Wolves v Warriors: Teams
Warrington full-back Richard Mathers could make his home debut against former club Wigan on Friday night.
Last Updated: 21/05/09 11:42am
Warrington's Richard Mathers is relishing the chance to make his first home start against former employers Wigan on Friday night.
The 25-year-old joined the Wolves as part of the deal that took centre Martin Gleeson in the opposite direction to the JJB Stadium.
But, after having a hernia operation, the full-back had to wait for his chance and eventually made his second debut against Featherstone.
He then did enough in last week's 18-16 Super League win away at Hull to keep the full-back spot ahead of rival Chris Riley.
Painful memories
Mathers, whose first spell with the club came when they still played at Wilderspool, has painful memories of his last appearance at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Lining up against the Wolves for Wigan last season, he was shown the red card for a high tackle on centre Matt King in a 32-20 defeat.
"That was last year," he said. "I'm looking forward to my first game in front of these fans.
"What bigger game to play in? It's against my old team, with a big rivalry and a packed house."
As well as Mathers, hooker Mickey Higham will also be coming up against his old employers having left the Warriors in the off-season.
Meanwhile, the Wolves welcome back Matt King to the squad after the Australian centre missed the victory at the KC Stadium.
Wigan have named the same 19 as they aim to bounce back from last Friday's shock 20-12 home defeat to Hull KR.
The loss ended a four-match winning run for Brian Noble's troops, leaving them in ninth place in the table, just two points clear of their next opponents.
Warrington squad: L. Anderson, V. Anderson, Blythe, Bridge, Briers, Carvell, Clarke, Grix, Harrison, Hicks, Higham, King, Mathers, Monaghan, Morley, Rauhihi, Riley, Westwood, Wood.
Wigan squad: Roberts, Carmont, Richards, Smith, Leuluai, Fielden, Riddell, Paleaaesina, Hock, Bailey, O'Loughlin, J. Tomkins, Coley, Hansen, McIlorum, Prescott, Phelps, Gleeson, S. Tomkins.