BRISBANE Broncos are “extremely aware” of the threats posed by Wolves ahead of their World Club Series clash, prop Josh McGuire says.

The NRL giants visit The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday, kick off 8pm, with Super League champions Wigan taking on Cronulla Sharks the following day.

McGuire says the Broncos squad watched The Wire’s game against Catalans on Saturday and, despite a 20-12 defeat, he was impressed with what Wolves showed.

“It’s very important for us, it’s a good chance to get time on the field against a top quality side,” he said.

“We know they have some world-class players in their squad and are always there or thereabouts over here so we’re extremely aware of what they’re about.

“We watched their game at Catalans together and I was really impressed with some of the things they were doing with the ball.”

Warrington Guardian:

Broncos head coach Wayne Bennett has named a strong squad for the trip to England, including international stars Darius Boyd, Sam Thaiday, Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt.

However, among those missing are ex-New Zealand international Benji Marshall and Fiji prop Korbin Sims.

They arrived in London on Saturday afternoon and will travel up to the north west today, Thursday.

The game against The Wire will be Brisbane’s final run out before opening their NRL campaign at Cronulla on March 2.

McGuire, who has represented Queensland in the State of Origin series, says the squad are keen to get as much out of the game as they can, even if the weather conditions are a little different to the sunnier climes of home.

He also says the Broncos are “honoured” to be taking part in the series, which has been reduced to two games this year amid a supposed lack of interest from Australian sides after many rejected the chance to take part.

“We’re two weeks out from the start of our season so this is our last trial game,” he said.

“It’s a massive one for us, it’s valuable to go up against good quality opposition at this stage of pre-season.

“It’s a game we’re honoured to take part in. I can’t speak for other clubs but I know that, as a squad, we were all keen to come over and play.

“The weather is a little different to home, we left Brisbane in a heatwave but I always love coming over to play on this side of the world.

“We just can’t wait to play some footy now.”