Warrington will be looking to keep up the pace with the top four in Super League, as they take on table-topping Leeds in tonight’s televised Super League clash.
However, the Wolves will have to do it without two of their biggest players, as both Ben Westwood and Trent Waterhouse will be missing for Tony Smith’s men. Westwood is beginning a three-match ban for his dangerous tackle against Wakefield last weekend, whilst Australian Waterhouse is still out with the knee injury he suffered against St Helens at Magic Weekend.
As for Leeds, they look set to make a minimal number of changes to the team who beat Hull FC 20-4 last week, with Jamie Peacock the only change to the 19-man squad, as he replaces Salford-bound Ben Jones-Bishop. Robbie Ward is expected to feature again for the Rhinos, after his try-scoring debut last week against the Black and Whites.
The Squads
Warrington Wolves: Asotasi, Atkins, C. Bridge, Currie, Dwyer, England, B. Evans, R. Evans, Harrison, Higham, Hill, Laithwaite, J. Monaghan, M. Monaghan, Myler, Ormsby, Ratchford, Riley, Russell.
Leeds Rhinos: Hardaker, Watkins, Moon, Hall, McGuire, Leuluai, Peacock, Ablett, Sinfield, S. Ward, Delaney, Bailey, Kirke, Clarkson, Achurch, Briscoe, Sutcliffe, Singleton, R. Ward.
The Stats
Leeds’ Zak Hardaker has scored tries in the Rhinos’ last three meetings with Warrington (1-2-2).
Chris Bridge needs seven points to reach 1,000 for his career. His total of 993 has been scored as follows: 28 for Bradford (2003-2004 – 4 tries, 6 goals), 901 for Warrington (2005-2014 – 98 tries, 254 goals, 1 field goal), 4 for England (2009-2011 – 1 try), 32 for Ireland (2006-2007 – 2 tries, 12 goals) and 28 for Super League under-21s (2003 – 3 tries, 8 goals). He also made one non-scoring dual-registration appearance for Swinton in 2013.
Kylie Leuluai will make his 200th Leeds appearance this evening if selected.
Ryan Atkins is 8 points away from 500 in his career (180 for Wakefield, 2006-2009 and 312 for Warrington, 2010-2014).
The Prediction
Leeds are on a real roll at the moment, and their incredible form should continue live on Sky this evening. With Warrington slightly depleted in the pack, back Leeds to get the win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
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