Wigan 'biggest game of season' says Warrington's Jack Hughes
Last Updated: 01/04/16 7:43pm
Jack Hughes says Warrington are aiming to put down a marker in the "biggest game of the season so far" against Wigan on Friday.
The two sides are separated only by points difference at the summit of the Super League table, having each won seven matches and losing just once, and go head-to-head on Friday at the DW Stadium.
Warrington lead the way after scoring a competition-high 253 points in the opening eight rounds, 83 more than their opponents Wigan but Hughes knows they will have their work cut out this week when they face off against the meanest defence.
"It's the biggest game of the season so far," the former Wigan back-rower said. "It's our second top-of-the-table match in a week, after the one with Widnes last Friday, so it's another massive game and we're going to have to be at our best because Wigan are a top side and they're always up there.
"It's going to be a real tough game and our mindset is going to need to be on the ball if we want to come away with a win.
"This could possibly be a game for a final at some point this year and two points this week is only going to make us more confident than we are at the minute."
The DW Stadium clash sees Hughes return to his former club, but the second-row insisted there is no added motivation.
"It's just another game for the Wolves, I really want to win to stay at the top of the table," the 24-year-old said.
Wigan Warriors are boosted by the return of Liam Farrell who has overcome a shoulder problem and Willie Isa, who has spent six weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Jack Higginson is in line for his first team debut following his call up to the 19-man squad.
Anthony Gelling (knee) and John Bateman (concussion) are ruled out for the Warriors with Luke Waterworth also dropping out of the squad.
Warrington head coach Tony Smith has made two changes for the short trip to Wigan with Gene Ormsby and Joe Philbin replacing Jack Johnson and Declan Patton.
Wigan Warriors: Joe Bretherton, Greg Burke, Josh Charnley, Tony Clubb, Liam Farrell, Oliver Gildart, Nick Gregson, Jack Higginson, Willie Isa, Dom Manfredi, Lee Mossop, Sean O'Loughlin, Sam Powell, Dan Sarginson, Matty Smith, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Lewis Tierney, Joel Tomkins
Warrington Wolves: Ryan Atkins, Daryl Clark, Jordan Cox, Ben Currie; Rhys Evans; Kurt Gidley, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, George King, Tom Lineham, Gene Ormsby, Kevin Penny, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Chris Sandow, Ashton Sims, Joe Westerman, Ben Westwood.
Watch Wigan v Warrington live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Friday from 7.30pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.