Why should I watch?
Believe it or not, The Wire are only four games from Wembley!
The road to a day out in the capital starts today for Warrington as they look for another Challenge Cup title to add to their collection.
This will, of course, be Steve Price’s first experience of a competition his predecessor, Tony Smith, won three times and only failed to reach the semi-finals twice in nine attempts.
There is a great desire among the Wire fanbase to return to Wembley and they begin their quest at home to fallen giants Bradford Bulls.
With some of Price’s first-team stars rested, today could offer a glimpse into the future of The Wire.
Will we see more scenes like this in August? Picture by Mike Boden
What they’ve said:
“I watched a fair amount of the Challenge Cup in Australia. I have a lot of admiration and respect for the competition.
“I know we as a club have had some really good years in the competition recently. The plan is certainly to continue that.
“This weekend is a stepping stone for us and a chance to put our best foot forward to get our campaign off to a positive start.”
Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach
“You don’t get many opportunities like this.
“As a League One club, which we are at the minute, we’re going to be playing against the third best side in Super League.
“They are also probably the form side in Super League because they have won six on the bounce.”
John Kear, Bradford Bulls head coach (speaking to the Bradford Telegraph & Argus)
Numbers game:
If he is selected for the matchday 17, Eribe Doro will become the first player born in the 21st century to play a competitive, first-team game for The Wire.
Doro, who turned 17 on March 26, is one of three players who could make their senior Wire debuts.
Eribe Doro will make Wire history if he plays today. Picture by Paul Heaps
Warrington team news:
Steve Price, as promised has given several of his front-line players a rest this weekend.
Kevin Brown, Daryl Clark and Tom Lineham are left out, while Mike Cooper has recovered from a slight hamstring issue but is also rested.
Dom Crosby sits out with an ankle knock, while Harvey Livett, Mitch Brown and Dec Patton are all set to come into the side.
At least one of Eribe Doro, Pat Moran and Luis Johnson will make their senior debuts for the club.
Squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Ryan Atkins, Mitch Brown, Josh Charnley, Ben Currie, Eribe Doro, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Luis Johnson, George King, Harvey Livett, Pat Moran, Dec Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood.
Pat Moran has featured heavily in the past two pre-season campaigns. Will we finally see him play a competitive first-team game today? Picture by Mike Boden
Bradford team news:
John Kear has brought Castleford winger Jy Hitchcox and Toronto’s ex-Wire forward James Laithwaite to the club on loan, but neither are eligible for cup duty.
Greg McNally and Dane Chisolm are also missing through injury.
Squad: Callum Bustin, Steve Crossley, George Flanagan, Matty Garside, Ashley Gibson, Dalton Grant, Vila Halafihi, Sam Hallas, Liam Johnson, Joe Keyes, Liam Kirk, George Milton, Elliot Minchella, Ross Oakes, Ross Peltier, Brandon Pickersgill, Josh Rickett, Ethan Ryan, Mikey Wood.
Ex-Wire man James Laithwaite has joined Bradford on loan but is ineligible to play today. Picture by Mike Boden
One to watch:
Joe Keyes.
There is a lot of excitement in the other side of the Pennines about 22-year-old half-back Keyes.
He makes the Bulls tick having joined from London Broncos in 2016 and was also involved in Ireland’s squad at last year’s Rugby League World Cup.
He has scored two tries and kicked 43 goals for the Bulls so far this campaign.
Match odds (via Ladbrokes):
Warrington 1/100
Bradford 40/1
Draw 100/1
Essential info:
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018
Kick off: 3pm
Where: The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington WA2 7NE
Officials:
Referee: Tom Grant
Touch judges: A Smith, J Roberts
In-goal officials: M Hawkes, G Melling
Matchday ticket prices:
North Stand: £20 adults, £15 concessions (aged 65+) and young adults (aged 17-21), £5 juniors (aged 5-16), infants (aged 5 and under) free, £45 family ticket (2 adults and 2 juniors).
East Stand: £20 adults, £15 concessions and young adults, £5 juniors, infants free, £40 family ticket.
South Stand: £17 adults, £12 concessions and young adults, £5 juniors, infants free.
How can I follow the game?
The Warrington Guardian will, as always be providing extensive coverage of this afternoon’s game.
‘Matchday Live’ will be up and running at around 1pm. Sports editor Mike Parsons will be in position at The Halliwell Jones Stadium to bring you all the build-up, match action as it happens and post-match reaction.
After the final hooter, we will bring you all the reaction from the Wolves camp, plus a photo gallery and the chance to choose your man of the match in our poll.
You will be able to join in the discussion with us before, during and after the game via our social media channels, ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ on Facebook and @WG_Sport on Twitter.
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