Farrell excited about return after long injury lay-off

The England forward has missed the last 18 matches with a rib injury.

But he has been given the green-light to play again and could return in Friday’s trip to Castleford.

Farrell, 26, said: “It’s been far and away the longest lay-off I’ve ever had.

“I’ve been quite fortunate throughout my career, and I’m glad this is over because it’s been the longest four months!

“I’m available for selection and so I’ll see if I get picked – I’m not taking my place for granted.”

Willie Isa, who prefers a role in the middle, has been deputing for Farrell in his absence.

He suffered a broken rib last year but played on with the injury in the Grand Final and for England in the series victory against New Zealand.

The injury flared up again in February, but he battled on with the problem until the start of April, when doctors decided to remove part of the troublesome rib.

“I’ve become a bit of a rib-cage specialist over the last few months,” he smiled. “It’s quite a rare injury, but everything is fine now.

“I trained all of last week and it was good to get back in the mix with the lads again.”

Kiwi centre Anthony Gelling is also back in the frame after recovering from a pectoral injury.

Meanwhile, hooker Micky McIlorum has been granted a testimonial for next season. The hooker will celebrate completing 10 years in the first-team with a series of events, including a game in his honour, race and golf days, and dinners.

A range of sponsorship opportunities are open on McIlorum’s testimonial website, mmc9.co.uk.

McIlorum, who debuted in 2007, has missed most of this season after a nasty ankle break during the World Club Series loss to Brisbane in February. Shaun Wane has not ruled out the prospect of him playing again this season,