DARYL Powell has confirmed an ankle injury kept George Williams out of the Warrington Wolves side that lost to Salford Red Devils today.

The England international was absent from the 17 named before kick-off, with Stefan Ratchford and Peter Mata’utia forming The Wire’s seventh different half-back pairing this year.

They looked set to guide their side to victory having taken a 24-8 lead after half time, only for the visitors to storm back and win 32-24 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Powell says Williams was in his side up until Saturday morning, when it was decided his injury would not be risked.

However, the Wire boss expects to have him back for the Magic Weekend clash with Catalans Dragons next week.

“George pulled out yesterday before team run with his ankle,” he said.

“It’s a short-term one – he did it the previous week – but it forced us to change our halves again which wasn’t ideal. None of that matters really as we’d built a winning score.

“I’d think George will be available next week.”

Young half Riley Dean was recalled from a loan spell with Championship side Newcastle Thunder this week to provide cover for Williams.

Rather than put him straight back into the first team, however, the 20-year-old played for the reserves yesterday as they beat London Broncos 48-10.

Warrington Guardian:

Powell refused to say whether the call to leave Williams out came too late to pull Dean out of the second-string fixture but said he will be considered for the first team going forward.

“Riley’s been out for a few weeks but he’ll be a consideration moving forward,” he said.

“He’s had a couple of strong games but his last game against Wigan wasn’t so great.

“I thought he played really well with the reserves yesterday and he’s back with us now.”