Wire's Ashton in line for return v Castleford

Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton could return from long-term injury to face Castleford Tigers on 21 March, head coach Sam Burgess has said.

The 27-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during their Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Leigh Leopards in May 2025.

Burgess clarified that the England international is not far away from full fitness, however.

"He's training fully, he's doing everything with us and has for four weeks now," the 37-year-old told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"He missed two or three days last week and he was pretty ill so with that he lost a bit of weight."

Warrington are enjoying a positive start to their Super League season, having won both of their opening games against St Helens and Wakefield Trinity.

With the side already full of confidence, Burgess is not looking to rush Ashton's recovery.

"With Matty, the longer we leave it, the risk units become less. So the illness, give it a chance to go out for another two or three weeks and we will take risk away from him," Burgess added.

"He's keen to play, he's ready to play - we are just finding that balance."

The Wire next face York Knights on Friday where they will face off against their former team-mate Paul Vaughan.

The forward made waves when he agreed a move to the then-Championship side in July for this season.

Having played an integral role for Warrington during his three-year stint, Vaughan is continuing his impressive form with Knights, scoring two tries across his first four appearances in all competitions.

However, his former head coach harbours no resentment despite the Australian's choice to depart the club.

"When he went to York, we were disappointed because we had lost him, but also happy that he'd got another great opportunity and a bit longer contract as well," Burgess said.

"It's great to see him doing so well with another group. He's a wonderful player."