Why should I watch?

Quite simply, The Wire owe one to their fans.

They travelled to Wembley in their thousands on Saturday, only for their team to put in a below-par display and lose their fifth consecutive major final.

However, they still have the chance to break that streak at Old Trafford in October and claim a first ever Super League title.

To do that, though, they cannot afford any further slip-ups and that starts tonight against Hull FC.

Will The Wire take their Wembley frustrations out on the Black and Whites?

 

It was Wembley disappointment for Wolves on Saturday, but they must bounce back quickly. Picture by Dave Gillespie

What they’ve said:

“We reviewed the game and there were a lot of home truths said.

“We’ve put it to bed and we’ve focused on putting in a really strong performance against Hull FC.

“We’ve got a good football team and I’ve been really proud of how the guys have carried themselves to date.”

Steve Price, Warrington Wolves head coach

 

“We’re not going there to lose.

“We are going there to get a result, ultimately.

“The 17 blokes playing tonight are full-time professionals and they’re paid to go out there and get a result, irrelevant of who’s missing,”

Lee Radford, Hull FC head coach

Numbers game:

Josh Charnley needs only one try to move out of a share of tenth place in the list of Super League’s all-time top try-scorers.

Having crossed 159 times in Super League, the Wire winger is currently level with former Hull FC centre Kirk Yeaman.

Next up the list in joint-eighth are Rob Burrow and David Hodgson (168)

 

Josh Charnley's next try will move him into stand-alone tenth in the list of all-time Super League try-scorers. Picture by Mike Boden

Warrington team news:

Steve Price has already confirmed that Ben Westwood will be stood down for today’s game, with Bodene Thompson set to replace him at loose forward.

Ben Murdoch-Masila was not named in the 19-man squad due to a knee injury, but he could still feature.

Ryan Atkins is in contention to return to the side for the first time since June 17, while Ben Pomeroy could also come in.

Sitaleki Akauola is available again after missing the Challenge Cup Final through suspension, but he is ruled out with a sternum injury.

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, Bodene Thompson, Ben Westwood.

 

Bodene Thompson comes back into the Wire team tonight. Picture by Mike Boden

Hull FC team news:

Lee Radford is still without key players such as Albert Kelly, Jake Connor and Marc Sneyd, with ex-Wire Joe Westerman, Mark Minichiello and Chris Green also absent.

Jez Litten, Hakim Miloudi and Masi Matongo have been added to the squad.

Squad: Jamie Shaul, Bureta Faraimo, Carlos Tuimavave, Josh Griffin, Fetuli Talanoa, Danny Houghton, Dean Hadley, Jordan Abdull, Danny Washbrook, Brad Fash, Sika Manu, Jez Litten, Mickey Paea, Jordan Lane, Hakim Miloudi, Masi Matongo, Liam Harris, Lewis Bienek.

 

Former Wire forward Joe Westerman is one of several players missing for Hull FC tonight. Picture by Mike Boden

One to watch:

Bureta Faraimo

When the powerful Mahe Fonua returned to the NRL at the end of last season, USA international Faraimo was signed as his direct replacement.

They were big shoes to fill, but he has made a decent job of it.

He too has had his issues with injuries and suspension this year, but has still managed to cross for 17 tries.

 

Bureta Faraimo was on the end of this tackle from Dec Patton during their 21-12 win over The Wire at the KCOM Stadium in March. Patton was sent off and received a five-match ban. Picture by Nigel French/PA Wire

Match odds (via Betfred):

Warrington 2/7

Hull FC 11/4

Draw 25/1

Essential info:

When: Thursday, August 30, 2018

Kick off: 7.45pm

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

 

Match officials:

Referee: Liam Moore

Touch judges: M Craven, J Smith

Video referee: Robert Hicks

 

Liam Moore 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 editor Mike Parsons 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.

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.