It’s the first game of the new season as Wigan and Warrington kick-off Super League XXV on Thursday night.

Both sides have seen a number of incomings and outgoing following last season’s league disappointments with Warrington signing six and letting six go and Wigan capturing four and saying goodbye to six.

The most interesting battle is going to be between the two new halfbacks for either side as Gareth Widdop – if he is fit – and Jackson Hastings take to the field for their new respective clubs for the first time. The stand-off between Wigan’s George Burgess and the Wolves’ captain Chris Hill will be worth the admission fee alone as the former makes his debut.

Though Warrington have won three of their last four against Wigan, the Warriors have triumphed at home in four of their last five against Wire. And, despite winning the Challenge Cup with the Wolves last year, head coach Steve Price came under mounting pressure as their Super League campaign ended with a whimper in the elimination semi-
final.

Meanwhile, Wigan boss Adrian Lam seemed to settle in incredibly well as the season went on and will be aiming for much better than their preliminary final exit in 2019. Home advantage is likely to pay dividends with new halfback Hastings destined to run the show.

ERL PREDICTION

Wigan Warriors for the win.