Play-off preview: Wolves v Hull FC

We look ahead to Thursday Night's Play-offs opener between Warrington Wolves and Hull FC

Thursday 12 November

Warrington Wolves v Hull FC (19.45) - Sky Sports Arena

Warrington Wolves head into Thursday night’s play-off opener against Hull FC as clear favourites. The Wolves have won both meetings between the two sides this year, scoring 13 tries in the process.

Steve Price holds a formidable knock out record as Wolves coach, reaching a competitive final each year at the club. Price, however, is leaving nothing to chance and is adamant that previous form cannot be relied on.

He said: "I’m excited for Thursday Night. What’s happened before us is forgotten now.

"The players look pretty sharp and fresh. The boys are excited about the challenge ahead on Thursday Night."

Speaking about the lack of opportunity to play competitively in the past month, Price was optimistic about his team’s preparations despite playing just once in the last four weeks.

"We’ve tried to mimic as much contact and high intensity training as best we could over the previous blocks of training," he outlined.

"We have done the best we can in the circumstances we’ve been dealt. It is what it is."

Wolves have included Josh Charnley in their 21-man squad for Thursday’s crunch tie with Hull. The experienced winger recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered early on during their last match against Huddersfield Giants two weeks ago. 

However, Wolves will be without key front-rower Mike Cooper, one of the in-form props throughout Super League this year. 

Cooper will be a big loss for Wolves on Thursday Night, but Hull FC captain Scott Taylor has no doubts that it will still be a huge battle in the forward pack for the black and whites at the Halliwell Jones, despite Cooper’s absence. 

"Mike Cooper is a loss for them, but Warrington have got talent all over the field," he said.

"I do think it's going to be a massive battle early on. If we can come out on top in the middle, it will hopefully put us in good stead to win the game."

Head coach Andy Last echoed those thoughts and recognises that his team must start strong, maintaining a high intensity throughout the match, if they are to have of chance of progressing. 

"We’re under no illusions that we need to raise it again," Last explained.

"We need to make sure that we are switched on for the full 80 minutes and everyone’s doing their job. That’s the key to being successful in the big games."

Hull FC welcome back star centre Josh Griffin for Thursday’s game, but are without full-back Jamie Shaul who suffered a season-ending injury against Castleford Tigers.

Young half-back Ben McNamara retains his spot in Hull’s 21-man squad, which could see the in-form Jake Connor deputise at full-back for the second consecutive game, giving Last a welcome selection headache in the build-up to this first round play-off fixture. 

Warrington Wolves: Matty Ashton, Blake Austin, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Jason Clark, Ben Currie, Matt Davis, Eribe Doro, Anthony Gelling, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Toby King, Jake Mamo, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Ellis Robson, Josh Thewlis, Danny Walker, Gareth Widdop

Hull FC: Bureta Faraimo, Carlos Tuimavave, Josh Griffin, Jake Connor, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor, Danny Houghton, Chris Satae, Josh Jones, Manu Ma’u, Ligi Sao, Joe Cator, Jordan Johnstone, Brad Fash, Jordan Lane, Josh Bowden, Andre Savelio, Mahe Fonua, Cameron Scott, Ratu Naulago, Ben McNamara. 

Referee: Liam Moore

2016, Hull FC v Wolves, the winner claiming the League Leaders' Shield 👀

This time it's in the Play-offs, @WarringtonRLFC v Hull FC live on Sky Sports tomorrow 📺 #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/Qw9sheIzf5
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) November 11, 2020