Connor Wrench Set to Face Former Club as Warrington Visit Huddersfield

Key facts

• Huddersfield Giants host Warrington Wolves in Super League Round 10.
• Connor Wrench is in line to face his former side, Warrington, after joining Huddersfield.
• Tom Burgess makes way for Wrench in the Giants' squad.
• Cai Taylor-Wray is ruled out with an ankle injury sustained in the win over Wigan.
• Josh Smith and Toafofoa Sipley return for Warrington.
• Warrington lead the all-time series 43 wins to 24 (including play-offs).
• Huddersfield's biggest win over Warrington was 52-10 in 2001.

Squad Shake-Up Ahead of Clash

Huddersfield Giants interim head coach Liam Finn has named his 21-man squad for the Super League Round 10 fixture against Warrington Wolves, making just one alteration from the previous lineup. New recruit Connor Wrench is poised to make an appearance against his former club, with centre Tom Burgess dropping out. The adjustment comes as the Giants look to build on their recent form. Wrench, who joined Huddersfield from Warrington, will be eager to prove his worth against the team he once represented. His inclusion adds a subplot of personal rivalry to the contest.

Injury Returns Bolster Wolves

Warrington Wolves travel to the John Smith's Stadium with a boost to their squad, as Josh Smith and Toafofoa Sipley return from injury. However, they will be without Cai Taylor-Wray, who sustained an ankle injury in last week's victory over Wigan Warriors. The Wolves' 21-man squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. Among the forwards, Ben Currie and Danny Walker are named, while Marc Sneyd orchestrates play from scrum-half. The return of Smith and Sipley adds depth to the pack.

Full Squad Lists Revealed

Huddersfield Giants: 1 Niall Evalds, 2 Adam Swift, 3 Jacob Gagai, 4 Taane Milne, 6 Tui Lolohea, 7 Adam Clune, 8 Tristan Powell, 9 Zac Woolford, 11 Asher O’Donnell, 13 Harry Rushton, 14 Fenton Rogers, 16 George King, 18 Kieran Rush, 20 Mathieu Cozza, 22 Jack Billington, 23 Chris Patolo, 26 Archie Sykes, 29 Tanguy Zenon, 32 Oliver Russell, 34 Connor Wrench, 39 Jacob Douglas. Warrington Wolves: 2 Josh Thewlis, 3 Toby King, 4 Albert Hopoate, 5 Matty Ashton, 7 Marc Sneyd, 9 Danny Walker, 12 Sam Stone, 13 Ben Currie, 14 Sam Powell, 15 Toafofoa Sipley, 16 Liam Byrne, 17 Jordy Crowther, 18 Ewan Irwin, 20 James Bentley, 21 Luke Thomas, 22 Joe Philbin, 25 Max Wood, 26 Josh Smith, 27 Jake Thewlis, 34 Kelepi Tanginoa, 35 Lachlan Webster.

Recent Meetings Favour Warrington

The head-to-head record heavily favours Warrington, who have won 43 of the 67 meetings since 2010, including play-off victories in 2011 and 2013. Huddersfield have 24 wins, with their largest victory a 52-10 thrashing in 2001. In the most recent encounter, on August 24, 2025, Warrington defeated Huddersfield 23-10 in Super League Round 23. The Giants, however, won the previous meeting 24-16 on June 21, 2025. The season opener on February 16, 2025 saw Warrington triumph 20-12.

Stakes High for Both Sides

With the Super League season reaching its midpoint, every point is crucial. Huddersfield, under interim boss Finn, are seeking consistency after a mixed run of results. Warrington, meanwhile, aim to maintain their push for a top-four finish. The match also carries significance for individual players. Connor Wrench's potential debut against his former employers adds an emotional dimension, while Warrington's returning players will be keen to make an impact.

Outlook and Key Battles

The clash at the John Smith's Stadium promises to be a physical encounter. Huddersfield will rely on their forward pack, led by Harry Rushton and George King, to lay a platform, while Warrington's creative spine of Sneyd and Walker could exploit any defensive lapses. For Warrington, the return of Smith and Sipley strengthens their bench options, potentially giving them an edge in the later stages. Huddersfield will need to contain Warrington's dangerous outside backs, including Matty Ashton and Toby King.

The bottom line

• Connor Wrench could make his Huddersfield debut against his former club Warrington.
• Cai Taylor-Wray is out with an ankle injury for Warrington; Josh Smith and Toafofoa Sipley return.
• Warrington lead the all-time series 43-24 over Huddersfield.
• The most recent meeting on 24 August 2025 ended 23-10 in Warrington's favour.
• Huddersfield's biggest win over Warrington was 52-10 in 2001.