Williams back in the mix

George Williams (right) last figured against Hull FC last month

The halfback has missed the last eight games with a back problem.

Frustratingly, due to the nature of the injury, Wigan were unable to put a timeframe on his likely return.

But Shaun Wane revealed the 21-year-old has started full training again and is likely to be available for Thursday’s trip to Warrington.

Wane said: “There’s a chance George will play.

“We weren’t sure how long he was going to be out for, it was one of those injuries in which he had to wait for the symptoms to ease.

“But he’s fine now, he’s running again and it’s now just a case of getting him back up to speed.

“We’ll have a better idea next week.”

Williams was handed the No.6 shirt last season and finished the year with England honours and as Super League’s Young Player of the Year.

He played four games at the start of the season but hasn’t figured since the 26-25 win at Hull FC at the start of March.

Williams was one of eight frontline players - and six England internationals - missing from Thursday’s 26-19 victory over Huddersfield.

But Wane’s injury woes are expected to ease over the coming days.

Dom Crosby and Joel Tomkins, who both missed out with knee injuries, are set to figure.

And captain Sean O’Loughlin and Liam Farrell may also be in the reckoning. Winger Dom Manfredi has an outside chance of being fit, after a lay-off with a toe injury.

And encouragingly, knocks picked up by props Taulima Tautai and Tony Clubb last Thursday are not as bad as first feared.

Wane said: “It’ll be nice to be able to pick the team, rather than the physio picking it for me!

“I’ll have a couple of headaches and that will be a nice position to be in, because I’ve not had that for a few weeks.”