Wakefield Trinity v Warrington Wolves match preview

For many reasons, this is an extremely important game for The Wire.

A loss will make it back-to-back defeats for the first time in over three months, and will put their hard work in danger of being undone.

Victory would send out a message that Steve Price’s side are here to stay in the race for an all-important top-four spot as the split nears.

With no game for two weeks as well, Warrington will want to go into their break on a high note.

Winning at Belle Vue, however, is no mean feat. Just ask Wigan and St Helens, both of whom have left Wakefield’s ramshackle old home empty-handed this year.

The Wire will be aiming to bounce back from last week's defeat to Castleford Tigers. Picture by Mike Boden

What they’ve said:

“If we don’t control the tackle and get our ground work right, it will put a lot more emphasis on our edge decision-making.

“We’ve got really good defensive systems in our team and we showed that against Wigan.

“We know what it looks like when we’re at our best and it’s important we are at our best in that regard on Sunday.”

Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach

“We’ve watched Warrington’s game against Cas and the game when Wigan turned them over at the Magic Weekend.

“I think our effort has got to be as good as it was last week, if not better.

“Effort goes a long way, and attitude. If we can get those two things right this weekend we are in with a good chance.”

Chris Chester, Wakefield Trinity head coach (speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post)

Numbers game: 

Tomorrow’s game looks set to mark a big milestone for Wire skipper Chris Hill.

The prop needs one more appearance to reach 400 career games.

Hill has made 213 appearances for Warrington having previously featured 160 times for Leigh. He has also earned 26 England caps.

Chris Hill looks set to hit a milestone today. Picture by Mike Boden

Warrington team news:

Kevin Brown is fit enough to be included in The Wire's squad after coming off with a groin injury against Castleford.

Dom Crosby comes back in and could play for the first time in two months. He replaces George King in the only change to Steve Price's 19-man squad.

Squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Mitch Brown, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Dom Crosby, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Tom Lineham, Harvey Livett, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Ben Westwood.

Kevin Brown was an injury doubt for tomorrow's game with a groin injury. Picture by Mike Boden

Wakefield team news:

Justin Horo was doubtful for Trinity after picking up a calf problem in last week’s win over Wigan Warriors but is included in Chris Chester's squad.

James Batchelor misses out, with Chris Annakin coming back into contention

Squad: Chris Annakin, Tinirau Arona, Matty Ashurst, Mason Caton-Brown, Anthony England, David Fifita, Ryan Hampshire, Keegan Hirst, Justin Horo, Tom Johnstone, Ben Jones-Bishop, Max Jowitt, Danny Kirmond, Reece Lyne, Jacob Miller, Pauli Pauli, Tyler Randell, Bill Tupou, Kyle Wood.

One to watch:

Bill Tupou.

The New Zealander has become increasingly popular at Belle Vue since joining in 2015.

An extremely dangerous proposition out on the left edge in tandem with talented winger Tom Johnstone, Tupou is aggressive in both attack and defence.

An enthralling dual with fellow Kiwi Bryson Goodwin should follow.

Match odds (via Betfred):

Wakefield 7/4.

Warrington 1/2.

Draw 22/1.

The Wire are odds in with competition sponsors Betfred to triumph against Wakefield. Picture by Mike Boden

Essential info:

When: Sunday, June 17, 2018.

Kick off: 3pm.

Where: Mobile Rocket Stadium, Doncaster Road, Wakefield WF1 5EY.

Match officials:

Referee: Chris Kendall.

Touch judges: D Bowmer, G Jones.

In-goal officials: M Hawkes, P Marklove.

Matchday ticket prices:

£21 adults, £15 concessions, £5 juniors.

How can I follow the game?

The Warrington Guardian will, as always, be providing extensive coverage of tomorrow’s game.

‘Matchday Live’ will be with you all afternoon up to the final hooter and beyond. Sports reporter Matt Turner will be in position at Belle Vue to bring you all the build-up, match action as it happens and post-match reaction.

Keep an eye on the ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ Facebook page as Matt goes live with his pre-match thoughts and later, his ‘On The Hooter’ match summary.

After the final hooter, we will bring you all the reaction from the Wolves camp, plus the chance to choose your man of the match in our poll.