Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors: Super League preview
Last Updated: 29/04/16 10:12am
George Williams returns for Wigan as they visit the Halliwell Jones Stadium to take on Warrington, live on Sky Sports.
Williams has missed the last eight matches with a back injury, but has recovered in time to take the field in Thursday night's game, and Warriors coach Shaun Wane believes the England international will make an immediate impact.
"It's great to have George back, it's been frustrating for him and everyone but he's back now and good to go," said Wane. "He's had a good couple of weeks with us now.
"We know what we need to do and where we need to improve. We've won a few games recently but not by many points so I'm into the players about making our attack more crisp and having George back will help with that."
The two sides are equal on competition points after each claiming nine wins from 12, but Wolves are in first place thanks to a much healthier points difference than their opponents.
They've done well with injuries and have had the same team out a lot this year.
Shaun Wane on Warrington
"They've got some very good players and they're playing well," said Wane of Warrington.
"They've done well with injuries and have had the same team out a lot this year. They're playing a good brand of Rugby League so it's got the makings of a great game."
Meanwhile Wolves have brought former Hull FC star Tom Lineham back into their side for the clash. Lineham featured in Warrington's opening 10 fixtures of the season, but was dropped after their defeat to Saints earlier in the month.
The 23-year-old gets another chance with the club's only other specialist winger Gene Ormsby still on loan at Huddersfield, while Jack Johnson is out after suffering a broken wrist against Widnes last Friday.
"Jack spent some time on the wing and at full-back and I thought he gave us a really competent and assured display," said Wolves assistant coach Richard Agar.
"Unfortunately he picked up an injury to his scaphoid so he's going to be out a little while.
"Tommy went back and played for the reserves and then played for Rochdale last week to work on his game. He did everything asked of him so he's a ready-made replacement to come straight back into the side."
Warrington Wolves: Ryan Atkins, Daryl Clark, Jordan Cox, Ben Currie, Rhys Evans, Kurt Gidley, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Tom Lineham, Kevin Penny, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Ashton Sims, Joe Westerman, Ben Westwood, Sam Wilde.
Wigan Warriors: John Bateman, Greg Burke, Josh Charnley, Tony Clubb, Ben Flower, Oliver Gildart, Anthony Gelling, Nick Gregson, Jack Higginson, Willie Isa, Lee Mossop, Sam Powell, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Lewis Tierney, Jack Wells, George Williams.
Watch Warrington v Wigan live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Thursday from 7.30pm. Or catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass.
