Morley ready to prove he's still got what it takes despite Ferriol doubts

Instead, the French club and their embarrassed player have spent most of the week trying to defuse a situation which has heaped added interest on to tomorrow's meeting at Widnes.

Ferriol had stated in a tabloid newspaper last Sunday that he thought the revered and explosive England front-row Morley is "not the player he once was" and is "not hard anymore", comments he has since desperately tried to distance himself from.

Ex-Leeds and Sydney Roosters star Morley may now be 33 but said earlier this week he "feels in his early 20s" and, given he is being touted as a potential Man of Steel and has been instrumental in Warrington's bid for a league and cup double, it is hard to agree with the alleged assertion.

Ferriol claims they were not "for real" and has great admiration for his rival, all of which may be a little too late when the action kicks-off tomorrow and all eyes will be on the first coming together of the two thunderous props.

Away from that drama, Catalans coach Kevin Walters, back in command after returning from Australia for his father's funeral, has his strongest team of the season available against the cup holders as they bid to reach Wembley for a second time after losing out to St Helens in 2007.

CRUSADERS last night leapfrogged Castleford Tigers into eighth, and the final play-off spot, in Super League after a 16-12 win over bottom-of-the-table Harlequins.