Wakefield make emotional return after tragedy

Former Canterbury second-row Frank Winterstein could be included in the Wakefield squad for their emotional return to action against St Helens on Friday.

Winterstein arrived at Belle Vue this week with the Wildcats reeling from the devastating death of forward Leon Walker last Sunday during a reserve team game with Celtic Crusaders.

John Kear's side, who also suffered the tragic loss of Cook Island prop Adam Watene, who died suddenly during an off-season training session at the club's gym last October, have decided to go ahead with the fixture as a mark of respect, with a minute's silence to be observed before kick-off.

Now is the time for everyone involved to show their pride in this great club and show that, no matter what is thrown at us, we will always come back," said Kear.

"Of course Leon is going to be in our thoughts as he will be for a very long time. "I'm not sure how we will react but we are exploring all possible avenues to go forward - starting with the game on Friday."

Saints are sweating on the fitness of influential scrum-half Sean Long, hooker James Roby, Maurie Fa'asavalu, Kiwi powerhouse Tony Puletua and Gary Wheeler for the trip to Belle Vue.

Leeds quartet Matt Diskin, Ryan Bailey, Carl Ablett and Brent Webb will all face Catalans Dragons after they were cleared of foul play in the bruising defeat to Saints.

Former Cronulla star Greg Bird will again lead the Dragons after being handed the captaincy by coach Kevin Walters.

Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown has a fully-fit squad as the Giants put their 100 per cent record on the line at Wigan.

The former St George coach saw Eorl Crabtree and Simon Finnegan come through their return against Harlequins unscathed and now hooker David Faiumu and Andy Raleigh have recovered from their injuries.

Ex-Manly forward Luke Williamson is in line to make his comeback from injury in Harlequins' clash with high-flying Hull with Jon Wells and Gareth Haggerty also in contention.

Hull are expected to be unchanged despite their first defeat of the season to Castleford last weekend but Paul King, Richard Whiting and Danny Washbrook are stepping up their training.

Hull KR will be without centre Chev Walker when they entertain struggling Salford after he dislocated a shoulder in the defeat to Warrington.

Former New Zealand international Jake Webster will switch from the second-row to fill in but full-back Shaun Briscoe is a doubt with a dead-leg.

Under-pressure Salford coach Shaun McRae has winger Paul White and ex-Melbourne forward Ian Sibbit back in his plans for the trip to Craven Park..Castleford coach Terry Matterson will stick with the same team that shocked Hull last time out with visitors Bradford also keeping faith with the 17 that saw off Catalans for their first win of the season.

LONDON, March 26,

Thursday (AFP)