WOLVESWarrington Wolves suffer huge injury blow ahead of season defining fixtures

[josie andrews]

Warrington Wolves are arguably Super League’s current form side. Having completed a huge win in the South of France, they face back-to-back fixtures against the Wigan Warriors in a fortnight which could define their season.

Warrington host Wigan at the Halliwell Jones stadium on Saturday as the two sides, along with St Helens, are locked on 18 points at the top of the Super League table. Then, Warrington face the Warriors again the following weekend, in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley. Two victories could set the Wolves on the path to a historic season.

However, head coach, Sam Burgess, has confirmed that they go into the contest against Wigan without one of their key forwards. He is set to miss the Challenge Cup

Warrington’s Joe Philbin will miss the game against Wigan, due to an injury picked up after the game at the weekend. Philbin played against Catalans, however, he has picked up an upper leg injury in the aftermath of the game.

Speaking in his weekly press conference, Burgess confirmed the injury blow.

Everyone has pulled through okay except Philbs. He’s no good – he’ll be out for a little bit,” Burgess explained. “He’ll probably be no good for Wembley, which is sad.

“We see him around the place and he’s a pretty happy character so he’ll take it in his stride. He’s had a couple of injuries to deal with as he’s an experienced guy.

I’m sad for him, but he’ll move on. We’re still figuring out how severe it is, but he’s probably not going to make the final.”

Should Warrington win the Wembley showcase without Philbin, it would be the tenth time that have lifted the Challenge Cup in the club’s history.

Philbin has played a crucial part in Warrington’s resurgence under Sam Burgess. The 29 year old Warrington academy product has spent his entire career with the Wolves, making 172 career appearances to date.

Philbin has played 11 games in the current season, scoring one try in Warrington’s round three game against the Castleford Tigers. Despite the blow to Philbin, Burgess expects to be able to name a strong squad for the game against Wigan.

Warrington have also boosted by Jordy Crowther’s return to fitness. Crowther missed the game in the south of France with an injury niggle. Crowther joined the club ahead of the 2024 season from Wakefield Trinity. Although he had previously played as a loose forward, Crowther has filled in as part of the Warrington front row this season and his return helps fill the hole left by Phibin.

Crowther has made eight appearances for the Wire this season, and has 97 Super League appearances in his career so far. He is yet to score his first try for the Wolves.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/warringt ... res-92413/