Warrington Wolves have confirmed their first pre-season friendly of 2026 with local rivals locked in for the game.
Wire become the latest Super League side to confirm their pre-season opponents with Sam Burgess’ side set to play on Friday, 7th January against Widnes Vikings.
The teams faced off last year in the Challenge Cup with that game being the Vikings’ best-attended match of the season, however, this year’s clash is a friendly and will be played at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Over 7,000 turned out to watch that game with the teams having also met in January last year, playing a pre-season game as part of the club’s dual registration agreement with Widnes. That too was played at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Wire’s first run out of 2025.
Warrington become the tenth Super League side to confirm a pre-season friendly with Hull KR, Leigh Leopards, Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique yet to confirm any matches.
Rugby league 2026 pre-season friendlies listed
Warrington Wolves confirm first game of 2026
News of Wire taking on Widnes was announced by both clubs on social media with a post on X from Widnes reading: “Derby Day confirmed. Widnes Vikings will travel to Warrington Wolves for a pre-season game on Friday, January 9th (7.30pm).”
Tickets will cost £17 for adults, £12 for concessions and £5 for juniors.
The game comes just over a week before Widnes start their Championship campaign with the 21-team competition slated to start on Friday, 16th January when Salford Red Devils take on Oldham.
That game is understandably in doubt at the moment given Salford’s liquidation, however, the remaining nine fixtures that weekend will be unaffected.
Widnes open the season up on the toad with a trip to face heavy favourites London Broncos, with the Vikings’ first home game of the year coming on Sunday, February 1st against North Wales Crusaders.
As for Warrington Wolves, they will open the Super League season up against St Helens.
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DERBY DAY CONFIRMED 👊
Widnes Vikings will travel to Warrington Wolves for a pre-season game on Friday January 9 (7.30pm) pic.twitter.com/pZdaesp8Dk
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) December 4, 2025
