AS things stand, Warrington Wolves are likely to welcome both Rodrick Tai and Joe Philbin back into contention for the Super League play-offs.

Following Friday’s victory over London Broncos, head coach Sam Burgess cast doubt on prop Philbin’s availability for their eliminator tie against St Helens after he missed Round 27 with a calf issue.

An ankle sprain ruled Papua New Guinea international Tai out of the contest, with youngster Arron Lindop stepping into the side and scoring twice in the 54-0 victory.

Burgess confirmed Lindop would play if Tai does not make it, but says both he and Philbin are currently more likely to play than miss out.

“I think Rod will be good to go. If not, we’ve got Arron Lindop ready to step in,” said the Wire boss, who confirmed there were no fresh injuries in his squad.

“With Philbin, we’ll train him over the next 24-48 hours and see how he goes.

“I think they’ve both got a red-hot chance of making it – they’re both closer to making it than not doing.

“We’re as healthy as we can be at this time of year.

“Obviously, we’ve got Lachie (Fitzgibbon) and a couple of other guys out for the year but otherwise, we’re pretty healthy.”

Another player Burgess will be able to welcome back this weekend is Paul Vaughan, with the prop having completed a three-match suspension in time to feature in the play-offs.

The Australian has not featured since being controversially sent off during last month’s defeat at Leigh Leopards, and Burgess says the former New South Wales rep is raring to go.

“It’s been frustrating for Vaughany sitting and watching the team, but we’ve had a good period so that makes it easier for him,” he said.

“He’s ready to go and has been training great – he’s been playing as part of our second team against the first team, which has been good to watch.

“Him and Zane (Musgrove) have been going pretty hard at each other, so it will be interesting to see how they go.”

With the regular rounds complete, The Wire now approach every game with the knowledge that it could be their last of the year.

It is “do or die” from here on in, but Burgess insists nothing about their preparations will change.

“We do everything we’ve done previously throughout the year,” he said.

“We’ve built a way of playing that holds up under pressure and a way of training that gets us ready for the games.

“It will be more of the same for us – we’ll make sure we’re still enjoying ourselves and keeping the pressure off ourselves.

“We’ll be physical with each other on Wednesday and will do our usual prep.

“Nothing needs to change – there’s more on the line with the game but the players know what they’re doing.”