Warrington boss lays down challenge for returning Gil Dudson

Daryl Powell has challenged Gil Dudson to really kick-start his Warrington career when he returns from his suspension this weekend.

Dudson is available for selection again after completing his five-match suspension for punching Catalans winger Tom Johnstone in their defeat to the Dragons in early April.

The Wales international will return to Powell’s side for their trip to his former club Catalans Dragons in Saturday’s Challenge Cup sixth round tie.

“I had a sit down with Gil earlier on in the week,” Powell said. “He’s not really got going yet, we’re 12 rounds in and we enter the Challenge Cup this week but he’s not really got going.

“He’s not had a consistent run because of his injury and a big suspension, so he knows what he’s got to do.

“I suppose if you’re going to have a perfect game to do it in, then this will probably be it.”

Powell expects his powerhouse front-rower to keep his cool this weekend and let his rugby do the talking in Saturday’s mouth-watering cup tie.

“He just has to do, I don’t think there is any other option for him,” Powell added.

“He’s got to keep calm and focus on what he’s doing on the field and nothing else.

“He had an awesome pre-season with us, he’s got to bring all of that in to his game and if he does that, then he’ll be great for us.”

Daryl Powell pleased with relatively healthy squad

The Wolves boss is happy to be travelling to Perpignan with a near full strength squad, with Matty Nicholson (finger) and Matty Russell (HIA) being the only players sidelined.

“We’re looking okay,” Powell said. “Obviously Gil Dudson comes back in to the equation this week so we look alright, all good, ready to go.

“Obviously the early part of the season was difficult but we’ve been reasonably consistent. A couple of suspensions have hurt us but we’re getting to the point where we can pick the same sort of team each week.

“Obviously Matt Dufty came back into the team early on last week and looked good so we’re looking good and its helpful not having a lot of injuries.

“Rugby league is a crazy game, particularly for the middle unit forwards, I think it is massive that we’ve got those guys available.”

Warrington’s Cup tie against Catalans at the Stade Gilbert Brutus gets underway at 6pm (UK time).

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