Bridge short in fitness challenge

(GETTY IMAGES)

Chris Bridge is losing his battle to be fit for the Challenge Cup final after being left out of Warrington's last game before Wembley.

The England centre had previously been thought to be ruled out for the season after shoulder surgery, but his coach, Tony Smith, had hinted that his rate of recovery could see him figure on the big day. Now, however, Bridge has been left out of the Wolves' 19-man squad to play Hull tomorrow, thus denying him the chance he would need to prove his fitness.

Apart from Bridge and the viral pneumonia victim, Simon Grix, Warrington, with second place in Super League to chase as well as the Cup, are at full strength.

Hull are set to give Jack Briscoe, the 18-year-old brother of their England winger, Tom, his Super League debut.

Leeds are also as strong as possible for their home game against the Catalans the same night. That means that Scott Donald and Lee Smith could be in competition for a Wembley place, with the forwards, Ian Kirke and Luke Ambler, also hoping to catch the eye.

Richard Silverwood has been named as the referee for the final.

The Hull KR back-rower Ben Galea will miss the match against Wigan on Sunday while he recovers from surgery on a fractured eye socket and scratched eyeball. A single point from the match at Craven Park will give Wigan the League Leaders' Shield.

Ged Stokes has been sacked as coach of Whitehaven, after a disastrous run of 13 defeats that has seen them relegated from the Championship.