Lowes focused on second

Challenge Cup finalists Warrington are concentrating on a second-place finish in Engage Super League rather than holding out any hope of another slip by leaders Wigan.

The Wolves are four points behind the Warriors following their 36-18 win at Wakefield and Wigan's shock 18-16 home defeat by Huddersfield on Sunday with two rounds left of the regular season.

"I think the points difference is too big realistically," said Wolves assistant coach James Lowes. "Hull are pushing for a top-four spot and in our last match we go to Harlequins, who want to finish the season on a high. Also I can't see Wigan losing their last two games so I think we're in a battle with St Helens for second spot."

Warrington are level on points with Saints but have a slightly superior points difference.

Lowes admits the Wolves are likely to rest players against Hull at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday as they keep one eye on their defence of the Challenge Cup against Leeds at Wembley a week later.

Hooker or half-back Michael Monaghan and back rower David Solomona were both rested for the game at Wakefield, where full-back Richard Mathers was absent with a slight injury.

"We're trying to give people a rest, not only for the Challenge Cup but for the play-offs, because we want to go as far as possible in this competition as well," said Lowes.

"At the moment we're not far off having a fully-fit squad and that allows you to chop and change a couple of players. We'll pick a team that we feel is right for this game and right for the rest of the season."

England centre Chris Bridge could make his comeback against Hull after returning to full training on Monday for the first time since recovering - earlier than expected - from a shoulder injury, although Lowes insists it is not imperative for him to get game time before Wembley.

"The physios and Chris himself have done a tremendous job," he said. "(Head coach) Tony (Smith) is not scared of playing people if he feels they're ready to play. We had quite a light session on Monday with us playing on Sunday so Chris will train with the team for the next few days and we'll make an assessment on Wednesday or Thursday."