Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves: Super League head to head

It's here! Super League is ready to start again. And it begins with a belter, live on Sky Sports.

The defending Champions Leeds go to the winter's big-spenders Warrington. But how will this one be decided? Here are three key battles which could very well determine the outcome...

Live Betfred Super League

Tyrone Roberts v Richie Myler

All eyes are on Warrington's marquee signing Tyrone Roberts. He has been struggling for fitness, but Steve Price has still named the half back in his squad - and he need Roberts fit and firing.

He's the man expected to lead the Wire back amongst the Super League elite and perhaps to a first title. Signed from the Gold Coast Titans, Roberts will need to strike up an effective partnership with Kevin Brown rapidly to ensure the Wolves get out of the traps quickly. Let's see what he can do on the opening evening.

There's pressure on Leeds' Richie Myler too on Thursday night. He's made the off-season switch to join the Rhinos, swapping the South of France for Headingley. As chance would have it, his first game in the Blue and Amber is against the club where Myler enjoyed most success - Warrington.

It's the first sight of Leeds without Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow. Myler will need to take plenty of responsibility upon his shoulders in 2018. His career has not quite delivered what was promised when breaking through at Salford. Is this finally his chance to shine?

Daryl Clark v Matt Parcell

Last year was a poor year for everybody at Warrington. Hooker Daryl Clark was no different. Like the rest of his team-mates, Clark will have been disappointed with his form. He subsequently slipped down the England hookers pecking order, missing out on the World Cup.

Clark, at his best, is a real talent. A terrific dummy-half runner, capable of making big metres from behind the ruck, he's no pushover in defence either. Warrington need a big start and a big season from their No 9.

On the other side of the ruck is a man who took Super League by storm in 2017. Matt Parcell was relatively unknown when he arrived from Manly Sea Eagles, but he ended the season as a key component in Leeds' champion team and with his name in the Super League Dream Team.

Leeds' top try scorer with 17, Parcell also made the most tackles for the Rhinos, forming a critical part of Brian McDermott's attack and defence. Will he be able to avoid second season syndrome?

Chris Hill v Adam Cuthbertson

When the first hit-up arrives on Thursday night, the forwards will be fighting amongst themselves to carry it forward. Expect to see Warrington skipper Chris Hill leading the charge. Mr Consistent, he's forever taking the Wire pack into battle, be it in attack or defence.

He made the most metres in the regular season and over 500 tackles as well. Hill will also have benefited from his World Cup campaign, putting aside Warrington's disappointment to play a key role in England's run to the final.

If the club are to achieve their goals for 2018, then Hill will be at the forefront in everything they do.

You know what Adam Cuthbertson going to do, but stopping it is another matter altogether. We are, of course, talking about the 32-year-old's offload - one of the best in the Super League game.

He took the competition by storm in 2015, throwing a staggering 125 offloads as the Rhinos stormed to the treble. Teams wised up in 2016, but Cuthbertson was at it again in 2017, throwing 121 offloads - the most in Super League by a long way.

It makes Leeds so difficult to defend against, especially if they get support runners either side of their prop. Cuthbertson formed a key partnership with Matt Parcell last year, offloading to his hooker whenever possible, giving their attack that edge of unpredictability. Can he hit the same heights in 2018?

Tune into Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event from 7.30pm on Thursday to catch Warrington v Leeds in the Betfred Super League.