The pain of Wembley defeat is fresh in the memory
“I promise you now, losing at Wembley undoubtedly helps us in the build-up to this week”. The words of Warrington captain Chris Hill this week when asked if losing the Challenge Cup final in such dramatic circumstances would act as motivation for the Wolves. They have that pain still ingrained in their recent memory, and it should act as a real catalyst for Tony Smith’s side heading into battle this Saturday.
They have a more settled side than Wigan
Both sides have been hit by injuries this year, but it’s fair to say that the Warriors are the team who have suffered more. For the most part, the Wolves have had a fairly settled spine, with Stefan Ratchford, Kurt Gidley, Daryl Clark and Joe Westerman playing together for large parts of the year. That should aid their fluidity and the way they play – and if the conditions remain favourable for Warrington, it immediately makes them favourites.
The brand of rugby they play
If it stays dry in M16 on Saturday night, then Warrington instantly have an advantage, you suspect. They are a great team to watch when conditions are favourable, and if Chris Sandow makes a return to the 17 as expected, the Wolves should really start to flourish on the big stage. If there is no rain, back Warrington.
