Warrington hoping to end St Helens' perfect Super League start

Warrington back-rower Ben Westwood is looking forward to having the opportunity of wrecking another 100% record when facing St Helens at Langtree Park on Thursday night.

Fresh from ending Leeds' perfect Super League record, the Wolves are out to become the first team to inflict a defeat on the reigning champions, who took over at the summit after making it five wins out of five at the expense of Widnes last Friday.

Saints' new home has become a happy hunting ground for nearby-rivals Warrington, whose only defeat at Langtree Park was at the hands of Leeds in last year's Challenge Cup semi-final.

"It's an opportunity for us," said Westwood. "It's classed as our derby game. I know they have Wigan and we're supposed to have Widnes but over the years this has kind of taken over and they're great spectacles.

"We've got a bit of history at their new ground and hopefully we can keep that intact, just like they did to us for all those years.

"They've started off well, like they do most years, and they've got some big players who are playing well for them. They're a dangerous side and we will have to be at our best to beat them."

I've been a huge admirer of James and been fortunate enough to coach him. I love watching him play

Most eyes will be on the hooking duel between Wolves' Daryl Clark, the reigning Man of Steel who grabbed his chance to wear the England No 9 shirt in the 2014 Four Nations Series when St Helens talisman James Roby made himself unavailable.

England coach Steve McNamara will be an especially interested observer as he casts his eye on the contenders for the autumn Test series against New Zealand, although his predecessor Tony Smith, the Warrington head coach, expects both men to figure.

"It's a terrific match-up," Smith said. "They are two super players. I've been a huge admirer of James and been fortunate enough to coach him. I love watching him play but, at the same time, I hate watching him play against my team.

"But I love watching Daryl. He is starting to feel his way with us and he's been very good over the last couple of weeks.

"If you ask (Saints coach) Keiron (Cunningham), he's going to say James is still the best  hooker but I'm going to say Daryl is. Whoever Steve Mac picks as his starting hooker, he's going to have a terrific player on the bench."

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Westwood, who played alongside Roby for England, has no doubt Thursday's game will see Super League's top two hookers go head to head.

"They're both fantastic players," Westwood said. "It's going to be great to see the two English hookers coming up against each other. I suppose you can throw Micky Mac (McIlorum) in there but I think they are the ones to catch at the minute.

"We haven't seen the best of Daryl yet, understandably. He's come off a great season with Cas.

"He's got that bit of pressure with the Man of Steel hanging over his head, although you wouldn't know it. He's as laid-back as they come.

"We've seen glimpses of what he can do and I'm sure once the pitches dry out you'll see more of what Daryl is capable of."

Watch St Helens v Warrington Wolves live on Sky Sports 3 on Thursday from 7.30pm