JOEL Monaghan starts what he hopes is a successful tenure as Warrington Wolves captain when Salford Red Devils visit in the season opener on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

The Australian admits he has been blessed with some memorable captains to learn from since his arrival at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2011, not least his brother Michael.

Monaghan was at his side when Adrian Morley lifted the Challenge Cup in 2012, but he dreams of going one better – a Championship crown for the first time in 60 years.

“It would be unreal,” said the 32-year-old at this week’s Super League launch.

“But a lot can happen between now and then. It’s just an honour to be given the job and something I’m really looking forward to.

“I have had some fair captains to learn from in Moz, Mick and Bennie Westwood. I’ve spoke to him (Michael) about it, nothing in particular, but I’ve a lot to learn from him.

“Not much will change, I try to lead by example. I’m a senior player and have been for a few years.”

The former Canberra Raiders man is delighted with the appointment of Chris Hill as vice captain.

“It’s a perfect combination,” he added. “Hilly is a classic leading by example guy, you see that on the field – I haven’t seen him have a bad game in three years.

“I’m more of your talker, so it works out well.”

Monaghan knows that if is he is to be the first Warrington captain to lift the trophy since Albert Naughton in 1955 that Wolves’ strength-in-depth will be key.

But Tony Smith finds his squad two men down this week, with Anthony England joining Simon Grix on the injury list.

“We picked up a training injury with Anthony England. He’s come up with a small tear in his quad,” said the head of coaching and rugby.

“It’s a bad time for him after having such a strong off-season and pre-season – he’s been really good.

“We’re putting him through rehab at the moment. We’ve got him on an alternative training programme, but he’ll just not be right for the first couple of weeks.”

Wolves may start with the side which lined up against Hull KR in January’s friendly win, which would mean official Wolves debuts for Daryl Clark and Ashton Sims.

“Aside from Grix and England, everybody else should be fit and ready to play,” added Smith.

“We’ve got a strong team to pick from. I wouldn’t envisage too many changes from the starting line-up against Hull KR, but we haven’t properly finalised the bench selection.”