TONY Smith is expecting to choose from a near fully-fit squad for Warrington Wolves’ festive friendly with Widnes Vikings.
Wolves open their pre-season fixtures by hosting neighbouring Vikings on Sunday, December 28 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Simon Grix remains in rehabilitation after a serious leg and ankle break last season, while Joel Monaghan is unlikely to be ready having only recently returned from Australia.
Wolves’ England trio, Daryl Clark, Chris Hill and Stefan Ratchford, will also not be involved after their Four Nations trip.
“We’ve a lot of able bodies and they’re all training the house down, so it’s all good,” said Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby.
“Simon’s the only one that’s really not close to being back in full training, everybody else is on the verge. All the boys who had minor operations are just about back at full tilt.
“There won’t be many missing. The England boys won’t play and probably one or two others, obviously Simon won’t play, we’ll run our eye over Joel and see if he’s ready, it might be a little too soon as he’s just resuming training now.
“Pretty much everybody is going to be available. We’ll be putting out a squad of 20 and all of the pretty much top players will be playing.”
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