Smith to pick 'horse for courses'

Warrington coach Tony Smith is considering changing a winning line-up for Saturday's Grand Final against Leeds.

Smith revealed his "horses for courses" selection policy at a press conference at Old Trafford, the venue for the 15th Super League title decider. The Wolves boss has a full-strength squad to choose from, with England prop Garreth Carvell and Ireland forward Tyrone McCarthy hoping to force their way back into the reckoning.

"It's horses for courses so we'll make some changes if we feel it is necessary," Smith said. "We'll pick on form as well as reputation."

Back-rower Simon Grix, who has missed out on all three of Warrington's Wembley appearances in the last four years, and prop Mike Cooper were the ones to benefit from the absence of Carvell and McCarthy and both boosted their chances of appearing in their club's maiden Grand Final.

"I was tempted to pick Carvell," Smith admitted. "He's a big player in big games but the week before Cooper played his best game of the year.

"It was probably an even bigger call to leave out Tyrone McCarthy, who has been in tremendous form since before the Challenge Cup final.

"To leave someone out who is in good form goes again my grain and I've got a number of choices to make.

"We'll look at our opposition and try to pick the team that will most trouble them as well as one that sticks within my parameters of being in form."

Leeds coach Brian McDermott's selection issues are more straightforward.

Half-back Danny McGuire is sure to return after missing last Friday's 13-12 semi-final win at Wigan, with Rob Burrow set to switch to hooker and Shaun Lunt dropping to the bench.