The RFL

Warrington Wolves centre Simon Grix could be struggling to be fit for next month’s Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors after being ruled out for at least a fortnight with a severe mouth injury.

The 23-year-old centre or stand-off, who has appeared in 18 of the Wolves’ last 19 league and cup matches, lost count of the number of stitches after his mouth was cut open in the early stages of last Saturday’s 40-26 defeat by St Helens.

“I asked him and he said there were too many to count,” said Warrington coach Tony Smith. “He had quite a few on the outside and the amount they put on the inside was enormous as well.

“It was a severe cut. Some of the stitching was done here but the more intricate stuff was done in hospital.

“It will have to be well healed before he can play because it’s in a position where we can’t protect it. He’ll be a couple of weeks at least.”

Warrington expect to have stand-off Lee Briers back from a hamstring injury for the engage Super League game at Huddersfield Giants on Sunday but prop Adrian Morley and winger Chris Hicks remain sidelined.

Meanwhile, the first Challenge Cup semi-final at the Stobart Stadium, Widnes, on August 8 is close to a sell-out after the Wolves sold their initial allocation of tickets.

“We’ve sold all our tickets not once, not twice but almost three times and we’ll be asking the RFL for more tickets within the next few days,” said Warrington chief executive Andy Gatcliffe.

“I’d like to say I’m surprised by the insatiable demand but I’m not because the semi-final has proved what we have known for some time - Warrington have the best travelling support in the competition and our fans are made welcome wherever we go.”

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