Super League preview: Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors
Warrington Wolves host Wigan Warriors at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday in a repeat of last year's Grand Final.
Last Updated: 22/03/14 9:34am
The last time the sides met was in October - when the Super League crown was at stake - with the Warriors prevailing 30-16 at Old Trafford.
Despite Shaun Wane's side claiming victory in Manchester, the Wolves have prevailed in three of the last five clashes, while the sides battled out a 17-17 stalemate in their first meeting last term.
Hostilities between the north-west rivals heightened in pre-season, when Wolves head coach Tony Smith agreed to advise NRL's Sydney Roosters ahead of the World Club Challenge, which Wigan lost 36-14.
However, Wane is willing to lay his grievances aside, as he switches focus to the 2014 domestic campaign.
"He can do what he wants," said Wane. "He did do exactly what he wanted to do and it's different to what I would have done.
"We move on. It's a few weeks ago now and I've got over it."
Turbulent
Both sides have endured a turbulent start to the new season, with a pair of defeats each, but Warrington enter with a two-point advantage having played one more game than their opponents.
Despite starting the season with consecutive defeats, Wolves have bounced back with a trio of victories against Hull FC, London Broncos and Salford Red Devils but captain Ben Westwood insists there is no room for complacency.
"There's always a nice rivalry between us and Wigan, and I'm sure it will be a great game to watch and a great game for Rugby League," he told the club's official site.
"I think form goes out of the window when it comes to these matches. All the lads are really looking forward to it."
Wolves boss Smith has the luxury of a fully fit squad and names an unchanged side from their 28-18 victory over Salford last Friday.
Warriors head coach Wane remains without two key players ahead of the 13-mile trip south.
Club captain Sean O'Loughlin misses out with a shoulder injury, while hooker Michael McIlorum will serve the second of his three-match ban.
Wolves: Asotasi, Atkins, Bridge, B Evans, R Evans, Grix, Higham, Hill, Laithwaite, J Monaghan, M Monaghan, Myler, O'Brien, Ormsby, Ratchford, Riley, Russell, Waterhouse, Westwood
Warriors: Bateman, Bowen, Burgess, Charnley, Clubb, Crosby, Farrell, Flower, Gelling, Goulding, Green, Hughes, James, Pettybourne, Smith, Taylor, Thornley, Tomkins, Williams
You can see all the action from the Halliwell Jones Stadium as Warrington Wolves take on Wigan Warriors on Thursday live on Sky Sports 1HD from 8pm