mickey higham

WARRINGTON players Ben Harrison and Chris Bridge have been drafted into the England train-on squad, taking the representation from coach Tony Smith's club to six. Harrison, a 21-year-old loose forward, and centre or stand-off Bridge, 25, have both represented Ireland in the past but have been given permission by the International Federation to switch their allegiance. "Ireland understand what's happened," said Smith.

They have both had pretty good years. Ben has had a lot of recognition for his effort, he’s maturing and is keen to make the next step up into representative rugby league and I’m happy to help him with that.   -Tony Smith

 

Warrington Wolves duo Ben Harrison and Chris Bridge have switched their allegiance from Ireland after being called into England's training squad. Harrison, a 21-year-old loose forward, and centre or stand-off Bridge, 25, have represented Ireland in the past. Both have been given permission by the International Federation to switch their allegiance to England.

Chris and Ben have always had the ambition to play for England and at the end of the season they came to me and spoke of their desire to play for England   -Tony Smith

 

Four players from Huddersfield and Hull KR have been added to Tony Smith's England train-on squad for the end-of-season internationals. Giants hooker Scott Moore and prop Eorl Crabtree as well as Hull KR full-back Shaun Briscoe and winger Peter Fox will join the party on Monday. The players have been called up by Smith after their clubs were eliminated from the Super League play-offs.  

Salford half-back Stefan Ratchford is the surprise inclusion in the first batch of players for the England Four Nations train-on squad. Coach Tony Smith has named 13 players from the clubs who failed to make the Super League play-offs, with more to be added each week. Ratchford, 21, was one of his side's stars as they endured a difficult season back in the top flight.  

Warrington coach Tony Smith admits his side 'need a miracle' if they are to qualify for the Super League play-offs. The Challenge Cup winners crashed to a 40-16 defeat at the hands of Hull KR on Saturday - a result which leaves the Wolves outside the top eight with only one game left of the regular season. And although Catalans Dragons' surprise home defeat by Wakefield means qualification is still possible, Wolves must now beat Quins and hope other results go their way.

It's going to have to take a small miracle to make the eight - which is a bit of a shame because, if we did, I think we could trouble some teams.   -Tony Smith

 

Warrington Wolves saw their hopes of a play-off spot disappear after they were thrashed 40-16 by Hull KR at New Craven Park. Clint Newton grabbed a hat-trick of tries to condemn the newly-crowned Challenge Cup winners to a heavy defeat. The Wolves provided stiff opposition for the first 30 minutes but two interceptions by Kris Welham either side of the half turned the tide in Rovers' favour. Mickey Higham got the visitors off to a flying start when Lee Briers broke through the line and played in the  

Aussie Michael Monaghan was almost ready to be shown the door by Warrington earlier this season. But the former Manly star rediscovered his form to earn a new contract and how Wolves fans will be relieved he didn't return Down Under. The Wizard from Oz was a deserved winner of the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match as Warrington ended a 35-year Challenge Cup trophy drought.  

Pre-Match The teams emerge down the tunnel after the traditional signing of Abide With Me. Pre-Match Kick-off is at 1430 BST. Wembley filling up nicely even though we are not expecting a capacity crowd. Pre-Match This is a scratch handicap with Sky Bet. They can't split them.  

Warrington utility player Simon Grix will be out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. The 23-year-old, who has made 19 appearances this season, will undergo surgery later this week. Coach Tony Smith confirmed the news at a press conference ahead of Saturday's Challenge Cup final against Huddersfield at Wembley.  

Warrington have slipped out of the top eight after winning just one of their last five matches, and face a Wakefield side in a similar position on the brink of the play-offs. Assistant coach James Lowes says the match will be like 'a cup final' and that the Wolves will probably need to win their three remaining games to reach the post-season. "We've put ourselves in that situation now where we need the points," said Lowes.

We've put ourselves in that situation now where we need the points   -James Lowes