Why should I watch?

The Wire could hit a new milestone tonight and ensure Steve Price has something else to smile about when he reflects on a highly-promising first year in charge.

He has always said his aim for this year was to get Warrington back in the top-four and a win tonight will ensure that is exactly where they will finish.

That will give them three games to adjust to the “finals football” mentality needed in the semi-finals and get a good look at rivals Wigan and St Helens again without too much pressure.

If last week’s demolition of Hull FC is anything to go by, The Wire are in the mood to entertain their home fans as they seek to put their Challenge Cup Final disappointment firmly behind them.

Huddersfield will of course want to keep alive their extremely slim hopes of overhauling Price’s side, so it makes for a good encounter.

 

The last meeting between these sides ended in a 38-4 Wire victory back in April. Picture by Mike Boden

What they’ve said:

“It’s really important that we secure ourselves as soon as we can.

“We want to make sure we’re a top-four club and give ourselves a chance to push for that Super League title.

“The big games are coming now and this is why we play the game and put all the hard work in throughout the year.”

Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach

Steve Price watched his Warrington Wolves side beat Huddersfield Giants 38-4 last night. Picture by Mike BodenSteve Price watched his Warrington Wolves side beat Huddersfield Giants 38-4 last night. Picture by Mike Boden

“We just need to bounce back from last week. The way we performed in the second half wasn’t really us.

“We’re not talking about the top four anymore. We weren’t really to begin with.

“We were just concentrated on getting as many wins as we could.”

Simon Woolford, Huddersfield Giants head coach

Numbers game:

Huddersfield are a favoured opponent for Wire winger Tom Lineham of late.

The man lovably known as “The Flying Pig” has scored a try in each of his past three meetings with the Giants.

He also only needs four tries to hit 100 for his career.

 

Will Tom Lineham score against Huddersfield for the fourth game in a row?

Warrington team news:

Ben Murdoch-Masila is left out of the Wire squad as they manage his knee injury, but as we say last week he may still be drafted in late.

If not, Harvey Livett would appear favourite to take his place, slotting back in at left second row with Bodene Thompson moving to loose forward and Jack Hughes reverting back to the right edge.

Thompson and skipper Chris Hill were both due to be assessed for ankle injuries but they are expected to be fit.

Sitaleki Akauola (sternum) and Ben Westwood are still absent.

Squad: Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, George King, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Harvey Livett, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Ben Pomeroy, Stefan Ratchford, Tyrone Roberts, Morgan Smith, Bodene Thompson.

 

Harvey Livett could be in line for a recall tonight. Picture by Mike Boden

Huddersfield team news:

Simon Woolford is without the services of winger and top try-scorer Darnell McIntosh through injury, while England flyer Jermaine McGillvary is also said to be struggling for fitness.

Aaron Murphy, Dale Ferguson and Colton Roche are also out. Oliver Roberts, Daniel Smith, Jake Wardle and Innes Senior are drafted in.

Squad: Jake Mamo, Jermaine McGillvary, Leroy Cudjoe, Jordan Turner, Lee Gaskell, Danny Brough, Kruise Leeming, Michael Lawrence, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Jordan Rankin, Oliver Roberts, Ukuma Ta'ai, Paul Clough, Daniel Smith, Adam O'Brien, Alex Mellor, Jake Wardle, Innes Senior, Suaia Matagi.

One to watch:

Ryan Hinchcliffe

One of Huddersfield’s most consistent performers all year, the veteran Australian now has added motivation to step up.

This week, he revealed he is retiring from rugby league and will return to his homeland to take up a coaching role with former club Melbourne Storm.

With that in mind, the reliable loose forward will be determined to enjoy his final four games before hanging up his boots.

Match odds (via Betfred):

Warrington 1/4

Huddersfield 3/1

Draw 25/1

 

Wolves are odds-on to repeat their 38-4 win over the Giants in April. Picture by Mike Boden

Essential info:

When: Friday, September 7, 2018

Kick off: 7.45pm

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

 

Match officials:

Referee: James Child

Touch judges: S Mikalauskas, P Marklove

In-goal officials: J McMullen, T Jones

 

James Child will referee tonight's game. Picture by Mike Boden

Matchday ticket prices:

North Stand: £32.50 adults, £23 concessions and young adults (aged 16-23), £14 juniors, infants (aged 5 and under) free, £90 family ticket (2 adults, 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 evening’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.

Keep an eye on the ‘Warrington Wolves – Warrington Guardian’ Facebook page for Matt’s pre-match thoughts and ‘On The Hooter’ match summary via Facebook Live.

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.