Warriors trio out for the month

Shaun Wane is resigned to being without injured trio Joe Burgess, Lewis Tierney and Ryan Sutton for the rest of the month.
Joe Burgess is helped from the field last FridayJoe Burgess is helped from the field last Friday
Joe Burgess is helped from the field last Friday

The three academy-products failed to finished Friday’s 20-0 win against Leigh, which stretched the Warriors’ winning start to the year to a fourth straight game.

Wingers Burgess and Tierney suffered first-half knee problems, and Sutton left the action in the second-half with blood leaking from an eye injury.

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Wane said: “The indications are none of them will be long-term.”

In-form Burgess is set to see a specialist to discover if he will need surgery. Tierney is not expected to need an operation, but both are facing up to six weeks on the sidelines.

Sutton saw doctors yesterday and is expected to be ruled out for at least a month.

Wane stressed they are likely to discover more detailed recovery time-frames over the next few days.

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But they are certainly going to be missing Thursday’s Grand Final rematch at Warrington, who are winless in Super League this season.

With Dom Manfredi out long-term, Wane is without any of his three frontline wingers. Morgan Escare can play that position, too, but is doing a fine job in his preferred full-back role as Sam Tomkins is still out.

Indeed, with Micky McIlorum also absent for at least another month, Wane has at least six senior stars on the sidelines.

But he is excited he has the chance to give opportunities to fringe players.

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Winger Liam Marshall made his debut last Friday, instead of Oliver Gildart, and should retain his spot even with the latter returning to the frame.

For the other wing spot, Wane mentioned Tom Davies as a candidate in Friday’s press conference.

Alternatively, he could use off-season signing Liam Forsyth, who has returned to the club from a brief stint with Bath RU. Neither have played in the first-team before.

John Bateman - who nursed a shoulder injury on Friday - could replace Sutton if he is fit to return. Alternatively, Wane could call on prop Joe Bretherton, forward Jack Wells or Romain Navarette.

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Bretherton and Wells both played first-team last year, while Navarette was recruited along with Escare from Catalans.

Wane’s plans may become clearer when he takes his weekly press conference later today.