Leeds v Warrington preview
Chris Sandow admits he has a point to prove when Warrington go up against Super League champions Leeds at Headingley.
Sandow endured a nightmare start to his Super League career when his new club crashed to a 49-10 defeat at Leeds in the opening match of the Super 8s last August, and the Australian came in for much criticism as the Wolves went on to drag themselves over the finishing line in sixth place.
However, a trip back home to refresh himself, followed by a full pre-season of training, has put the spring back in the step of the former Parramatta playmaker who is ready to redeem himself, starting with a return to Headingley for the season opener. "It was tough but that was last year," said the 27-year-old. "People have their opinion on players and I had my fair share (of criticism).
"It was just hard coming into a great club like Warrington halfway through the season and trying to play to your ability. "I didn't know their footie style and stuff like that but they know how I play now. I feel a lot different. I've got an off season under my belt with the boys and I feel a lot different and a bit more comfortable."
Warrington coach Tony Smith says the criticism of Sandow was unfair and he is expecting the player to show his true colours in 2016, especially alongside fellow countryman Kurt Gidley, who is one of six new signings named in his 19-man squad. "He knows what's expected, he's not shocked by Super League or anything this year," he said.
"When he came to us he was pretty shattered at the time. He was a bit of a shell of a guy and it was an eye-opener for him. "I know some people judged him on those last few games. I was quite pleased with what he produced, being thrown into a team that probably wasn't ripping it up when he joined us.
"I'd like to think he's a lot different personality now and also a lot more motivated. He's been training exceptionally well and we're expecting Kurt to take some pressure off him and allow him to play some of his natural game."
New Leeds captain Danny McGuire is also expecting much more from Warrington, who did the double over the Rhinos in the regular season in 2015. "I think they'll improve a lot this year," McGuire said. "They've made some astute signings. I think they'll be a lot tougher."
Thursday's game marks something of a new era at Leeds, with McGuire and young half-back partner Liam Sutcliffe hoping to between them fill the boots of the departed Kevin Sinfield.
Australian prop Keith Galloway will make his Super League debut wearing Kylie Leuluai's old No 8 shirt and Adam Cuthbertson has the chance to settle into Jamie Peacock's 10 jersey after appearing at loose forward for much of an impressive first season in England.
Leeds, who will also give a debut to hooker Beau Falloon if he passes a late fitness test on a foot injury, are expected to be challenging strongly to retain their league leaders' shield, although McGuire is bracing himself for a tough ride.
"I really believe that the competition is going to be even stronger this year and we're going to have to up our game to be able to keep competing up there at the top," he said.
Leeds Rhinos: Carl Ablett, Tom Briscoe, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Delaney, Beau Falloon, Brett Ferres, Keith Galloway, Mitch Garbutt, Ryan Hall, Zak Hardaker, Jimmy Keinhorst, Jordan Lilley, Danny McGuire (c), Joel Moon, Brad Singleton, Liam Sutcliffe, Josh Walters, Kallum Watkins.
Warrington Wolves: Daryl Clark, Jordan Cox, Ben Currie, Brad Dwyer, Rhys Evans, Kurt Gidley, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Tom Lineham, Kevin Penny, Joe Philbin, Matty Russell, Chris Sandow, Ashton Sims, Joe Westerman, Ben Westwood, Gary Wheeler.
