Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick says Friday’s top-of-the-table showdown with St Helens is the ‘fixture of the year’ – while also revealing positive news on Gareth Widdop, who will be fit for the start of pre-season with the Wire next season.
The Wolves travel to St Helens in a meeting of undisputedly the best two teams in the opening two months of the season, with both winning eight of their first nine fixtures.
And Fitzpatrick, who has been the mastermind of some innovative PR and marketing strategies at Warrington this year, told League Express: “I know Saints have labelled this ‘WAR-rington v St Helens.. they’d better be prepared for that!
“Ticket sales are going really well, and we’ve already surpassed last year’s totals.
“I’ve said from day one that I believe ourselves and Saints have got the two best squads in Super League and the league standings reflect that.
“This could be one of those nights to say ‘I was there!’ This is without doubt the Super League fixture of the year to date.”
Fitzpatrick also admitted the Wolves are heartened by the results of surgery Widdop – who will join the club on a three-year deal next season – had on his shoulder.
He was injured in St George’s recent victory against Brisbane, but is likely to return before the end of the current NRL season, meaning he should return to England with a clean bill of health.
“The post-op report is very positive,” Fitzpatrick said.
“He’s had a Laterjet shoulder operation, which was different from his previous operation, and should make the shoulder more robust.
“The Dragons are expecting him to be fit for the back end of their campaign. So all being well, he’ll be in good shape for the start of our pre-season at Warrington.”
