Warrington Wolves second rower back in Australia for family reasons

The second rower, who has been influential in The Wire’s encouraging start to the season, will not feature against London Broncos having flown back to his homeland due to a family bereavement.

And while he says Fitzgibbon is keen to return as quickly as possible, Burgess says he will be given as much time as he requires.

“He’s had a tough time and is back in Australia at the minute,” the Wire boss said of the 30-year-old.

“He’s gone back for family reasons so we’ve just got to respect that and he’ll be back in good time.

“He wants to get back here, but he’s had a tragedy in the family so we’ll support him through that as it’s very hard.

“I’ve been there with that, being on the other side of the world so it’s a fluid situation. Whenever he’s ready, he’s ready.”

Lachlan Fitzgibbon has impressed in the opening four rounds having joined The Wire from Newcastle Knights (Image: Mike Boden)

Fitzgibbon’s absence is one of a number of changes that appear likely for The Wire ahead of their trip to the capital.

Half-back George Williams has been ruled out of contention having aggravated his ankle injury during last week’s win at Hull KR.

Burgess insists his issue will not keep him out long-term, it is enough to mean he will sit out this week’s game with Stefan Ratchford set to take his place, partnering Leon Hayes in the halves.

He also confirmed that, along with Fitzgibbon, there were other members of the squad who had “things happening off the field” that may stop them from playing on Sunday although he stopped short of specifying.

“We’ve a couple in doubt with a few personal things – there’s a few players with things happening off the field,” he said.

“It’s about getting that balance right of not over-playing players, but we still need the two points.

“We’ll go as strong as we can, but there will be a couple of guys who might get a rest this week.”

On Williams’ injury, he added: “It’s nothing too serious – he helped us get the win last week and I thought he did a pretty good job.

“He hurt his ankle again pretty early in the game, which we didn’t expect but these things happen.

“It was a risk but I still think it was worth it to get us the two points.”

George Williams made a try-scoring return to the Wire team at Hull KR but aggravated an ankle injury in the process (Image: PA)

Josh Drinkwater (thigh) is set to remain on the sidelines for at least another fortnight, but better news is on the horizon in the shape of Matty Nicholson and Rodrick Tai.

Back-rower Nicholson and Papua New Guinea international outside back Tai have yet to feature this season due to groin and knee injuries respectively but Burgess confirmed both are getting close to a return.

Nicholson in particular is closing in and is said to have a chance – albeit an outside one – of being fit for the Challenge Cup sixth-round clash with London at The Halliwell Jones Stadium next weekend.

“They’re both pretty close,” Burgess said.

“Matty Nic is knocking on the door and isn’t far away and Rod is a week or two behind him, so we’ll get a few bodies back in the next couple of weeks.

“Next week might be a bit of a push, so we’re looking at maybe the Catalans game for Matty.”