Warrington Wolves: Options to replace injured full-back Matt Dufty

Gleeson admits the Australian will be missed given his performances in primrose and blue this year but said the approach is to ‘crack on’.

Either highly-rated Academy and Reserves team full-back Cai Taylor-Wray will be handed his debut start in Super League, or England international Josh Thewlis will make the switch from the wing – with Arron Lindop a likely replacement on the flank if the latter choice is made.

“We’ve got a few options,” said Gleeson.

“We’ve got Cai, who I think is ready for the step-up now after his improvement this year.

“We planned to only play Matt half a game against London (on August 11) and put Cai on. Something happened with Rod (Tai), which delayed that.

“Cai’s got something about him, with the way he moves, so he’s one option.

“And we’ve got Josh Thewlis who can play full-back.

“We’ve not made a decision on that yet, but we’re probably edging towards one way, which will be a great opportunity.”

While Dufty’s absence would be felt by any team, his enforced time on the sidelines with a knee injury does present an opportunity for The Wire to adjust to performing without their leading try scorer and metre maker in their ranks.

“Of course he’ll be missed, because he’s been outstanding in all parts of his game – his defence, his temperament, he’s doing the tough stuff and not just the glamour stuff,” said Gleeson.

“Everyone sees the tries and the flashy stuff, but his overall game has improved which is then helping him to do the magic stuff at the end of it.”

Dufty picked up his knee injury in the first half of Saturday’s Magic Weekend win against Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road but managed to hobble his way through the game and even crossed for a hat-trick of tries.

He has a had a scan and will see a specialist tonight to assess the situation.

At the moment, The Wire have only ruled Dufty out of match action for this week against Castleford.