Daryl Powell gives update on Stefan Ratchford

Warrington Head Coach Daryl Powell has said Stefan Ratchford will probably miss Warrington’s final game of the season after picking up a groin injury.

Ratchford was forced off at half-time during their 38-36 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Giants. He was replaced by teenage half-back Leon Hayes for the second half.

Powell confirmed Ratchford would probably not be fit for Saturday’s match against Salford at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The Wire Head Coach told his post-match news conference: “It was his groin. He said give me five minutes in the second half. I was like we’ve got Leon (Hayes) there. You know, we wanted to have a look at him anyway, so it made sense.

“Whether he’s alright, I think he will probably struggle for for Saturday. But I would have no hesitation in putting Leon out there again, and see how he handles it.”

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Daryl Powell calls first 40 minutes “totally unacceptable”

Powell was also unhappy with his side’s first half performance during that game. They found themselves 32-10 down after conceding 30 unanswered points after taking the lead 30 seconds in.

The 57-year-old says he is looking for a full 80 minute performance.

He added:  “It is what it is for me. What I want to see next week is 80 minutes of collective effort, and toughness, and drive.

“I’m not happy because the first 40 minutes to me were just totally unacceptable. The second 40 minutes where we totally committed to what we’re doing is what I want to see.

“And if we get that for 80 minutes that’s why I’m asking the players to do.

“I’ve learned a lot this year. If I can carry that with me, with all the other stuff that I believe, then I think we’ll be in a great spot.”

Huddersfield 38-36 Warrington: Giants hold off Wire comeback