Warrington Wolves coach Tony Smith has said he will inform his players on Tuesday of his team for this year’s Challenge Cup final – and has hinted he’s confident forward Joe Westerman will play.
The 26-year-old suffered an ankle injury during last weekend’s win against Castleford, leaving Smith to declare after that game Westerman was a doubt for the Wembley showdown with Hull FC.
But Smith said at Monday’s press conference that he has a suspicion Westerman will eventually be passed fit – but warned that if he isn’t 100 per cent fit, he won’t be selected.
“I’m getting close to the team now,” Smith said. “I’ve had some sleepless nights but we’re not far off – the players will know tomorrow. We need to run the rule over Joe with his ankle problem but my hunch is that he’ll make it: although he won’t play if he’s not right.”
Smith also added that he’s expecting a real classic between Super League’s first and second-placed sides in the capital this weekend: with many anticipating this to be the best final in years.
“It should be a good game,” Smith said. “Both teams have some attacking qualities that will really test each other’s defences.
“It’s got the ingredients for some big scores, I’d say. It’s going to be hot down there from all reports and that often brings an openness to the game as well.”
