In Top Of The Table Showdown



Warrington captain Adrian Morley has been named in the Wolves' 19-man squad for their top-of-the-table showdown with Wigan on Sunday.


The England prop has missed his side's last seven games with vision problems and dizziness after suffering a head injury at the end of June.


But he could now make a shock comeback as Warrington look to leapfrog the Warriors and go top of the Super League table heading into the final weekend of the regular season.


Utility player Simon Grix and full-back Brett Hodgson have also been included in coach Tony Smith's squad after both missed the win over Catalan Dragons last time out.


However, Warrington will be without second-rower David Solomona due to suspension, while former Warriors hooker Mickey Higham has not been included despite completing a two-match ban.


Recognition
Head coach Tony Smith would like to see his side finish top of the table at the end of the regular season, if only to get the recognition they deserve.


"I don't think there is any greater advantage finishing first or second in terms of how the competition is structured but for a club like us and where we've come from, it would be nice recognition," he said.


"We've had a pretty good season and it would be nice to get that top spot.


It's not going to make or break our season, though. I think both teams are in good positions to compete for the title, as are a few others."


Challenge Cup winners Wigan will be without prop Lee Mossop, who dislocated a shoulder during the 28-18 victory over Leeds at Wembley.


Gareth Hock is set to take his place in the match-day line-up, while Eamon O'Carroll is also in contention for a place on the bench after being included in Michael Maguire's 19-man squad.


Hungry
"We had a taste of Old Trafford and winning the minor premiership last year and they're in front of us now," said Maguire.


"If we want to go get them, it's up to us as a group and I know they're very hungry."
Maguire is confident his players will have their focus back following the high of last week's cup final victory.


"I think that is part of the challenge, to get yourself up fresh and ready to go after a big weekend like that," he added. "But we pretty well moved on after Monday.


"There were a few sore heads and sick stomachs but they jumped into training on Tuesday and worked hard.


"The long week allowed us to have a good recovery so there will be no excuses this weekend. It is important to us to finish top."


Whoever wins the sold-out clash, which can be seen live on Sky Sports HD1, will be in pole position to claim the League Leaders Shield during the final round of regular season fixtures.


Warrington squad: Anderson, Atkins, Blythe, Bridge, Briers, Carvell, Clarke, Cooper, Grix, Harrison, Hodgson, King, Mitchell, J. Monaghan, M. Monaghan, Morley, Myler, Riley, Wood.

Wigan squad: S. Tomkins, Goulding, Carmont, Richards, Deacon, Leuluai, McIlorum, Coley, Hansen, J. Tomkins, O'Loughlin, Prescott, Lima, Hoffman, Finch, O'Carroll, Farrell, Charnley, Hock.


live on Sky Sports HD1 from 12.30pm (uk)

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