Warrington Wolves' Lee Briers doubtful for St Helens

Briers injured his ankle against Wigan

Warrington Wolves could be without skipper Lee Briers for a fourth consecutive game when they make the short trip to St Helens on Friday.

But coach Tony Smith insists that they can cope without the 31-year-old stand-off, having won all three games he has missed with an ankle injury.

Smith said: "I haven't ruled him out. But he'd have to improve drastically.

"I'm glad we're past all that 'You can't win without Lee Briers' talk. We've got a lot of quality players."

Despite his chances of playing on Friday being slim, Smith plans to use Briers' perspective on the match to his advantage.

"It's useful having a player of his calibre telling me his thoughts and the way that he reads the game," added Smith. "He gives me a bit of an insight into how he thinks."

Meanwhile, full-back Richie Mathers could be in line for a recall after being 18th man for Saturday's 33-8 win over Bradford.