Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos: Super League preview
Last Updated: 13/03/15 7:26pm
Leeds Rhinos will attempt to end a run of four successive defeats at the Halliwell Jones Stadium when they face Warrington Wolves on Friday night.
The Rhinos have made a superb start to the season, winning their opening four fixtures, but Jamie Peacock says they will face their toughest test so far in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
"We're four from four at the moment but we've got some big challenges in front of us," said Peacock.
"I'm not disrespecting the other sides when I say that but I think Warrington are a very good side.
"They played very well in the St George game and were unlucky to lose that. Emotionally they probably dipped a little after that game, which you do, but at home they're difficult to beat. It's a challenge we're looking forward to."
Brett Delaney is expected to make his first appearance of the season after being named in the Rhinos’ 19-man squad. He made his comeback from knee surgery last weekend for Hunslet Hawks and replaces the injured Mitch Achurch.
Full-back Ashton Golding, who has impressed for Leeds U19 side this season, has also been called up in place of Liam Sutcliffe.
Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield goes into the game needing just five points to break through the 4,000 barrier and edge closer to Gus Risman in third place in the all-time list of scorers.
"He's incredible," said Peacock. "He's been an iconic player in Super League, particularly at Leeds, and rightly deserves to be up among those greats."
Warrington bounced back from their heavy defeat by Catalans Dragons with a hard-fought win over Hull KR last Sunday and have the chance to draw level with the early pacesetters.
However, they are without captain Joel Monaghan due to a hamstring injury, with George King coming into Tony Smith’s squad.
Smith said: "It's been a short turnaround for us but Friday's is a game that we are looking forward to. It's a big challenge. Leeds had the classic game of two halves last week. It gave us the chance to see both sides to the Rhinos and the dangers they can bring."
Warrington Wolves: Asotasi, Atkins, Bridge, Clark, Currie, Evans, Harrison, Higham, Hill, King, Laithwaite, O’Brien, Penny, Philbin, Ratchford, Russell, Sims, Westwood, Wheeler.
Leeds Rhinos: Ablett, Aiton, Briscoe, Burrow, Cuthbertson, Delaney, Golding, Jones-Buchanan, Hall, Hardaker, Leuluai, McGuire, Moon, Peacock, Sinfield, Singleton, Ward, Walters, Watkins.
Watch Warrington Wolves v Leeds Rhinos live on Sky Sports 1 on Friday from 7.30pm