Why should I watch?

Hopefully, this will be the game in which Steve Price registers his first Super League points as Wire head coach.

Last week’s opening-day defeat to Leeds showed some positive signs, but they will mean nothing if they are not built on.

The new combinations within the Warrington team will take time to gel, but if they can pick up the odd result along the way, they will be looking at a much less drastic situation than they were last year.

Those making the trip to Huddersfield will find out whether or not The Wire have learned from their mistakes.

Warrington Guardian:

Have The Wire learned from their opening-day loss to Leeds Rhinos? Picture by Mike Boden

What they’ve said:

“They have a lot of good individual players, they’re well-coached and they have a very sound kicker in Danny Brough.

“We have to be on our game to stop him and the rest of their talents.

“I know Rick from back in Australia, but it’s all about what we can control and that is the execution of our game plan.”

Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach.

Warrington Guardian:

Wire head coach Steve Price. Picture by Mike Boden

“Generally, everyone wants to win their first game. If they don’t there’s a little bit of bounce factor in week two.

“Two teams coming up against each other who are going to be desperate.

“Nobody wants to lose their first game, but definitely not their second in a row.”

Rick Stone, Huddersfield Giants head coach.

Warrington team news:

Price looks set to go with the same team that faced Leeds last week having named an unchanged 19-man squad.

Sita Akauola, Dom Crosby and Toby King have not yet recovered from injury so will not be involved.

Wolves squad: Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Mitch Brown, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, George King, Tom Lineham, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Matty Russell, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood.

Warrington Guardian:

Will the half-back partnership of Tyrone Roberts and Kevin Brown be more successful against Huddersfield? Picture by Mike Boden

Huddersfield team news:

Giants boss Rick Stone is without captain Leroy Cudjoe and vice-captain Michael Lawrence, so either Ryan Hinchcliffe or Danny Brough will skipper the side.

Shannon Wakeman, Alex Mellor and Tom Symonds are also missing, but Stone is hopeful star winger Jermaine McGillvary will play some part.

Giants squad: Danny Brough, Paul Clough, Tyler Dickinson, Dale Ferguson, Lee Gaskell, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Kruise Leeming, Jake Mamo, Jermaine McGillvary, Darnell McIntosh, Aaron Murphy, Adam O’Brien, Jordan Rankin, Oliver Roberts, Colton Roche, Daniel Smith, Ukuma Ta’ai, Jordan Turner.

Warrington Guardian:

World Cup star Jermaine McGillvary could return for Huddersfield against The Wire tomorrow. Picture by NRLPhotos.

Opposition player to watch:

Jake Mamo.

The young Australian full-back is a livewire and will be desperate for a good run in the team following an injury-stricken 2017.

In the nine games he did play, he crossed for 12 tries including one in the Giants’ 44-4 demolition of The Wire in June.

His perceived weaknesses in defence were ruthlessly exposed by Hull FC last week, but the 23-year-old adds pace and unpredictability to the Giants attack.

Warrington Guardian:

Jake Mamo is our opposition player to watch. Picture by Mike Boden

Numbers game:

The Wire have lost on their past four trips to the John Smith’s Stadium. Their last win on that ground was a 33-14 triumph over the Giants in March 2014.

Match odds (via Betfred):

Huddersfield 2/1

Warrington 2/5

Draw 25/1

Essential info.

When: Thursday, February 8.

Kick off: 7.45pm.

Where: John Smith’s Stadium, Stadium Way, Huddersfield HD1 6PG.

Warrington Guardian:

The John Smith's Stadium. Picture by Mike Boden

Officials.

Referee: Ben Thaler.

Tough judges: L Moore, M Craven.

In-goal officials: J Butterfield, E McCarthy.

Warrington Guardian:

Ben Thaler referees tonight's game. Picture by Mike Boden

Tickets.

£22 adults, £16 concessions, £6 juniors.

How can I follow the game?

THE Warrington Guardian will, as always be providing extensive coverage of tonight’s game.

As the game nears, ‘Matchday Live’ will be up and running at around 6pm. We will both be in position at the John Smith’s Stadium to bring you all the build-up, match action as it happens and post-match reaction.

You will be able to join in the discussion with us via our social media channels, ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ on Facebook and @WG_Sport on Twitter.