WARRINGTON Wolves will be without Josh Thewlis for today’s Round One clash with Catalans Dragons.

The winger was named in The Wire’s 21-man travelling party for the Super League opener but when the squad flew out to France on Wednesday, he remained in England as his partner was due to give birth to their first child.

A delighted Thewlis posted on Instagram that their baby – a girl named Mila – arrived safely on Thursday evening and as such, he has not travelled to join up with the squad and remains at home with his new family.

It means head coach Sam Burgess will not be able to call upon the services of the reigning Super League Young Player of the Year for his first competitive game in charge, with another wing option in Matty Russell not selected for the squad while new recruit Rodrick Tai is injured.

The decision as to who takes Thewlis’ likely spot on the right wing looks set to boil down to two options.

Club captain Stefan Ratchford has been passed fit for selection having suffered a calf strain during the closing stages of pre-season and could come into the centres, with Connor Wrench moving onto the wing.

Alternatively, Thewlis’ absence could mean a Super League debut for 17-year-old Arron Lindop, whose impressive displays for the academy and reserves last year saw him awarded a long-term first-team deal and he has been training with Burgess’ squad throughout pre-season.