STEVE Price wants his Warrington Wolves squad to harness any lingering hurt from last year’s Grand Final defeat when they face Wigan Warriors tomorrow, Friday, kick off 7.45pm.

The Wire cross paths with their fierce rivals for the first time since losing 12-4 to the Warriors at Old Trafford last October – the third time they have lost to Wigan in the Super League decider.

However, Warrington will go into the game as red-hot favourites against a Wigan side still adjusting to the philosophies of new head coach Adrian Lam.

Price said any Wire player who featured in the Grand Final would be “lying” if they said they were not still hurting from the defeat.

He also says his time in Warrington has taught him just how much the people of the town enjoy beating their old enemy.

“With any derby, the level of intensity goes up,” he said.

“It wasn’t that long ago that they beat us in the Grand Final and a lot of guys who played that night are still hurting from it. They would be lying if they said they weren’t.

“In saying that, there’s a lot of new players who didn’t play last year.

“We’re a lot more advanced in our playing style and we’re looking forward to challenging on Friday night.

“The more times we’ve faced each other, the more I’ve realised how much it means to our town.

“I understand it now. I fully get it and we’ll be ready.”

Bryson Goodwin will miss Friday’s game with a sprained ankle, with Ryan Atkins confirmed to be replacing him at left centre for The Wire.

Price also confirmed his team for the game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium would be otherwise unchanged, meaning Jake Mamo will keep his place on the left wing ahead of Tom Lineham.

By contrast, Wigan will be missing wingers Dom Manfredi and Liam Marshall through injury and prop Taulima Tautai through suspension, though Joe Greenwood and Dan Sarginson will return.

With Lam’s side having lost four of their five games so far, many observers are tipping Warrington to win handsomely.

Price, however, is expecting the Warriors to bring their A-game.

“We prepare for the best of every team. We have to.

“What they have done so far this season counts for nothing on Friday.

“They have a lot of quality football players who have played on the big stage as we have.

“It’s a local derby. It’s going to be brutal.”