A spot in the starting 13 has opened up due to Connor Wrench failing an in-game head injury assessment during last week’s defeat at Leigh Leopards, which rules him out of this week’s game under concussion protocol.
With Rodrick Tai and Arron Lindop both out for what remains of the 2025 season, head coach Sam Burgess turned to academy graduate Gardner when he last needed a centre, with the 19-year-old marking his full Super League debut with a try in last month’s victory at Catalans Dragons.
Veteran Stefan Ratchford remains an option, but Burgess hinted that Gardner appeared set to start on The Wire’s right edge, which would see him in direct competition with England international and former Warrington loanee Jake Wardle.
“He’s training there at the moment, but we’ve got Stef there too with his experience,” the Wire boss said when asked whether or not Gardner would deputise for Wrench.
“There’s a couple of ways we could go but Zack is good enough to hold that position.
“Whoever is in there, it will be a good challenge for them against Jake Wardle.”
In terms of fresh injuries, Burgess did not declare anything other than unspecified bumps and bruises but did confirm that Danny Walker had shaken off an arm injury picked up during his return to the side at Leigh.
The hooker looked in serious trouble as he clutched at his arm shortly after coming off the bench for his first appearance in three months following knee surgery, but he was able to finish the game.
“There’s a couple of niggles around but we should be relatively okay,” Burgess said.
“Danny Walker looks to be okay.”