Warrington test about more than two points for Wigan Warriors boss Shaun Wane

He watched his players sharpen their attacking knives with a 46-8 victory against champions Leeds on Thursday night – and quickly turned his attention to their next match.

“This set us up for Warrington. I can’t wait for that game,” he volunteered.

The Wolves knocked the Warriors out of the Challenge Cup with a 23-0 quarter-final win last month.

Asked whether he saw Friday’s match as more important than a regular Super League game, he said: “It is, 100 per cent it is.

“When we lost in the Cup, they were the better team, no question. But getting nilled hurt us all.”

Having reviewed Thursday’s match Wane was particularly impressed with young half Josh Woods – getting a chance in place of injured George Williams –and hailed one of the unheralded members of the side.

“Tony Clubb did a lot of efforts which a lot of people may not have noticed,” said Wane.

“We spoke all week about making your efforts, because Leeds have a lot of unexpected plays and it’s important to fill in space defensively, and Clubby was the best at that.”

Ben Flower (neck) and Dan Sarginson (knee) should be available for next week’s match.

“It’s good, I can’t wait to pick the team,” added Wane.

Wigan only attracted a crowd just tipping the 10,000-mark for Thursday night’s win against Leeds – which was scheduled for the same time as England’s World Cup match with Belgium.

But the Three Lions’ loss means that, should they beat Colombia on Tuesday, their quarter-final would be next Saturday – avoiding a clash with the Warriors’ next match.