Connor Wrench has a big future at Warrington Wolves

Since returning from the ACL injury that ended his 2022 season prematurely, the 21-year-old outside back has found first-team action hard to come by, making just six appearances so far this year.

Wrench started on the wing in Chambers’ first game in temporary charge against Catalans Dragons but has been left out of games against Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC, instead featuring for the reserves in their clash with Leeds on August 20.

Peter Mata’utia and Stefan Ratchford have continued to be preferred in the youngster’s natural position of centre since Daryl Powell’s departure, leading many fans to question whether or not the Warrington-born speedster figures in the club’s plans moving forward.

However, Chambers insists he is “a massive Connor Wrench fan” but that he needs to be built up slowly after such a catastrophic injury.

Wrench scored twice in his first game back from an ACL injury against Hull FC at Magic Weekend in June (Image: SWPix.com)

“I signed Connor so I know anything and everything about him,” he said.

“He had an ACL injury and we’ve got to look after him, but he does need consistent game time.

“Is it right to just throw him into the first team at such a formative age, however? It’s about playing the long game.

“Connor is going to be a big part of this club for a long time – he played for North Wales and then had a run-out for the reserves on the wing, just to see how he went if we needed some cover on the wing as well as the centre option he brings.

“Connor’s right on track but he’s just got people in front of him at the moment.

“He’s fine and he will be looked after – he knows there’s things in his game that he needs to improve and that he needs to physically develop as well.

“We’ve got a really talented young man here but we can’t rush him – we’ve done that once before and he ended up with an ACL.

“We’ll build him up slowly and when the time is right for him to truly explode and cement a first-team place, it will be there for him as I’m a massive Connor Wrench fan.”

Chambers was also asked about prop Gil Dudson’s prospects of a first-team return at his press conference looking ahead to Saturday's Round 24 clash with Castleford Tigers.

The Welshman was left out of the side that beat Hull FC last time out, with Sam Kasiano brought back into the fold in his place.

The Wire middle unit performed well at the MKM Stadium meaning Dudson, whose displays have been criticised by some sections of the Wire fan base, could face a fight to win back his place.

Gil Dudson was left out of the Wire side that won at Hull FC on Saturday (Image: Mike Boden)

“I don’t really read social media so I don’t really get into all of that,” Chambers said.

“The Gil Dudson I see is a fantastic professional around the place and he trains hard."