DARYL Powell has confirmed illness was the reason Gareth Widdop missed Warrington Wolves’ victory at Toulouse Olympique this evening.

The half-back did not join his teammates on the flight to France this morning, with Riley Dean taking his place in the halves for The Wire’s 32-18 victory.

Powell is hopeful of having the England international back for next week’s clash with Catalans Dragons.

“He was ill. Hopefully he’ll be okay for next week but we’ll have to check on him as we go through the week,” Powell said of Widdop.

“Riley did team run yesterday, so he was aware he was playing.

“He’s trained pretty well and had a really good pre-season so I had no hesitation putting him in there.”

Prop Mike Cooper also had to be withdrawn in the later stages at the Stade Ernest Wallon, with full-back Stefan Ratchford taking a knock trying to prevent TO’s third and final try being scored by Maxime Stefani.

“Mike Cooper got a knock to his ribs and Stef had a bit of trouble with his ribs as well,” Powell said.

“We’ll have to see how both of those get on for next week.”

The Wire are expected to have Ben Currie available again after a sternum injury to face the Dragons, with Oliver Holmes also eligible after completing a two-match suspension.