Talking Points: Round 1 vs Warrington

For a second consecutive season, Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves meet in round one when the new Betfred Super League season kicks off on Thursday night at 8pm.

Before both teams take to the field at the Halliwell Jones, here are three big talking points ahead of the game...

Williams and Drinkwater vs Austin and Sezer

2023 sees Leeds and Warrington start the season with two of the most exciting half-back combinations in Super League.

Most Rugby League fans know the danger that George Williams possesses on the field as one of the best homegrown half-backs in the competition. His creative ball carries and deceptive footwork have been the former Wigan player's major strengths, plus his personal list of accolades boasts two Grand Final titles, both with Wigan, a successful period with Canberra in the NRL and eight years in the England set-up.

He has a new partnership to forge this season with Josh Drinkwater, who was brought to Warrington after the departure of Gareth Widdop. During his time in Catalans, Drinkwater has played alongside some of the best halves in the game, including former Saint, Luke Walsh, and Australian internationals James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce. He has also featured in both a Challenge Cup Final and Grand Final with the Dragons.

For the Rhinos, Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer are in line to start a Super League season together for the first time, as only Sezer made his Rhinos debut in this fixture at Headingley last year. Both players experienced periods on the sideline last year but are aiming to put that behind them with a fresh start.

Sezer can also hit a major milestone against the Wolves as the half-back is set to make his 200th career appearance. Having played 109 NRL games for Canberra and Gold Coast, Sezer has added 42 appearances with Huddersfield and Leeds in Super League.

Handley in try-scoring form against Wolves

Leeds' Ash Handley has been a thorn in Warrington's side in recent Super League meetings. The winger found the try line four times in the Rhinos' three meetings with the Wolves last year, which included a try-of-the-season contestant in round one, a brace in a 40-4 result at the Halliwell Jones and a fourth in the third game in August.

Handley has scored six tries in five of his last six games against the Wolves, dating back to round five in 2020. When compared with other Super League teams, that form is only bettered by his six tries in his last five appearances against Salford.

Repeat of history

Dating back to the start of the Super League competition in 1996, Leeds have faced Warrington the most times in round one out of any team, past or present.

The Halliwell Jones will host its third round one meeting between the clubs, who both have a win apiece over consecutive seasons. Leeds made a winning start to their 2018 campaign, thanks to two tries from Ryan Hall, before the Wolves hit back with a resounding result in 2019.

Headingley hosted the first-ever opening fixture in Super League's inaugural season and the last round one fixture in 2022 - Warrington coming out on top in both of those.

Want to relive our opening round meetings with the Wolves? Watch highlights and full matches from each game here.

Make sure you're at the Halliwell Jones this Thursday!

Tickets for the Rhinos’ opening round clash with Warrington are still available for fans to purchase online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk, over the phone on 0371 423 1315 and from Leeds Rhinos club Shop (Opening Hours). 

Adult prices start from £24 while junior tickets are just £5 for members.