Shaun Wane will keep his key players on ice this Friday night ahead of their semi-final showdown the following week. Captain Sean O’Loughlin and halfback Thomas Leuluai are not expected to face Hull FC. And Wane says he will limit the involvement of full-back Sam Tomkins and hooker Sam Powell to protect them for the sudden-death clash against Castleford. There is a chance Liam Farrell may return on Friday. He emerged from a gruelling contact session yesterday unscathed and – after several weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury – may get some game-time. Wane will make a call on him tomorrow. He said: “Lockers won’t be risked, Tommy is very doubtful – I’m not going to risk anyone. “Sam Tomkins and Sam Powell have been through the mill these last few weeks, so I’m going to look after them with game-time… they’ll not get long. “But the team I put out will still be strong and I expect a performance. This is a different challenge because they have nothing to play for, and nothing depends on it. “I understand it’s a big mental challenge but I want us to perform to a high standard and give fans a reason to cheer.” Wane’s decision is likely to see Morgan Escare get plenty of game-time against Lee Radford’s FC. And Josh Woods may figure, having not played in the 13-6 win at Huddersfield despite getting a place on the bench. Ben Flower (back) is still sidelined, though a semi-final return… [Read full story]
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