Warriors v Wolves - Teams

At JJB Stadium, Friday May 16, ko 7.30pm, live on Sky Sports 2

Last updated: 16th May 2008

paul johnson warrington wolves 5/2007

Johnson: Needs a knee reconstruction

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Wigan welcome back Thomas Leuluai for the visit of injury-hit Warrington on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.

The scrum-half missed the Carnegie Challenge Cup win over Whitehaven because he was on international duty with New Zealand.

Despite scoring five tries in the 106-8 fifth-round victory, teenager Sam Tomkins will make way for the returning Leuluai.

The Warriors' 18-try romp booked a quarter-final clash with Leeds and also helped erase the memories of the 57-16 hammering they suffered at the hands of rivals St Helens in Cardiff.

Gareth Hock missed the match at the Millennium Stadium due to suspension but is now free to return to Super League action at the JJB Stadium.

Wounded Wolves

Warrington head on their travels having not only been knocked out of the cup but also losing two key players for the rest of the season.

Paul Cullen's side played their part in a thrilling tie against Saints last Saturday before going down to a 40-34 defeat at Knowsley Road.

To make matters worse, full-back Stuart Reardon ruptured an Achilles tendon and Paul Johnson injured his knee, which will need reconstructive surgery. Neither will play again this year.

Prop Steve Pickersgill and stand-off Chris Bridge were already out until 2009, although Cullen feels the latest injury crisis could galvanise his squad.

"If it's done anything, it's enhanced that team spirit and camaraderie which has been growing for the past few weeks," he said. "Adversity has really brought the guys a little bit closer together.

Johnson was moved into the centres last weekend to take the place of Martin Gleeson, who pulled out just before kick-off with a virus but is fit to take on his home-town team.

Warrington also have hooker Jon Clarke back from a ban while Rob Parker and Chris Riley have recovered from injuries and are included in the 19-man squad.

Wigan squad: Mathers, Calderwood, Goulding, Carmont, Richards, Barrett, Leuluai, Fielden, Higham, Paleaaesina, Hock, Bailey, O'Loughlin, Colbon, Coley, Hansen, Prescott, J. Tomkins, O'Carroll.

Warrington squad: Hicks, M. Gleeson, King, Penny, Briers, Monaghan, Morley, Clarke, Rauhihi, L. Anderson, Westwood, V. Anderson, M. Gleeson, Parker, Grix, Riley, Bracek, Harrison, Cooper.

Wigan v Warrington. Click here to bet.