Warrington Wolves: Daryl Powell provides injury latest on George Williams, Josh Thewlis and Connor Wrench

Warrington Wolves boss Daryl Powell has provided the latest on trio Josh Thewlis, Connor Wrench and George Williams following the defeat to St Helens.

The Wolves fell to an agonisingly close 24-20 defeat to the reigning champions, with a much-improved performance for the hosts following their defeats to Castleford and Leeds respectively.

Having found themselves 12-6 down at the break, Warrington found a lead in the second half thanks to a second try from Matty Ashton and a try of the season contender from Matt Dufty.

But Paul Wellens’ side showed resilience to fight back, with Jonny Lomax and Lewis Dodd sealing the victory in the last 20 minutes.

With 14 appearances in the current season, full-back or winger Thewlis was a notable absentee for the Wolves ahead of the clash, while Greg Minikin was named in the centres for 21-year-old Wrench.

On Thewlis, Powell said: “He trained the other day, and there were a couple of things.

“I just thought he looked like he was off with his knee.

“He’s been strapped up pretty heavily for the last three or four weeks and he’s been doing a great job for us.

“But he looked off in training. He’s one of those players who’s not going to tell you that he’s injured or needs a breather. I thought for him it was the right time.

“Personally, I also had the feeling for Matt Dufty today. I felt like he was ready to come and give performance that he did tonight.

“I’m really pleased for him. He’s had a little bit of a tough time recently and I think he was just himself tonight.”

Wrench made his return from last year’s ACL injury in June to feature against Hull, and has made a further four appearances for Warrington this year, scoring three tries.

He was named as 18th man against St Helens, with Powell continuing: “He’s had a little bit of a back [issue].

“I just had a feel for Greg Minikin and that he was ready to play. I’ve just gone with people who I feel are probably highly motivated and a little bit fitter and fresher than those two young guys.

“Josh in particular definitely needed a rest.”

Warrington Wolves boss gives George Williams latest

Despite naming England skipper Williams in his 21-man squad, Powell admitted that the half-back was never going to feature against the Saints.

Powell said the 28-year-old had an ‘outside chance’ to play during his midweek press conference, although Williams gave away the game later that day with an interview on Sky Sports at Wimbledon, confirming that his injury would rule him out.

Warrington will be hoping to welcome back the marquee man for next Friday’s clash against his former club Wigan at the DW Stadium, live on Sky Sports.

“He was never going to play tonight, but I didn’t have anyone else to put in the squad,” Powell admitted.

“He’s running and he’s got a few bits of pieces to do earlier in the week but I’m hopeful he’s there or thereabouts at the end of the week.

“So potentially we get George back next week and a couple of forwards that have been suspended.

“I think we’ll be looking a bit stronger in the middle unit with experience.”

WARRINGTON WOLVES PLAYER RATINGS: Trio stand out in much-improved team performance as forwards asked to do big minutes

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