It’s another local derby following on from St Helens v Wigan, as Warrington and Widnes lock horns in what will surely be a tasty clash.
Warrington Wolves are without prop Paul Wood and versatile forward Simon Grix, who were injured in last Friday’s home defeat by Hull KR. Gareth O’Brien and Ben Evans are brought in by coach Tony Smith.
Widnes fell to their second Super League defeat of the season last time out, losing to Catalan Dragons. Cameron Phelps, Danny Galea and Willie Isa are among the players brought into Widnes’ 19-man squad by Vikings coach Denis Betts.
The Squads
Warrington Wolves: Asotasi, Atkins, Bridge, Currie, Dwyer, England, B. Evans, R. Evans, Harrison, Higham, Hill, Laithwaite, J. Monaghan, M. Monaghan, Myler, O’Brien, Ratchford, Russell, Waterhouse.
Widnes Vikings: Brown, Cahill, Clarke, Clough, Craven, Dean, Flynn, Galea, Gerrard, Gore, Hanbury, Isa, Johnson, Joseph, Kavanagh, Owens, Phelps, Tickle, White.
The Stats
Danny Tickle needs six goals to draw level with Lee Briers in fourth place in the list of all-time Super League leaders for goals (conversions and penalties only). Tickle is the leading contender to become only the fourth player to reach a total of 1,000 Super League goals.
Ryan Atkins needs three tries to reach 150 career touchdowns. His total of 147 has been scored as follows: 49 for Wakefield (2006-2009), 92 for Warrington (2010-2014) and 6 for England (2006, 2009-2010 & 2012). He also made one non-scoring appearance for Bradford (2005).
The Prediction
Tough one this, as are most derbies this weekend. However, Warrington will be smarting following their loss to Hull KR last time out, and should be too strong for the Vikings.
