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Joel Tomkins looks set to make his second debut for Wigan Warriors after being named in the 19 man squad to face Salford Red Devils at the DW Stadium on Thursday evening.

Joel returned to the Warriors six weeks ago and has been recovering from a back injury whilst getting back into life as a Rugby League player.

Head Coach Shaun Wane said: "I've taken my time with him, he was probably ready a week ago and he's been very keen to play but I wouldn't put him in unless I thought he was definitely ready to play. I want him to have a home game and I'm sure the fans will look forward to seeing him back in a Cherry and White shirt."

Asked about how Joel has taken to being back in Rugby League Shaun said: "He's been training really well, his skills are very good. He's done a fair bit of wrestle so he's back into it again. I'm not expecting great things for a few weeks but he's going to be a good asset to us, he's a big unit on an edge and is very skilful as he has shown in the past. I'm excited that he's with us and I'm looking forward to seeing him play."

Joel was understandably excited about the call up: "I've tried to just come in and work as hard as I can since I came back to the club. It's great to be named in the squad and I can't wait to pull that famous jersey on once again."

In other news, Anthony Gelling looks set to return in place of Darrell Goulding. Wane said: "Anthony Gelling was rested for the game against Bradford. Darrell Goulding got a knock on his knee so we have a ready-made replacement there."

Wigan Warriors 19-man squad in full:

John Bateman, Matt Bowen, Josh Charnley, Tony Clubb, Dom Crosby, Gil Dudson, Liam Farrell, Ben Flower, Anthony Gelling, Jack Hughes, Jordan James, Dom Manfredi, Sean O'Loughlin, Sam Powell, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Scott Taylor, Joel Tomkins, George Williams

Tickets are still available for the game from the Wigan Warriors Ticket Office, the Ticket Hotline 0871 6633 552 or online at Warriors eTickets

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... UWeche2.99

I'd probably leave Dudson and James out - although Dudson at least would be fresh after his 'break'

Reading the reports and views, I can see lockers goin to stand off and williams missing out

Strongest squad for a while this, on paper. Despite still having Burgess, Green, Mcilorum, Pettybourne, Thornley, Hampshire out injured.

I would leave Dudson and James out.

Think we will see Joel coming off the bench for two stints in the back row.

JL back in our squad.Never thought I woul see the day when a Union reject was so eagerly awaited[ by me]

So somebody who has worked for their place all season loses it for a has been that never really was

medlocke wrote:So somebody who has worked for their place all season loses it for a has been that never really was

POW .... and so it begins :sigh:

medlocke wrote:So somebody who has worked for their place all season loses it for a has been that never really was

Bit harsh on Gil Dudson

According to Wish FM, Sarginson had a stinker! Drop or bench?

x Wigan Warrior x wrote:

medlocke wrote:So somebody who has worked for their place all season loses it for a has been that never really was

POW .... and so it begins :sigh:

I don't disagree with medlocke...

I remember Hock's return after his enforced drug ban and I can see a repeat of a wholly unfit player, struggling to make any impact, performing plenty of huffing and blowing after a few minutes only to go off again after a pretty uneventful cameo

Stop watching those videos from 3 years ago before his injury hit spell in Union. This guy is a LONG way from his peers fitness/game fit and and he would be better served playing without all this added pressure and expectancy at Workington