WOLVES have welcomed back Great Britain centre Jon Roper in time for Sunday's Challenge Cup clash with Wakefield Trinity.

The Cumbrian powerhouse made a surprise appearance in a behind-closed-doors game between first and Academy team players at Wilderspool on Friday, just three weeks after a doctor told him he would need a left knee reconstruction.

And coach Darryl Van de Velde is delighted to report the 21-year-old coming through the session without any set-back.

He said: "Jon came through the game really well. We wanted to see how he would react under the conditions and he had no problems. It's a bonus to have him back and he's fired up for the Wakefield game."

Roper was rocked by a doctor's diagnosis of a ruptured cruciate ligament when he was injured in training on January 14.

Faced with a six month lay off, Roper was delighted when an exploratory operation revealed he only needed a cartilage trim and he has made a rapid recovery since.

Van de Velde said: "We were pleased to find out it wasn't as serious as it could have been and Jon has worked hard to get himself back to fitness since. He's done a good job of getting himself back in shape quickly."

Roper is a vital addition to the coach's options in the centres as Wolves' season gets underway on Sunday.

With Toa Kohe-Love still recovering from a shoulder injury, Wolves had only Michael Eagar, Chris Rudd and Paul Wingfield left as definite first string centre options before Roper made his return.

Friday's training game helped the coach decide on his first 13 for Sunday.

Brendon Tuuta appeared sporting a dyed ginger haircut and looked keen but short on match fitness. Danny Whittle battled tirelessly in a bid to win himself a place on the sub's bench.

Adam Fogerty did not play as he continues his recovery from a hand injury.

Van de Velde said: "It's a new team this year and the players are getting to know each other so it was a useful game. The more chances we get to gel the team before the season starts, the better.

"The guys are fired up now and the atmosphere is good which is pleasing. We're going to keep our heads down in training for the rest of the week now and make sure we put in a good performance on Sunday."

The Wakefield game will kick off at Belle Vue at 4pm. The time has been changed from 3.30pm because the home team want to give supporters the chance to travel from the Featherstone/St. Helens game.

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