WHEN Warrington Wolves named their team for Joe Philbin’s Testimonial match against Leigh Leopards, Joe Bullock’s name was absent from those listed to play.

He is not the only senior player who will miss out – Paul Vaughan completes a suspension left over from last year while Matty Nicholson, Stefan Ratchford and Rodrick Tai will all sit out through pre-disclosed injuries.

However, prop forward Bullock’s absence had been unexplained but having enquired with the club about his condition, the Guardian understands he is currently rehabbing from a slight knee cartilage issue.

It is thought the former Wigan Warriors man, who made 17 appearances during 2023, has a chance of being fit for the Round One trip to Catalans Dragons but that a more realistic target for his return is Hull FC’s trip to The Halliwell Jones Stadium the following week.

Another man who will not have featured in either pre-season game is new signing Wesley Bruines, who joined the club from St Helens for the 2024 season.

The young centre is also recovering from injury having hurt his hamstring during pre-season training and his absence is set to be a longer-term one, with no date set for his return at this stage.

Last week, head coach Sam Burgess confirmed centre Tai (knee) and second rower Nicholson (groin) are currently set to miss the trip to Perpignan while club captain Ratchford’s prospects of being available for the season opener are rated as “touch and go” after suffering a calf strain last week.