Warrington Wolves fans must be thinking 'It never rains, it pours'.

As if losing their coach Darryl van de Velde and star player Allan Langer was not enough, they are also without the in-form Lee Briers for the visit of Bradford Bulls tomorrow night.

Briers, who starred at half back for Wales against England at Wrexham on Tuesday, suffered a dead leg and a calf strain in that match.

Jon Clarke is now set to play at scrum half alongside stand-off Tawera Nikau, normally a loose forward. Mark Gleeson has stepped up from the Alliance side to hook.

Warrington may have agreed to release former Australian Test star Langer, effectively bringing an end to a glittering career, but rumours persist that he may be about to resume for Brisbane Broncos.

The 35-year-old Wolves captain, who has had recurring ankle problems, asked to be freed on the day Van de Velde parted company with the club.

It was Van de Velde who persuaded the former Broncos skipper to come out of retirement and move to Super League two years ago.

In a statement, the club said: "We are disappointed that Alfie will not be able to see out his playing career with the Wolves, but our main concern is his long-term health, and that must come first. We wish him luck in his future."

Langer, who is rumoured to be seeking a return to Australia as soon as possible, was advised by the club specialist to prematurely finish his career due to accelerated degenerative osteoarthritis in his left ankle.

Langer, a Brisbane Broncos stalwart, recently returned home to play his 31st State of Origin game for Queensland.

Warrington, who are virtually out of play-off contention, have been desperately unlucky with their overseas players this year.

Although Langer has proved a fine servant, playing in all but two of the Wolves' 55 matches over the last two seasons, they have lost New Zealand centre David Kidwell and Australian prop Andrew Gee with long-term injuries and Langer's former Brisbane team-mate Kevin Walters quit for personal reasons after only four games.

Assistant coach Paul Darbyshire will be in charge for tomorrow's match against the leaders.