Akauola ready to run with Wolves
WARRINGTON will hand a debut to hulking prop Sitaleki Akauola in tonight’s visit of Super League title rivals Wigan.
The August signing from NRL side Penrith Panthers is yet to make his first appearance following a shoulder operation during the close season.
But New Zealander Akauola, 25, is set to feature along with marquee signing Tyrone Roberts, who is fit again after missing the past two games with a knee problem.
Wolves coach Steve Price has a full-strength squad at his disposal and admits he has a number of selection dilemmas.
Price said: “I’m a believer in rewarding people who are doing the right things, have a team-first mentality and living our standards.
“There are players who played last week and have been doing a really good job, and there’s quality players who will come into consideration.
“That’s a decision I’m going to have to make some tough calls on.”
Wigan, back in the country after two matches in Australia during the past fortnight, are without Joe Burgess and Dan Sarginson but John Bateman is set to make his first Super League appearance of the season after returning last week. WIGAN coach Shaun Wane wants to sign disgraced former Castleford star Zak Hardaker. The Tigers confirmed on Wednesday they had sacked the England full-back after he tested positive for cocaine last season. The 26-year-old is expected to be handed a two-year ban by UK Anti-Doping but Wigan are thought to have made moves to secure his long-term future. Wane said: “Zak is a fantastic player and we’d be interested in anyone of his calibre. He’s a natural rugby player and can play anywhere. “I admire him a lot but I like a lot of players in Super League and the NRL. “I don’t know the details of what he’s done, but I know him as a person, I’ve met him, and he’s a fantastic character. If he has made an error, he’s made an error and he needs to deal with it.” Wigan have room on their salary cap following the release of Frank-Paul Nuuausala but Wane has no plans to sign a replacement prop forward, with France international Romain Navarrete and new signing Gabriel Hamlin waiting in the wings.