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2018 Super League – Warrington Wolves vs Leeds Rhinos Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Thursday 1st February, 19:45

Where? Halliwell Jones Stadium

What channel is it on? Sky Sports Arena

Are tickets still available? https://shop.warringtonwolves....

Where can I stream the match? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go

THE LOWDOWN

WARRINGTON WOLVES

Head Coach: Steve Price

Squad: Atkins, K. Brown, M. Brown, Clark, Cooper, Currie, Goodwin, Hill, Hughes, G. King, Lineham, Murdoch-Masila, Patton, Philbin, Ratchford, Roberts, Russell, Smith, Westwood

Unavailable: Sitaleki Akauola, Dom Crosby, Toby King

  • Warrington Wolves head into the new Super League season with plenty of fresh faces on and off the field. Steve Price replaces the long-serving Tony Smith to head a new coaching set-up as the Wolves look to bounce back from a disappointing season that culminated in a spot in the Middle 8s.
  • Price is able to name a strong squad with new signings Mitch Brown, Bryson Goodwin, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Tyrone Roberts all in the 19-man squad but fellow new recruit Sitaleki Akauola misses out.
  • The Wolves have it all to prove this year but with Roberts guiding them around the pitch, Warrington could have solved a big weakness from last season in the halves. A run at the top four should be on the cards after last year’s frustration.

LEEDS RHINOS

Head Coach: Brian McDermott

Squad: Ablett, Briscoe, Cuthbertson, Delaney, Dwyer, Garbutt, Golding, Hall, Jones-Buchanan, Moon, Mullally, Myler, Ormondroyd, Parcell, Peteru, Singleton, Sutcliffe, Walker, Watkins,

Unavailable: Stevie Ward, Brett Ferres, Keith Galloway

  • Reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhinos will begin the defence of their crown with a tricky encounter against Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
  • Head coach Brian McDermott is able to name his three new signings in his first squad of the season with Richie Myler and Nathaniel Peteru in line for their debut as well as Brad Dwyer who could face his former club.
  • The Rhinos must do without Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow this season with McGuire continuing his playing career with Hull KR whilst Burrow opted to retire at the end of last year.

KEY STATS

  • Warrington Wolves have won their last 10 matches in all competitions
  • Leeds Rhinos have won 6 of their last 7 Super League matches
  • Warrington Wolves have won the last 6 home Super League meetings between the two sides
  • There has been a total of 269 points scored in the last 6 Super League meetings between the two sides at an average of 44.8 per game
  • There has been a total of 47 tries scored in the last 6 Super League meetings between the two sides at an average of 7.8 per game

THE PREDICTION

Warrington were last season’s biggest disappointments and their failures brought about a change in coach. Leeds on the other hand responded to their poor season in 2016 by becoming champions once again. The Wolves will be hoping for similar success this season but must overcome the team they want to emulate in their opening game. Having won the last six Super League home games between the two sides, as well as having plenty to prove, Warrington can just edge this one.

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