Warrington Wolves fans left fuming as prop forward named 18th man against Leeds; but statistics prove his worth
Joe Bullock in action for Warrington Wolves. Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images.
Warrington Wolves fans have shared their feelings on social media after Joe Bullock was named 18th man once again ahead of the Super League clash with Leeds Rhinos.
The two sides meet at Headingley Stadium live on Our League, with a 3:00pm kick-off in Round 22.
Blackpool-born Bullock, 30, has made 16 appearances for the Wire this year, but has found himself dropped in recent weeks. He was also named 18th man against Catalans in Round 21.
His average gain at 7.62 is better than team-mates and fellow forwards Gil Dudson’s (6.66), Sam Kasiano’s (6.41) and Joe Philbin’s (7).
The former Wigan prop has 17 tackle busts, and has stood up when called upon in the first team.
His discipline is also better than some of his Warrington co-stars. He has given away just three penalties compared to Kasiano’s massive 16, although the former dual-international has registered 45 tackle busts to date, with three tries and three assists.
Kasiano has received two yellow cards and Dudson a red for a strike on Tom Johnstone in Perpignan, while Bullock is yet to be carded.
The prop forward has missed just 10 tackles in 15 Super League appearances, while Dudson has missed 22 and Kasiano a massive 37 in his debut campaign at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. For context, Bullock has completed 294 tackles (18 per game), Dudson has 248 in 12 Super League appearances (20 per game) and Kasiano 308 in 18 (17 per game).
He has made just four errors altogether this campaign – Kasiano 21, Philbin five and Paul Vaughan five. Dudson however has made just two errors.
Bullock joined Warrington from Wigan ahead of the 2022 campaign and has one season remaining on his current three-year deal.
Warrington fans fear they may lose Connor Wrench
Additionally, some fans fear they may lose rising Connor Wrench after the youngster was left out of the side named by interim coach Gary Chambers against the Rhinos.
The highly-rated centre made his return from a nine-month injury lay-off earlier in May for the reserves, before making his first appearance against Hull at the start of June.
He featured in the defeat to Catalans at home, with his last Super League game before then at the end of June against the Rhinos.
One Warrington fan wrote on social media: “Wrench and Bullock not included is laughable.”
Another added: “Why is Wrench not playing? We’re going to lose a cracking player here if Warrington aren’t careful.”
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