Warrington stand on the brink of a small piece of history this weekend: knowing that victory on Friday night will secure their first League Leader’s Shield in five years.
Not since 2011 have the Wolves finished top of the pile in Super League – and ironically, when they secured the shield back in 2011, they did so courtesy of victory against one of the sides who are breathing down their neck in 2016.
The Wolves headed to Hull knowing that victory would guarantee top spot irrespective of what else happened in Round 27 that weekend – and they certainly did a decent job of coping with the pressure.
Tony Smith’s side won 34-12 courtesy of tries from the likes of Chris Riley and the Monaghan brothers, and Smith could not hide his delight post-match.
“To be named as the most consistent team throughout the year is a great achievement,” he said.
“We’ve come a long way as a club. We’ve finished number one in defence and attack. I’m proud of everyone at the club.
“We want to keep our feet on the ground. We’re proud of it and there’s not much silverware on offer, but there’s a long road to go.”
Unfortunately, the Wolves could not go on and make it a double at Old Trafford later that year, as they fell in the semi-finals to Leeds – who would go on and win the Grand Final against St Helens.
Hull: Phelps; Whiting, Turner, Yeaman, T Briscoe; Horne, Obst; O’Meley, Houghton, Moa, Manu, Westerman, Washbrook.
Interchange: Radford, Lauaki, Dowes, Sharp.
Warrington: Hodgson; J Monaghan, King, Atkins, Riley; Briers, Myler; Cooper, M Monaghan, Carvell, Anderson, Grix, Bridge.
Interchange: Clarke, Harrison, Solomona, Blythe.
Attendance: 10,845. Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens).