Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess has handed Stefan Ratchford a start for their opening game of the new Super League season. The Wolves travel to Huddersfield Giants in round one and Burgess has opted for the experience over youth in the halves.
Oli Leyland was the man who many expected to play alongside George Williams in the pivots but, despite impressing last week in the Challenge Cup, the former London Broncos man will have to wait to make his Super League debut for the Wolves.
Ratchford is the man who has been selected start the season at number seven and he’ll be keen to impress at the John Smith’s Stadium to help Burgess’ side get off to a winning start.
Dan Russell is Warrington’s only new signing included and he starts in the back row, while Toby King has been passed fit to start at centre after being a doubt leading into the game. Arron Lindop features at centre on the other side with Rodrick Tai left out.
Luke Robinson has named three off-season signings in his side to face Warrington, with Jacob Gagai, Tom Burgess and Zac Woolford all making their Super League bows for the Giants.
Danny Richardson, who joined on loan from Hull KR last week, will also play for the Giants, with the former Castleford Tigers man getting the nod at seven.
Huddersfield Giants: Jacob Gagai; Adam Swift, Sam Hewitt, Jake Bibby, Elliot Wallis; Tui Lolohea, Danny Richardson; Tom Burgess, Zac Woolford, Oliver Wilson; Joe Greenwood, Jack Murchie, Leroy Cudjoe.
Bench: Ashton Golding, Matty English, Fenton Rogers, Harry Rushton.
Warrington Wolves: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Arron Lindop, Toby King, Matty Ashton; George Williams, Stefan Ratchford; Paul Vaughan, Danny Walker, Luke Yates; Adam Holroyd, Dan Russell, Ben Currie.
Bench: Sam Powell, Jordy Crowther, Zane Musgrove, Joe Philbin.
