LUKE YATES is “itching” to play for Warrington Wolves again this season.
The Australian forward has been struggling with a neck issue which first surfaced in a fixture against Leeds Rhinos in March.
He played three further matches with the problem being monitored, but last appeared against Toulouse Olympique in May and had surgery afterwards.
At the time, Warrington coach Sam Burgess said that would likely be Yates’ season done, but the 31-year-old has rehabilitated more quickly than expected.
Earlier this month, Burgess explained: “He had great news on his initial consultation and he then came through surgery really well.
“Seeing him back this year wasn’t the initial diagnosis so it’s great work by all involved – the surgeons, the medical team and Yatesy himself.”
While he still wasn’t involved for the trip to Hull FC, Warrington hope Yates could return as soon as this Saturday, when they return to Yorkshire to face Wakefield Trinity.
The regular season then ends with a home game against Toulouse Olympique, before the play-offs begin.
Providing an update on Yates last week, Burgess said: “From the naked eye, he looks ready to play to me and he has for a couple of weeks.
“But medically, they have to do all of their checks. We should soon know a little bit more for next week. He’s itching to play.”
Elsewhere in the pack, Warrington continue to manage Kelepi Tanginoa’s knee with a view to getting the most out of him come the play-offs.
He wasn’t involved at Hull, while Joe Philbin did come back into contention after missing three games with a foot injury but will need assessment after being forced off again.
Josh Thewlis also returned from a hamstring injury, having spent most of the season as fullback in the prolonged absence of Cai Taylor-Wray.
Warrington remain hopeful Taylor-Wray will feature again this year, having made just one substitute appearance since April, but Burgess conceded: “It’s quite an intricate process.
“It’s become a little bit complex with his ankle and his foot. We’re working our backsides off to get him back confident and ready to play and be good again.”