DEC Patton will replace the injured Kevin Brown in the Warrington Wolves team, head coach Steve Price has confirmed.

The 23-year-old will start at scrum-half in Saturday's opening game against Leeds Rhinos and partner Blake Austin in the halves.

It comes after vice-captain Brown suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon in training on Saturday - an injury that is being operated on today.

Price admits he is "devastated" for Brown but said Patton was more than ready to step in.

"It was a really unfortunate incident what happened to Kev. It was the last day of our pre-season work," he said.

"I really feel for him. He’d really nailed his pre-season.

"He’d done everything right, was working really hard and was looking set for a really good season.

"As a club, we’ll fully support him and his family, but I’m devastated for him.

"He’s done a lot of good things for the game and he’s a quality human being.

"In saying that, it’s a great opportunity now for Dec Patton to step up. He’s been waiting in the wings for quite a while now.

"He’s got a perfect opportunity now to stamp his mark on this football team."

Super League rivals Castleford Tigers were granted a salary cap exemption to sign a replacement for scrum-half Luke Gale when he suffered a similar injury to ex-England teammate Brown earlier this month.

A similar option is available to Warrington but Price was non-commital about whether they will use it.

"I’ll speak to Karl (Fitzpatrick, chief executive) about it and we’ll make a decision," he said.

"I don’t want to come out and commit to anything about that just yet."

In further injury news, Price confirmed second rower Ben Murdoch-Masila is available for selection for Saturday's clash with the Rhinos.

The Tongan international played 20 minutes of Saturday's pre-season friendly against Rochdale Hornets as part of his recovery from calf surgery.