Why should I watch?
The Wire just seem to be getting better and better – just as Steve Price predicted.
Since day one, the head coach has stressed the need for patience among the Warrington faithful as he implemented his style upon the team.
Now, though, we appear to be seeing the fruits of his labour.
John Kear has called this Wire team “the real deal” after they dismantled his game Bradford side in the Challenge Cup last week with some of their star names watching on from the stands.
With said key men back on the field, can Price’s men do the same to a Huddersfield side that appear to be in crisis.
Will there be more celebrations like this for Josh Charnley and his Wire teammates tonight?
What they’ve said:
“The players are playing with a lot of confidence.
“They’re enjoying their footy and they’re playing with a smile, which is what I’m really pleased with.
“We’re a lot more confident in our own ability and we understand our systems much better.”
Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach
“We’re looking for a better attitude this week.
“You’ve got to hit rock bottom to find your way back up and out of those situations and that’s what we’re going to use it as.
“It has to be a motivating factor and we need a response.”
Chris Thorman, Huddersfield Giants interim head coach
Numbers game:
If he plays tonight, it will be appearance number 250 in a Warrington shirt for Ryan Atkins.
The long-serving centre made his Wolves debut in a 58-0 home win over Harlequins way back on February 7, 2010.
Furthermore, Josh Charnley only needs one more try to reach 150 in Super League.
As well as the three he already has in a primrose and blue shirt, the winger scored 141 for Wigan and five during a loan spell with Hull KR.
Josh Charnley and Ryan Atkins could both hit milestones tonight. Picture by Mike Boden
Warrington team news:
On the positive side, Steve Price welcomes back four of his key names for tonight’s game.
Kevin Brown, Daryl Clark and Tom Lineham were all rested last week, while Ben Murdoch-Masila is fit again after missing three games with a knee injury.
Mike Cooper faces a late fitness test, but Ben Currie (knee) and Dom Crosby (ankle) are out.
Squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, George King, Tom Lineham, Harvey Livett, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Dec Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood.
Ben Murdoch-Masila is back for The Wire tonight. Picture by Mike Boden
Huddersfield team news:
Chris Thorman is able to include full-back Jake Mamo in his squad. The Australian has not featured since March.
Jared Simpson and Michael Lawrence also return, with Shannon Wakeman, Innes Senior and Adam Walne dropping out.
Squad: Jake Mamo, Jordan Turner, Aaron Murphy, Lee Gaskell, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Kruise Leeming, Michael Lawrence, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Jordan Rankin, Oliver Roberts, Ukuma Ta'ai, Paul Clough, Daniel Smith, Adam O'Brien, Alex Mellor, Darnell McIntosh, Tyler Dickinson, Sam Wood, Jared Simpson.
One to watch:
Jake Mamo
If Huddersfield are to shine in attack tonight, the likelihood is their mercurial full-back will play a big role in it.
Being able to welcome Mamo back from injury is a huge boost to a beleaguered Giants squad that is already missing key men such as Danny Brough, Leroy Cudjoe and Jermaine McGillvary.
Mamo will be known to Wire half-back Tyrone Roberts as the two of them were teammates at Newcastle Knights in the NRL.
Jake Mamo could not stop Tom Lineham from scoring here, but he will be a big threat to the Wire defence tonight. Picture by Mike Boden
Match odds (via Betfred):
Warrington 1/12
Huddersfield 13/2
Draw 40/1
Essential info:
When: Friday, April 27, 2018
Kick off: 7.45pm
Where: The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington WA2 7NE
Officials:
Referee: Tom Grant
Touch judges: M Griffiths, M Craven
In-goal officials: B Robinson, B Pearson
Matchday ticket prices:
North Stand: £32.50 adults, £23 concessions (aged 65+) and young adults (aged 17-21), £14 juniors (aged 5-16), infants (aged 5 and under) free, £90 family ticket (2 adults and 2 juniors).
East Stand: £27 adults, £19 concessions and young adults, £13 juniors, infants free, £77 family ticket.
South Stand: £23 adults, £17 concessions and young adults, £12 juniors, infants free.
West Stand (visiting supporters): £23 adults, £17 concessions and young adults, £12 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 6pm. Sports reporter Matt Turner 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.
Check out our ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ Facebook page for Matt’s pre-match thoughts via Facebook Live and his ‘On The Hooter’ live match summary immediately after full time.
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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