When these two sides served up a cracking game in Round One of this season, few could’ve imagined that as we approach the halfway point of the campaign that they’d be dwelling 8th and 10th respectively.
The wolves won that day in dramatic fashion against a 12 man Leeds team and although they won the first few games of the season, have endured a downward spiral which has left them needing improvement if they are to climb back into the play-offs even turning to Kyle Amor to add fire in the pack.
As for Leeds, that defeat was just one in a run of nine defeats in 10 to start the season and helped result in Richard Agar’s departure. Now under Rohan Smith and still rather banged up in terms of injuries, they need to string some more wins together having won three of the last four.
Team News
The big news for Warrington is the potential debut of former Rhino Kyle Amor. New at the club, someone said to be headed in the other direction, Josh Charnley, finds himself again outside of the squad again. Gareth Widdop who swapped to fullback last time out features.
The Rhinos welcome back Matt Prior and Corey Johnson to the squad with the former back from a ban and the latter returning from injury. The game still comes too soon for Jack Walker, Harry Newman and Alex Mellor.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Gareth Widdop vs Zak Hardaker: If I’d have told you earlier this season that midway through the campaign we’d see Gareth Widdop and Zak Hardaker battle at fullback in a Warrington-Leeds game you’d have been baffled. Widdop was settled in the halves and Hardaker was at centre for Wigan, but both now find themselves at fullback for their respective sides and come into the game energised on the back of great performances returning to the number one spot.
Daryl Clark vs Kruise Leeming: Whenever Warrington and Leeds meet, always expect fireworks at nine as these two clash. Daryl Clark is a former Man of Steel whilst his opposite number and Leeds skipper Leeming featured in last year’s Dream Team. Both love playing on the back of a quick ruck and could set the tone in this game.
Mike Cooper vs Mikolaj Oledzki: Mike Cooper is one of the top props in the league even if his future is reportedly up in the air. He’ll be up against another top front rower and the duo could have a real battle as they look to get their team on top.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Both these teams haven’t played to their potential in 2022 and have struggled for points in attack. This suggests that this game will be decided by the basics like metre making and defence. The side who can dominate territory and possession will likely win this one unless one of the many stars on show can grab the game by the scruff of the neck.
Score Prediction: Warrington Wolves 20-12 Leeds Rhinos