Thomas Mikaele to start in farewell Super League game as in-form man remains sidelined
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Thomas Mikaele has been named at starting prop for his farewell Warrington game, with the 25-year-old set to return to Australia and link up with Gold Coast Titans next week.
Warrington announced the news on Friday, confirming that Mikaele will make his final appearance against Hull FC at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
NRL side Gold Coast Titans have agreed an undisclosed fee to sign Mikaele for the rest of the season.
Mikaele joined the club from Wests Tigers midway through last season, and has made 17 appearances to date, named for number 18 against Hull.
Ahead of the game, Mikaele posted on social media: “I want to thank everyone who was involved in my time at Warrington, from coaches, staff and board, to players who I now consider life long friends.
“Sad and disappointed my time here is coming to an end, but excited for the boys to achieve something great for the club.
“Last but definitely not least, thank you Wire fans for your continuous support and understanding for my family.”
Meanwhile, Daryl Clark has not been named. The hooker sustained a knee injury last week against Castleford at the Mend-Hose-Jungle, forcing him from the field in the first half.
Daryl Powell is expected to give an update on his starting hooker later this afternoon, with the England international having undergone scans earlier this week.
Danny Walker starts at nine.
Peter Mata’utia, who featured in the halves last week in replacement of Josh Drinkwater, has been named at loose forward.
Two changes to Hull
Tony Smith has made two changes to his Hull side that was named to take on Leigh last weekend at the MKM Stadium.
Ligi Sao drops out to serve his one-match suspension, while Cam Scott is unavailable having failed a head injury assessment last week.
The pair are replaced by forwards Jordan Lane and Kane Evans.
Warrington: Dufty, Russell, Minikin, Ratchford, Ashon, Williams, Drinkwater, Mikaele, Walker, Vaughan, Currie, Nicholson, Mata’utia. Bench: Philbin, Dudson, Thewlis, Thomas. 18: Whitehead
Hull: Hoy, Swift, Tuimavave, Sutcliffe, Litten, Lovodua, Clifford, Taylor, Houghton, Satae, Savelio, Griffin, Fash. Bench: Lane, Cator, Evans, Dwyer. 18: Staveley.
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