London v Warrington: Wolves won't be taking Broncos lightly, says Tony Smith
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 02/09/17 11:25am
Warrington coach Tony Smith insisted his side will not take London Broncos lightly as they look to take another step towards retaining their Super League status.
The Wolves enjoy a 100 percent record after the first three rounds of the Super 8s Qualifiers, but they struggled to overcome part-timers Halifax in their last match.
And Smith said they will not underestimate their latest Championship opponents on their own artificial pitch at the Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday night.
London's only joy from their Super 8s fixtures so far was a point from a home draw against Featherstone, but they pushed Hull KR and Catalans Dragons all the way in their other games, a fact not lost on Smith.
"London have been very competitive," Smith said. "They are a bit unlucky to have only one point. They are a difficult team to play with experienced players in ranks.
"It's their home pitch and we are prepared for that. We are still looking to build so will roll our sleeves up and take on the job in hand.
"With Championship sides, you don't recognise as many players so it's a little bit of the unknown. They also have a more openness in style, they're willing to take risks.
"We're three from three but we don't want to get complacent as we've still got work to do. The first couple of games were good but in our last outing the first half was a bit off."
Broncos coach Andrew Henderson sees Saturday's televised fixture against last year's Super League table-toppers as an opportunity to raise the profile of his club but he has not given up on promotion.
"Saturday's game is a big opportunity for the club and the team to show case itself in front of the cameras," Henderson said.
"Though 2017 hasn't gone to plan for Warrington, we do face last year's Grand Finalists and League Leaders' Shield winners. We know full well that Tony Smith's men are a formidable side on their day and possess some quality players in their ranks.
"However, our aim is to be better, more consistent and ultimately deliver a performance and get a result. That's what we have focused on in the week off. Preparations have gone well, and the players are excited with the challenge and opportunity on offer.
"It's a massive game for the club, and for rugby league in London. As I've said before there are eight points still on offer. Anything could happen."
Warrington have veteran half-back Kurt Gidley back from injury while London are without the Wolves' loanee forward Sam Wilde because of injury.
The match will mark the 200th career appearance of London's Wales international Elliot Kear.
London Broncos: Andy Ackers, William Barthau, Eddie Battye, Michael Channing, James Cunningham, Matt Davis, Kieran Dixon, Ben Evans, Matt Garside, Matt Gee, Ben Hellewell, Mark Ioane, Elliot Kear, Api Pewhairangi, Jay Pitts, Jarrod Sammut, Tom Spencer, Alex Walker, Rhys Williams.
Warrington Wolves: Ryan Atkins, Kevin Brown, Brad Dwyer, Kurt Gidley, Peta Hiku, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Jack Johnson, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Tom Lineham, Declan Patton, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Andre Savelio, Ashton Sims, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood.