WARRINGTON Wolves will be without several senior squad members for the trip to France.

Tony Smith’s side endured a bruising encounter against St George Illawarra Dragons in the World Club Series, with injuries to Anthony England and Rhys Evans ruling them out of Saturday’s clash with Catalans Dragons, kick off 3pm.

Stefan Ratchford is also unavailable after a shoulder injury at Hull FC, while Simon Grix remains a long-term absentee and Academy star Toby King will miss another six weeks with a broken jaw.

Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith says Roy Asotasi has overcome an illness and may return with Ben Evans and Matty Russell.

“England’s got some ligament damage in his elbow,” explained Smith. “We’re getting it scanned, so will know more about length of time once we get the results – he will be out for a little while yet.

“Rhys has got some shoulder issues and got replaced the other night because of it. It might not be as bad as first thought, but he certainly won’t be available this week.

“Stef won’t be fit for this weekend, but Matty Russell will come into the squad this week, which is good for Matty to get his chance.

“Roy will be returning after some sickness and Ben Evans is available, so we’ve got coverage there at the moment.”

Smith felt St George came too early for Russell, who returned to action with partner-club North Wales Crusaders a week previous.

“He hadn’t played a lot this year so I thought it was a big a game to throw him in,” added Smith.

“Matty’s a great ball carrier, he’ll give us some go forward from those back three players. He’s a terrific young player, carrying the ball, and he’ll certainly help us get forward.”

Wolves will fly to Barcelona from Manchester on Friday, travelling by coach to Perpignan ahead of Super League Round Three.

Remi Casty is injured while Olivier Elima and Eloi Pelissier are suspended for Catalans side Smith expects to improve as the season continues.

“They’re still a tough team,” said Smith. “Particularly on their own patch. They’re a very parochial crowd and they get on the referee’s back down there.

“It’s a hard place to go to. They’ve got a lot of talent right across the board. It’s the sort of challenge we’re looking forward to.

“They’ll get better as the season goes on, Catalans, so hopefully we might get them at the right time.

“You fly into Barcelona and bus trip across, it can become taxing if you haven’t got the right mentality.

“But we’re pretty positive about what we are doing this week and keen to keep our momentum going.”

The trip will also see Wolves' new skipper Joel Monaghan come up against former captain Michael Monaghan in a coaching capacity for the first time.

“They’re very close," said Smith. so it’s an opportunity for Joel to catch up with Michael. "So it’s an extra, added bonus."