Navarrete can '˜take it to another level'

Shaun Wane has challenged Romain Navarrete to seize his chance when he makes his first appearance of the season.
Romain Navarrete alongside Ben Flower in the friendly against South SydneyRomain Navarrete alongside Ben Flower in the friendly against South Sydney
Romain Navarrete alongside Ben Flower in the friendly against South Sydney

The French prop, who finished last season on loan at former club Catalans, has impressed Wane since his return to the club.

And the coach is leaning towards including him in the squad - in place of injured Joel Tomkins - for the visit of Wakefield.

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“I think Romain will play some game time this week,” said Wane.

“He played well (on dual-registration) for Swinton at the weekend, I’m happy with what he’s doing and he deserves a chance.

“I want him to understand why he’s in - because he’s been confrontational, aggressive and a handful, and I want him to take it to another level.

“He’s done everything asked of him, and I want to see that with a bit more intensity.

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“They have big middles and you need to make sure first contact is good, they have some big, big men and we need to make sure we’re on the ball.”

Tomkins misses out with a swollen knee. With Dan Sarginson still absent, John Bateman is expected to continue at centre, with Willie Isa a contender for the second-row spot.

Off-season recruit Gabriel Hamlin is also in the 19-man squad and is on stand-by to play if Ben Flower doesn’t recover from an illness.

Liam Marshall may miss out. If selected Taulima Tautai will make his 100th appearance for the Warriors.

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Warriors 19-man squad: John Bateman, Joe Burgess, Tony Clubb, Tom Davies, Morgan Escaré, Liam Farrell, Ben Flower, Oliver Gildart, Gabe Hamlin, Willie Isa, Tommy Leuluai, Liam Marshall, Romain Navarrete, Sean O’Loughlin, Sam Powell, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Sam Tomkins, George Williams.