WARRINGTON Wolves boss Tony Smith spent time coaching and playing at both St George and Illawarra before their merger in 1998.

He keeps an eye on the fortunes of the joined force that is now St George Illawarra Dragons and expects fans to be treated to contrasting styles of play at The Halliwell Jones Stadium when the two teams collide for the first time in the new World Club Series.

“There’s a real excitement about that game,” he explained.

“St George and Illawarra were both my former clubs personally, so there’s a little bit of interest about my old club there for myself.

“They’ve got some terrific players, particularly in the backs. They’re trying to strengthen in the forwards.

“The whole way the Australians play is different. I don’t think they offload the ball as much, they probably don’t try and use as much skill and passing in both ends of the field like we do.

“There’s quite a contrast of play and that’s something to look forward to, to see whose style works the best.

“While it’s still early season and probably a little bit wet at this stage of the year, I still think you’ll see the skill levels and see us throw the ball around.

“It’ll be a real contrasting style I expect.”