Friday Nights ESL Preview

Two teams currently enjoying a rare turn of form meet at The JJB Stadium as Warrington Wolves visit Wigan Warriors.

Wolves hooker Jon Clarke, will be looking for a good showing against his home-town team and the club who released him in 1999.

The former Great Britain Academy star is in great form, and has made the fourth most metres from dummy half runs in Super League VIII with 478m.

Although hampered by a knee injury this year, Newton has still made an impressive 380 metres from 72 carries.

However, Clarke's stats just shade the Great Britain player, and Paul Cullen will hope that he continues that form if the Wolves are to continue their challenge for a Play-Off berth. -------------- Belle Vue hosts the basement battle between Wakefield and Halifax. The televised clash between the Wildcats and Tony Anderson's Halifax side looks an entertaining one, with the visitors still searching for their first win since Round One.

Wakefield, on the other hand, moved two points clear of the bottom of the table with their stunning win at reigning champions St Helens last Friday night.

A key area of confrontation in this game will be on the wing, with former Wildcat Andrew Frew returning to his old stomping ground.

The flying Australian , recently signed from Villenueve, has shown extra pace and metres for Tony Anderson?s side since arriving at The Shay.

For Wakefield, Waisale Sovatabua has been in devastating form of late, mainly from the substitutes bench, but his outstanding contribution last week should ensure him a starting berth on Friday.

The two wingers have differing styles, with Sovatabua?s more suited to modern summer rugby, where a winger needs a far higher workrate.

This can be seen with Sovatabua's workrate, making far more carries, metres and busts than Frew.

The difference in the wingers is mirrored in the teams, with Shane McNally's man holding a key go-forward power advantage that will could hold the edge in winning this game. --------------

London Broncos coach Tony Rea will be hoping for a continuing run of good form when they visit St Helens at Knowsley Road.

Saints' averages have taken somewhat of a nose dive in recent weeks, and their shakey form continued with a home defeat to Wakefield last Friday.

Ian Millward's side still have a healthy advantage in metres gained and clean breaks, but they are more concerned with their defence missing an average of 28 tackles per game.

The Broncos will need full back Nigel Roy firing on all cylinders if they are to defeat the reigning champions.

Roy's 263 metres gained last week against Leeds is the most by any player in a single game this season, although the Broncos' finishing off will need improving if they are to take another two points on the road after making 15 errors against the Rhinos.