WARRINGTON Wolves boss Tony Smith said Gary Wheeler was in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ when the half back suffered knee ligament damage playing for partner club North Wales Crusaders at Keighley Cougars in his comeback game.

The 25-year-old, on his way back from a calf tear after missing seven matches, was dogged by injury during six seasons at hometown club St Helens prior to his 2014 exit year.

Smith, who expects the versatile centre or stand off to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, said: “He’s just unfortunate. Somebody made a tackle in the wrong area and it would have done anyone’s knee.”

On a more positive note, Smith reckons winger Matty Russell is now only two to three weeks away from shaking off his hamstring issue.