Warrington Wolves v Salford Red Devils preview

If getting your rugby league fix isn’t enough, Saturday’s trial game is an intriguing one for The Wire.

It will, of course, be Steve Price’s first home game in charge of the club and the only time fans at The Halliwell Jones Stadium will get to see their team in action before Super League kicks off again.

With the opening game against defending champions Leeds Rhinos less than two weeks away, Saturday will be a good chance to see how Wolves are shaping up under Price.

Furthermore, the game will see Ben Murdoch-Masila pull on a primrose and blue jersey for the very first time after Price confirmed the powerful second-rower would indeed be involved.

Price confirms Murdoch-Masila will play against Salford.

Ben Murdoch-Masila faces his former club on Saturday. Picture by Mike Boden

The Tongan international was one of Super League’s most impressive performers last year and he also raised plenty of eyebrows with his displays for Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup.

The prospect of seeing him tearing into his former club is one that could well bring the fans out.

What they’ve said:

“I want us to keep growing in the areas we’ve been emphasising in pre-season,” he said.

“We need to do the little things right and play hard.

“It’s going to take a little bit of time, but it’s about growing together and doing things better each week. That’s all you can ask for.”

Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach.

“I’m really excited to face Warrington next weekend I’m going to work hard in training to make sure I earn a place in the side.

“It’s going to be one of the big games as we are facing a Super League side and Warrington are a strong outfit.

Levy Nzoungou, Salford Red Devils forward.

Wolves team news:

By all accounts, the team that lines up for Wolves on Saturday will be something close to the one that faces Leeds in the season opener.

As well as Murdoch-Masila coming in, the club’s England quartet of Chris Hill, Kevin Brown, Ben Currie and Stefan Ratchford are also set to play, as is Ryan Atkins.

Fans look set to see Ryan Atkins in action for the first time in 2018 on Saturday. Picture by Mike Boden

Mike Cooper is also set to return, but Tyrone Roberts, Sitaleki Akauola, Declan Patton, Dom Crosby and Toby King are injured.

Wolves squad: Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Mitch Brown, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Jack Johnson, Luis Johnson, George King, Tom Lineham, Harvey Livett, Pat Moran, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Joe Philbin, Taylor Prell, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Morgan Smith.

Salford team news:

Saturday’s game also represents Salford’s last run-out before they open their Super League campaign at home to Wigan on Friday, February 2.

Head coach Ian Watson has gone as far as naming his starting line-up for the game, with Luke Burgess making his first appearance since returning to the club and ex-Wire Gareth O’Brien starting alongside Rob Lui in the halves.

Kriss Brining misses out through injury, while Ryan Lannon is suspended.

Salford team: Niall Evalds; Derrell Olpherts, Jake Bibby, Junior Sa’u, Manu Vatuvei; Rob Lui, Gareth O’Brien; Lee Mossop, Josh Wood, Lama Tasi, Josh Jones, Weller Hauraki, Tyrone McCarthy. Subs: Greg Johnson, Kris Welham, Jack Littlejohn, Craig Kopczak, Logan Tomkins, George Griffin, Mark Flanagan, Luke Burgess, Ben Nakubuwai, Levy Nzoungou, Daniel Murray, Gavin Bennion.

Opposition player to watch:

Gareth O’Brien.

The Warrington academy graduate will always go down in Salford folklore for kicking the winning drop goal in the 2016 Million Pound Game against Hull KR, saving them from relegation and condemning Rovers to the Championship.

Whether he plays at full-back or in the halves, O’Brien seems to have developed further since leaving The Wire, prompting some Wolves fans to question the decision to let him go.

Gareth O'Brien left Wolves for Salford at the end of 2015. Picture by Mike Boden

Numbers game:

Red Devils centre Junior Sa’u has been a thorn in Wolves’ side over the years, having scored eight tries in his past five games against Warrington.

Essential info:

When: Saturday, January 20.

Kick off: 3pm.

Where: The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington WA2 7NE.

Admission:

North Stand: £20 adults, £12 concessions/young adults, £5 juniors.

East and South Stands: £15 adults, £10 concessions/young adults, £5 juniors.

How can I follow the game?

For those who cannot attend tomorrow, even for those who can, the Warrington Guardian has the game covered.

Sports reporter Matt Turner will be on duty at The Halliwell Jones Stadium to bring you 'Matchday Live' from 1.30pm, which will include all the build-up, match action and post-match reaction from the Wolves camp.

Look out for Matt's pre-match thoughts and his 'On The Hooter' report via Facebook Live on our 'Warrington Wolves - Warrington Guardian' Facebook page, while photographer Mike Boden will be there to bring you the best action shots in our photo gallery.