Paul Sculthorpe highlights massive month for Warrington in fight for first Super League title

Josh McAllister
Paul Sculthorpe, SWPix

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Two-time Man of Steel winner Paul Sculthorpe believes April is a massive month for Warrington in their bid to claim their first ever Super League title.

Daryl Powell’s side remain unbeaten so far in 2023 with a record of six wins from six to sit at the top of the Super League table.

They look to maintain their record at home on Saturday to Hull FC, live on Channel 4.

The Wire have defeated Leeds, Huddersfield, Salford, Hull KR, Leigh and most recently Castleford at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle. 

Their last trophy came back in 2019 in the form of the Challenge Cup, defeating St Helens 18-4 at Wembley. They last claimed the League Leaders’ Shield in 2016, and have never claimed the Super League title.

Paul Sculthorpe: April is a massive month for Warrington

Speaking ahead of the game, Sculthorpe labelled April a big month for the side for their title credentials.

Speaking to presenter Adam Hills, he said: “They’re certainly the form team, the only side undefeated, six from six. 

“I think the big challenge for Warrington is probably the next month. 

“They face St Helens, Wigan and Catalans. 

“I think at the end of that , if they’re 10 from 10, you could possibly talk about it being Warrington’s year.”

Thomas Mikaele to start in farewell Super League game

Thomas Mikaele has been named at starting prop for his farewell Warrington game, with the 25-year-old set to return to Australia and link up with Gold Coast Titans next week.

Warrington announced the news on Friday, confirming that Mikaele will make his final appearance against Hull FC at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

NRL side Gold Coast Titans have agreed an undisclosed fee to sign Mikaele for the rest of the season.

Mikaele joined the club from Wests Tigers midway through last season, and has made 17 appearances to date, named for number 18 against Hull. 

Meanwhile, Daryl Clark has not been named. The hooker sustained a knee injury last week against Castleford at the Mend-Hose-Jungle, forcing him from the field in the first half.

Daryl Powell is expected to give an update on his starting hooker later this afternoon, with the England international having undergone scans earlier this week.

Danny Walker starts at nine.

Peter Mata’utia, who featured in the halves last week in replacement of Josh Drinkwater, has been named at loose forward.

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