With two top-class players added to an already star-studded squad, Warrington have all the ingredients for success.
Hodgson and Monaghan add further quality to Warrington squad
The Wolves have become Challenge Cup kings under Tony Smith, so can he take them all the way to a Grand Final in 2011?
Last season
The Challenge Cup has turned out to the proverbial London bus for Warrington - having waited an eternity to win the trophy the club have now won it two years on the spin.
The 30-6 triumph over Leeds was a real statement of intent from the Wolves, and at that stage they seemed on course for a trip to the Grand Final.
However their dreams of appearing at Old Trafford came to a rather disappointing end when they lost two successive play-off games.
A defeat at Knowsley Road against St Helens was no surprise (they have now won just once against their near-neighbours in 41 attempts), but few expected them to slip up on home soil against Huddersfield the following week.
Their road to Manchester had been muddied somewhat by their inability to finish the regular season in second place, as they ended up behind Saints on points difference.
It is tough to still consider them under-achievers though, particularly after their second straight win at Wembley. Now they want to go from cup kings to league champions.
Ins and outs
Coach Tony Smith has added just two players to what was already a star-studded squad - and both of the new recuits only add further quality.
Brett Hodgson's desire for a two-year contract allowed the Wolves to pick up a former Man of Steel who can kick goals for fun and provide an extra cutting edge in attack.
It looked for so long that Warrington would make do with just the one acquisition, that was until Joel Monaghan suddenly became available.
An alcohol-fueled prank that went horribly wrong has led to the centre continuing his career in Super League alongside his older brother, Michael.
Monaghan's signing was made possible by the release of Chris Hicks, while Hodgson's arrival forced Richard Mathers to move on to find first-team action.
Kevin Penny will hope to rekindle his career with cash-strapped Wakefield and the experienced Vinnie Anderson has been allowed to leave for Salford. Hicks, a real fans' favourite, is the only player who might be sorely missed in 2011.
Outlook
There's no question that Warrington have all the ingredients required to be crowned Super League champions.
Hodgson is a mighty fine full-back who opposition teams know all about - Monaghan could easily end up as the competition's leading try-scorer if, as his No.5 squad number suggests, he's picked to play on the wing.
Matt King's power, pace and ball-handling skills provide plenty of opportunities to whoever is playing outside of him, while Lee Briers' pin-point accuracy with the boot is always a dangerous weapon for the Wolves.
However, the veteran Briers won't be relied upon as the main attacking focus - Michael Monaghan is superb in and around the tackle area.
Up front, expect a big season from Adrian Morley, who will still be smarting from missing out on leading England in the Four Nations down under, and look out for Ben Harrison to continue his development in the pack.
Injuries are always part-and-parcel of the sport, but the Wolves have such depth in their squad that players of the calibre of Richard Myler, Chris Bridge and Jon Clarke could end up being left out of the 17-man squad completely.
Phil Clarke's one(s) to watch... Rhys Evans/Rhys Williams
I used to like watching the Two Ronnies when I was young, two popular comedians on TV. Well the Wolves fans are going to enjoy watching the Two Rhys' in 2011.
Tony Smith has two hot prospects in Rhys Evans and Rhys Williams. Both had a brief taste of Super League action in 2010 and will be busting a gut to show what they can do again.
If I had to guess at this stage, I'd say that Rhys Evans looks more likely to feature this year. He has blistering pace and a great determination to succeed. You'll see his face on the big screen soon.
