Super League: Warrington Wolves preview

Warrington have been bridesmaids twice in a row now, so expect the Wolves to be hungry to go one step further in 2014. While they have lost two stalwarts, there's little reason to believe they won't be contending again.

Three keys

1-Getting over the hump
They've had no problems winning at Wembley, but Old Trafford has proved tough to conquer. Defeat to Leeds was hard to take in 2012, but last year's loss to Wigan was a sickening blow after being 16-6 up at half time. 2-Lee-ding the way
Having spent much of his Warrington career to date at full-back, Stefan Ratchford will team up with Richie Myler in the halves. The duo offer a different threat to when Briers was playing, but should be equally devastating. 3-Mistaken identity
Warrington scored the most tries last year - they also led the error count, too. It's Smith's choice to have a high-risk, high-reward strategy. If they are a little more careful with the ball, though, they could be even more prolific.

PHIL CLARKE PREDICTS: 2nd

I think it's fair to say that they're younger and faster than last year's squad, but are they as wise and smart? Hodgson and Briers in the backs, plus Morley and Carroll in the forwards make space for some speedy replacements (albeit Asotasi won't qualify for the Under 20's). In my opinion, they'll be even better than last year, and Richie Myler will be a perfect partner for his new number six. PLAYER TO WATCH: Stefan Ratchford is this year's new number six. He played in 29 Super League and play-off games for the Wolves in 2013. If he plays in a similar number this year then I think that he'll be voted Super League's Man of Steel.