Wolves v Rhinos: Teams
Tony Smith faces former club Leeds in his first game in charge since becoming Warrington's new head coach.
Last Updated: 06/03/09 2:38pm
Tony Smith starts life with Warrington with a home fixture against former club Leeds at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday.
The newly-appointed head coach, who will continue his role as England boss, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and will work alongside current Wolves coach James Lowes.
His new employers find themselves bottom of the Super League table without a point to their name after the first three rounds of the 2009 season.
Smith could not have asked for a harder opening game either, with Leeds currently sitting on top of the pile with a perfect record.
Inside knowledge
The Australian should know all about the Rhinos, though, having guided them to titles in 2004 and 2007 before leaving to take charge of England.
However, it is Lowes who has picked the squad for the weekend, with centre Paul Johnson and hooker Jon Clarke returning from injury.
Despite the fact he has only just arrived at Warrington, Leeds coach Brian McClennan, who succeeded Smith 18 months ago, expects a tougher encounter following the changes.
"This is a much more difficult game for us now," said the former New Zealand boss.
"History says that when a new boss comes in players raise their game, and I expect Sunday to be the same. We need to make sure that we are not 'out-enthused'."
Burrow fit
Leeds return to domestic action after failing to become the first side to win back-to-back World Club Challenge titles following their 28-20 defeat by Manly Sea Eagles last Sunday.
Rob Burrow, who was concussed during the first half at Elland Road, has successfully taken the mandatory head tests and will play for the first time in the Super League this year.
"The medical team are happy for him to return to playing this week," added McClennan.
Centre Ashley Gibson and hooker Paul McShane have been handed places in the Rhinos' squad that is once again without Australian Danny Buderus.
Warrington squad: Johnson, Gleeson, King, Briers, Monaghan, Morley, Clarke, Rauhihi, L. Anderson, V. Anderson, Higham, Wood, Pickersgill, Cooper, Riley, Mitchell, Hicks, Harrison, Bridge.
Leeds squad: Donald, Smith, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Lauitiiti, Sinfield, Diskin, Kirke, Ablett, Burgess, Bailey, Gibson, Watkins, McShane.