Stopping try celebrations will be tricky, admits Sam Powell

The RFL has warned all players they face fines of £250 if they hug or jump on a try-scorer during a match.

Celebrations should be limited to fist-pumps or slaps on the back, says the game’s governing body. Powell understands why the guidance has been issued as the game grapples with trying to limit the impact the virus has on squads.

But he reckons it may be hard not to get carried away during a game when emotions are running high.

The hooker said: “It’s a tricky one. You’re competing, you’re going at it 100mph and then you get some success, you score a try and you’re not allowed to celebrate.

“It’s something which will be hard to get used to. It’s a protocol that’s been put in by the RFL to try and keep us safe.

“We’ve had a discussion as a team and we’re going to try and do our best – (but) it’s a tough one, that one.”

Wigan and tomorrow’s opponents, Catalans, have each reported one positive Covid-19 test result within their squads this week.

But a combination of further testing as well as track and trace cleared the match to go ahead.

Powell knows it wouldn’t be possible to prevent coronavirus impacting squads but says players are making sacrifices to try and reduce the risk.

“It’s more, if your friends are going out, it’s about making smart choices and putting yourself first – our No.1 job is we’re out there playing games,” said the hooker.

There are many familiar faces in the Catalans ranks but ex-Warriors Tom Davies, Lewis Tierney and Micky McIlorum are all absent from their 21-man squad.

Sam and Joel Tomkins are included.