Warrington Wolves half back Lee Briers targets return against St Helens (From This Is Cheshire)

Warrington Wolves half back Lee Briers targets return against St Helens

1:52pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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LEE Briers was back on the pitch for Saturday’s 22-6 win at Celtic Crusaders but not in his usual role as Wolves’ playmaker.

Instead, the 31-year-old half back ended the week in which he signed a new one-year deal with the club by performing the role of water boy.

Warrington are still hopeful Briers will return from a hamstring injury in time to face St Helens on Saturday and Tony Smith was happy to have him back involved with the squad on the trip to Bridgend.

The former Wales captain did some light running as he fulfilled his touchline role and did not seem to be suffering any serious discomfort.

Wolves head of coaching and rugby Smith confirmed after the game in south Wales that Briers had been making good progress in his recovery.

He said: “Lee’s getting closer, he might be a chance for next week. He ran some water for us today so he’s getting closer all the time.

“He begged me to come to Wales, obviously with his connections here, so he came on the trip with us and it was a way of getting him back in amongst the players.

“He’s coming along pretty good and, who knows, we might have him back this week if we’re lucky.

“If not, it’ll be the week after, unless something happens there.”

Wolves were still without long-term absentee Mickey Higham (bicep) and prop Paul Rauhihi (back) at Brewery Field.

But when asked if his team had suffered any more problems during their bruising clash with Celtic, Smith said there appeared to be no new concerns.

He said: “We’ve got a few bumps and bruises. We’ll have to assess them but the answer is no at this stage.”