If I’d have told you at the start of the season that after Easter one of these teams would be in the top four, you’d have believed me no doubt thinking Warrington would be the side in question.
But the Giants’ outstanding start to the season from Huddersfield leaves them in the top four well ahead of the struggling Wolves who lost to Hull FC on Easter Monday.
The Wolves will have to be at their best against the Giants, after all Huddersfield showed they can even test the Champions on Monday.
Team News
There’s no Gareth Widdop or Stefan Ratchford for the Wolves with skipper Jack Hughes unavailable through injury. George Williams and Oliver Holmes are fine to play after recent injuries and Matt Davis is recalled.
Meanwhile, there’s still no Theo Fages, Owen Trout or Matty English for the high flying Giants. After resting key players against St Helens, the likes of Chris Hill and Chris McQueen should be back in the fold as well as centre Ricky Leutele. There may also be a return for fellow centre Jake Wardle after a lengthy injury layoff.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Josh Thewlis vs Tui Lolohea: Even against the Champions, Tui Lolohea showed he can conjure up magic moments with a length of the field try. Thus, he’s a player the Wolves have to shut down and young Josh Thewlis will have a tough job stopping him. But Thewlis is a talent himself and could cause problems for the Giants.
Mike Cooper vs Chris Hill: Former teammates and once the backbone of Warrington’s success, they’ll collide in the middle with the in-form Hill expected to have the edge on this occasion however Cooper has quality for sure and could make Hill’s life difficult. So, will Cooper get one over on Hill or will the former Warrington skipper keep his form up as he chases an England recall.
Daryl Clark vs Danny Levi: Two livewire hookers, the in form Danny Levi will look to make Daryl Clark’s life difficult down the middle. His ability to run and tie up markers before shifting the ball into space will be tough for Clark to handle. But Clark has always been a class nine and has the tools to win a game almost by himself.
Where the game will be won and lost:
The Wolves will have to nullify the threat of the Giants. Strong down the middle and with threat out wide, Huddersfield have the tools to beat just about anyone including this star-studded Warrington side. That’s not to say Warrington don’t the same level or quality but the Wolves are out of form. So, they’ll have to first stop the Giants and build into the game themselves.
Score Prediction: Warrington Wolves 20-28 Huddersfield Giants
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