ANY announcement on the futures of Waqa Blake and Ben Davies will likely be made at the end of the season, coach Paul Wellens said today when asked at the weekly press conference.

The coach explained that both players were "in the picture" with what is happening moving forward - but said his and the squad's prime focus was now on big games ahead.

Questions had been asked given there has been no announcement of retention or departures.

That is not particularly unusual - and in the past some players' futures have only been revealed after the final hooter on the last day of the campaign - most notably former skipper Chris Joynt in 2004.

When asked on Davies and Blake specifically, Wellens replied: "We’ll probably wait till the end of the season.

“We have had discussions with both players.

“So they're kind of in the picture with what's going on moving forward.

“But in the meantime, those discussions have been parked and we're very much focused on what we need to be doing to perform, train well and be successful this weekend and beyond.

“At this time of the year I leave those discussions to Mike (Rush) to have with player managers.”

Blake was omitted from the 18-man matchday squad on Friday for the win over Castleford, with Wellens confirming it was a selection decision that coincided with Mark Percival’s return.

He said: "It was a selection issue – and there were some tough decisions - not just Waqa Blake, but Ben Davies, Tee Ritson - players who have been playing and doing a good job for us.

“I thought Waqa’s last two games against Huddersfield and Warrington were two of his best defensive performances since he has been at the club.

"So there is a lot to like about that when you are going into finals – players prioritising the defensive side of their game because ultimately that’s what wins games.

"But ultimately I had a tough selection decision to make.

“Mark Percival was returning and it was a no-brainer to pick him so it was then between Sione, Ben Davies, Jonny Vaughan and Waqa for the other spot.

"Sione has acquitted himself in the centres really well and his experience is invaluable.

"That is the route we went down."