JOE Philbin admits bad weather is likely to be “the norm” from now on – and Warrington Wolves must adapt.

The Wire came a cropper in horrendous conditions in last weekend’s Challenge Cup semi final and more rain is forecast in Leeds this evening for tonight’s game against Wigan Warriors.

Wigan also lost in their last-four clash and are looking to bounce back, but prop Philbin says there was “a real edge” about his side in training earlier this week.

“The main lesson we have learned is that we’ve been playing some good stuff recently, but we’ve been lucky with the weather,” he said.

“Going into October and November, the conditions at the weekend are probably going to be the norm from now on.

“We need to nail the wet weather rugby now and get into the “finals football” we’d be playing at this time of year.

“Wigan won’t be happy with what they dished up and we’re not happy with what we dished up either.

“We’re going out there with a point to prove.

“There was a real edge about us in training on Tuesday and I’m looking forward to taking that into Friday.”

Born and bred in Warrington and having come through the club’s academy, Philbin is well versed in the primrose and blue side of this age-old rivalry.

There will be no fans present at Headingley to create the usual red-hot atmosphere that accompanies these fixtures.

Warrington Guardian:

Wire fans pack out the away stand at the DW Stadium in the fixture between these two sides in January. Picture by Mike Boden

However, the 25-year-old believes that will not detract from the occasion.

“We all thrive off fans being there, but I’m still anticipating a fiery encounter. I don’t think it will be any less fiery,” he said.

“This is my favourite game to play in, personally, and it is usually the fans who make it that way.

“We’ve had some crackers at the HJ and a few at the DW with packed houses.

“These kind of games really aren’t too hard to get up for and they’re the ones you want to be involved in as a pro.

“I do remember watching a few growing up. I remember coming to one in I think 2011, when Adrian Morley gave someone the stiff arm.

“I watched my fair share of them growing up and I love playing in them now.”