CHARLIE Emslie is back in action for today's visit of Toulouse following a lengthy lay off with a bicep injury.
The former Millom forward came off in the home fixture with Doncaster back in April (a 38-6 defeat) with his injury.
It has been a long road back for Emslie, who was showing his best form at the time, and he goes straight into the second row in place of James Greenwood, who has bad bruising in the leg area.
Coach Paul Crarey is delighted to have Emslie back on board.
He said: “It’s good news to have Charlie back playing.
“It has been a long time coming, he is looking good and has trained well recently.
“He has put on some beef, and he is raring to go.
“We will see how he goes in the opening minutes, and when he needs a rest, we will have a little shuffle in the pack.”
Ryan Brown has been recalled by parent club Wigan, the club’s reserve side are playing St Helens in a cup final on Sunday.
Shane Toal has a niggling injury, but has put his hands up to play, and Crarey will see how he goes in the warm up prior to the game.
If he pulls out, then Brett Carter will slot into the centre position.
Carter will otherwise be on the bench as cover for any possible injuries in the back division.
Kavan Rothwell is ruled out through injury.
Crarey added: “With players carrying slight knocks, we only had a light training session on Wednesday.
“We know we are in for another tough game, but our home form in recent games will put us in good stead.
“We are fully focused on the next three games, Whitehaven home next week followed by a trip to Wakefield before rounding off the season with Widnes at home.
“Back to today, and we know all about Toulouse and we gave them a fright at their place with a few players missing.
“We shook them by going 16-4 ahead, but we ran out of steam and lost 38-16.
“They are a full-time team not semi-professional like us, but we are not afraid of them.
“They have some dangerous backs, but we can match them up front.
“They are still second in the league, but have lost seven games including home defeats by York and Swinton.”
Last weekend Toulouse defeated Sheffield 32-12 on home soil, while Barrow went down 36-18 at Featherstone.
Crucial games tomorrow in the relegation zone are Wakefield v Whitehaven. Swinton v Featherstone and Halifax v Dewsbury.
It has been reported that Halifax, who share their ground with Halifax Town, are in financial trouble facing a massive tax bill, which they have been ordered to settle next week.
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