BY the end of this month, Warrington Wolves will be able to chart their course through the 2021 season.
However, we already know when their campaign will start, when (hopefully) it will end as well as a few key dates in between.
Here is a reminder of the confirmed dates we already know:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 – SUPER LEAGUE FIXTURE RELEASE DAY
In confirming the Round One schedule late last week, Super League also revealed when supporters can expect their full schedules to be published.
The competition will be played over 25 rounds this year – two less than originally planned due to a further delay in the season getting underway.
CHRIS HILL TESTIMONIAL
A date for this game is yet to be confirmed, but Wire head coach Steve Price said previously that he expects it to be held "one to two weeks" before the campaign starts.
Warrington and Leigh Centurions – the club from whom Hill joined The Wire from back in 2011 – are set to face off at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in what will be Wolves' only pre-season friendly.
2021 is Chris Hill's Testimonial year. Picture by Mike Boden
SUNDAY, MARCH 28 – OPENING DAY
It was confirmed last week that Warrington Wolves would be taking on Castleford Tigers in their Round One fixture.
The Wire are listed as the 'away' club but all six opening weekend games will be played behind closed doors on neutral ground at Leeds Rhinos' Emerald Headingley Stadium.
Warrington Wolves will face Castleford Tigers in their 2021 season opener. Picture by Mike Boden
WEEKEND OF APRIL 11 – WIRE ENTER CHALLENGE CUP
The game's premier knockout competition has been scaled down this year, with only 13 Championship clubs and four sides from League One participating alongside the top-flight teams.
The Wire and their Super League rivals enter the tournament in the fourth round.
May 9 has been earmarked for the quarter finals, with the semis being held on the weekend of June 5 and the final at Wembley Stadium taking place on Saturday, July 17.
SEPTEMBER 4-5 - MAGIC WEEKEND
Much later than usual, Super League's marquee event returns having been scrapped last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Having spent a year at Anfield in 2019, Magic also returns to familiar ground in the form of Newcastle United's St James' Park, which will play host for the fifth time.
The change from the usual May date is to give as many supporters as possible a chance to attend, depending on Covid restrictions
OCTOBER 9 - SUPER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL
Only time will tell whether or not this date is one Wire fans will have to mark in their diaries.
The final returns to its regular home of Old Trafford for 2021 having been held behind closed doors at Hull FC's KCOM Stadium last year.
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