Burgess confirms selection intentions for Leigh Leopards' visit

WARRINGTON Wolves are planning to run with an unchanged starting 13 against Leigh Leopards on Saturday.

That is despite the return of key prop Paul Vaughan from suspension, with head coach Sam Burgess confirming the Australian will start on the bench.

A two-match ban for a dangerous throw during the defeat to Catalans Dragons last month ruled Vaughan out of the victories over Leeds Rhinos and, latterly, St Helens.

As such, Burgess is keen to reward those who have served him well in the middle unit in his absence in the Round Eight clash.

“We’ll be similar – we’ll get Vaughany back but we’re going to run with the same 13 with Vaughany from the bench,” he told his pre-match press conference.

“We’ve rewarded good training and performance and that won’t change.

“It’s nothing to do with Vaughany and everything to do with the team. It’s great to have him back but all of my decisions are based around what’s best for the team.

“We all know what Vaughany can bring, but it’s about getting the best out of him and combining it with what’s best for the team.

“The middle worked well together at the start of the game so I don’t see why we should change it. For me, it seems logical.

“The energy between the three middles – Crowther, Jimmy and Philbs – was good so I’ll leave it as it is.”

The Wire are set to be without Ben Currie (pectoral) and Zane Musgrove (ankle) for another few weeks, but no fresh injuries were picked up during Sunday’s Challenge Cup quarter-final win at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Burgess will name his 21-man squad for Saturday’s game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium tomorrow lunchtime.