A look at the massive month ahead for Warrington Wolves

The visit of Hull KR to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday kicks off an important run of games for Warrington Wolves (Image: PA Wire)

WARRINGTON Wolves are about to enter a crucial period in their season.

Over the next month, we’ll learn a lot more about how the 2024 season will be remembered at Halliwell Jones Stadium in some ways, and how equipped they are to challenge on every front.

During that time, one of the three prizes available will either be in the trophy cabinet or off the table, but the beauty of the Challenge Cup being moved earlier in the season is that by the time the final is played at Wembley, the regular season of Super League. it will only be half done.

First up is what should be a cracker on Thursday night when Hull KR visit the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Round 11 of the Super League.

The Wire overcame a thriller at Craven Park in round four in what remains perhaps the most impressive league result under Sam Burgess, but the Robins are genuine top four contenders and will provide a tough examination.

Although Thursday night games are not the most popular, the game time probably helps both Burgess and his counterpart Willie Peters, who both have Challenge Cup semi-finals to plan after the game.

From a Warrington perspective, a long 10-day change between games means a healthy balance between rest and preparation can be achieved. As such, it would be a surprise to see either trainer go with anything other than their strongest available side.

Then ‘the big one’ – the clash with Huddersfield Giants at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens on Sunday 19 May for the chance to step out at Wembley for the first time in 2019.

The Wire will start the game as favourites, but the Giants have proven to be an extremely capable outfit in 2024, so nothing less than the type of performance that stopped St Helens in the quarters is likely to be enough.

The result of that game and the other semi-final between Hull KR and Wigan Warriors could very well dictate how the two games that follow them stand in terms of priorities.

Six days after the semi-final, The Wire make their second trip to Perpignan of the year to face Catalans Dragons on May 25, before their first meeting of the year with Wigan Warriors on Saturday, June 1.

The story continues

Should they get to Wembley, how Burgess manages those two games immediately ahead of him in terms of selection will be crucial, as the Super League table is so full at the moment, losing games to teams around you can be damaging and while there will be plenty of time to get to Wembley. to make up any shortfall, they will be aware that they have too much work to do.

It is then everyone’s hope that this key period ends with an appearance in the Challenge Cup final on Saturday 8 June.

Four weeks that define the season? In some ways, yes. Maybe not in others, but we’ll certainly be better informed about what to expect from the Burgess boys by the end.