HERE are the numbers that count for Warrington Wolves’ opening games to seasons since the Second World War.
47
This is the amount of games The Wire have won, more than double the 21 that have been lost. Four have been drawn.
Celebrating a win against Leeds Rhinos on the opening day of last season. Picture by Mike Boden
4
Only one player has scored a try in the opening game in four consecutive seasons. That man is Ally Naughton, 1953 to 1956, also the last Wire captain to lift the Championship trophy in 1955.
Albert Naughton with the Championship trophy in 1955
0
Warrington have only once failed to score. Huddersfield defeated them 7-0 in 1960.
19
Number of times Wolves have started a season with a match other than a league fixture. In 1962 it was the Western Championship, in 1967, 1969, 1971, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1990 it was the Lancashire Cup, in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 it was the Challenge Cup.
Darren Burns, scored Wolves' only try the last time the season opened with a Challenge Cup again - against Bradford in 2003
5
Most tries scored by one player, Chris Riley against Harlequins RL at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2010.
Chris Riley marking his quintet of tries
66
Total reached in The Wire’s biggest victory, a 66-6 pummelling of Barrow Braves in 1997.
Richard Henare, left, seen with Nigel Vagana, crossed four times in that success against Barrow
22
Most points scored by one player in the opening game, a feat achieved by Jonathan Davies courtesy of two tries and seven goals against London Broncos in 1995.
Jonathan Davies, on fire for The Wire
8
Warrington have met Hull more times than any other opposition on opening day, with Wolves winning five and drawing three of the eight encounters.
Rhys Evans en route to a try in a 20-20 draw with Hull FC in the first game of the 2012 campaign
38
St Helens inflicted on Wire their heaviest defeat in round one, a 38-8 smashing at The HJ in 2014. Wolves have lost all three meetings they have had with Saints.
No way through against St Helens in the 2014 opener for Richie Myler, now scrum half for Catalans Dragons
9
Most goals kicked by a Wire player, John Woods hitting the mark nine times against Hunslet in 1987.
John Woods
15
Warrington’s own Paul Cullen has played in more openers than anyone else with 15. Super Bennie Westwood would have equalled that record if he had been selected to play at Catalans this weekend as he has played the first game of every season since joining the club.
Paul Cullen during his playing days
1,009
Playing Catalans Dragons in Perpignan is Wire’s furthest away opening fixture – 1,009 miles. The only other time Warrington have started a season outside of England was in Wales in 2011, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff against Huddersfield.
Stade Gilbert Brutus, home of Catalans Dragons
Compiled by Stan Lewandowski
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