IN terms of personnel at least, Warrington Wolves appear to be in pretty good shape as they enter the play-offs.
That is particularly the case up front, where numbers will be boosted even further this week.
They appear likely to have Joe Philbin back in contention following a calf injury – at least, that was Sam Burgess’ thinking as of Monday – but one player who will definitely be back in the fold is Paul Vaughan.
The Australian will finally get his crack at post-season rugby league in this country after a highly controversial suspension ruled him out last year – the four-match ban handed down for grabbing the shirt of Saints’ Sione Mata’utia as the forward ran down the clock towards a victory ended his season early and meant he missed out on the eliminator loss to St Helens.
His latest ban for a sending-off at Leigh Leopards last month was a similarly hot topic throughout the game but with his three-game suspension now served, he is ready to go again.
And Vaughan’s return brings about a discussion about which options Burgess will use in his middle unit for Saturday’s eliminator tie.
Warrington Wolves’ impressive strength in depth up front
The only nailed-on starter in the Wire pack who is definitely unavailable is second-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon, who had shoulder surgery last week to bring his season to a close.
As such, Burgess’ back row is seemingly set in stone with John Bateman and Matty Nicholson on the edges and Ben Currie at 13, with Adam Holroyd seemingly ready to step in should there be any late mishaps.
In the front row, however, there are seven options to fill five spots – two in the starting line-up and three on the bench.
The last three games have seen Luke Yates and Zane Musgrove as the starting props in the absence of Vaughan, who has started in 23 of his 25 matches this year.
After making his debut in the Round 18 win at Saints off the bench, ex-Huddersfield skipper Yates has started every game since and Burgess has described him as "a nailed-on starter" in the recent past.
The past two matches of those have seen James Harrison – a usual starter alongside Vaughan – be the first player brought off the bench after he returned from a lower leg injury.
Philbin had been in good form before stepping out of the side against London Broncos, Jordy Crowther is a player Burgess trusts implicitly and youngster Max Wood has shown he can be relied upon.
Since Yates joined, there has not been a single game in which all of the aforementioned options have been available.
As such, it looks as though we are about to find out who Burgess believes to be his best options in that area.
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