Joey getting ready for his Wolves debut (From Warrington Guardian)

Joey getting ready for his Wolves debut

ANDREW Johns' debut for Warrington Wolves is set to be an occasion never to be forgotten.

He makes his first appearance in primrose and blue against Leeds Rhinos at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday, after flying in from Australia on Tuesday for his exciting loan stint.

A sell-out 'gate' is expected to welcome Johns to Warrington as Paul Cullen's team aim to cement fourth place in the Super League table by beating the world champions for the first time this year.

Cullen said: "This is going to be a really special weekend.

"We've had some firsts lately, some major games and historic moments in the history of Warrington Rugby League Football Club - such as the last game at Wilderspool, the first at the Halliwell Jones, the two victories over Bradford in one season and the records in the 'derbies' - but above everything, Andrew Johns' first game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium is something you'll tell your grandchildren about."

Wolves will be looking to Kangaroo Test scrum half Johns to help guide them to a win that would keep alive hopes of finishing third in the table - thus booking themselves the potential of two home games in the play-offs - but Rhinos will be just as keen to spoil the party.

Cullen said: "We're going to come across a Leeds side that no team in Super League has come across this year - that's the Leeds team on the back of three consecutive defeats.

"So, Leeds are in a unique situation and so are we. The house is full and it needs to be for what's going to be on offer this weekend. Only a fool would predict the outcome of the game under these circumstances."

Wolves have lost three times to the Super League champions this year but Cullen believes that Johns can provide the extras that will turn the tide.

He said: "I've no doubt in my mind he can. I thought we were very unfortunate against Leeds in the Challenge Cup and so we need to provide an extra spark.

"The considerable room we had left on our salary cap has allowed us to bring in Andrew Johns. Leeds had the advantage in the previous three games because they are at the top end of the salary cap and we were nowhere near it. We think we are redressing the balance."

Wolves' Australian vice-captain Nathan Wood, who will play in a different position to accommodate Johns in the team at scrum half, goes into the match having this week announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Cullen said the 33-year-old, who is expected to play hooker, will be a loss to the game.

He added: "The win against Salford at the weekend was decided on Nathan Wood's guts and effort. That's the man's character.

"His mother had flown 13,000 miles to watch that match. Nathan put up that performance for himself, his children, his wife, and his mother and father in order to be in a side with Andrew Johns the following week.

"He was saying that he is a part of this, he has been since the day he came here and will be until the day he goes home."