LIKE Brett Hodgson, Tony Smith is no stranger to the Giants.

In his three seasons at the Huddersfield helm (2001 to 2003), the Australian helped establish the Giants as a solid Super League side.

He then went on to help Leeds Rhinos win the Super League Grand Final for the first time before taking over the England national side.

But for the past two-and-a-half years he has been in charge of the Wolves and has now made them one of most respected Super League powers.

BRETT HODGSON obviously needs little introduction to Giants fans.

For the past two seasons the inspirational full-back and captain has been at the heart of his club’s success.

The highly-respected Australian crowned his first season at the Galpharm following his move from Wests Tigers by taking the Man of Steel award as the player to have made the biggest impact in a Super League season. He was the first Giants man to take the honour.

As a result, Nathan Brown and his men know exactly what to expect when he lines up for new club Warrington tomorrow.

COULD this be Warrington Wolves’ year?

After winning the Challenge Cup for the past two seasons, many believe Tony Smith’s men are now on the verge of backing it up with Super League Grand Final glory.

The respected Wolves are 10/3 second favourites to savour success at Old Trafford in Super League XVI. Bookmakers William Hill have Wigan as 2/1 favourites, with Huddersfield Giants fifth at 16/1.

But whatever the odds, there’s no doubt Warrington should be a real force this season.

Former Giants chief Smith has retained the nucleus of last season’s squad, while bringing in the inspirational Brett Hodgson from Huddersfield and former Australia Test winger Joel Monaghan.

Both men should see a lot of the action in 2011, with the feared Warrington pack – led as usual by vastly-experienced England prop Adrian Morley – once again expected to make a massive midfield impression to provide them with valuable service.

A full-strength Wolves side were beaten 24-18 at home to Wigan’s strongest side in a pre-season clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium last Wednesday.

But there were more than enough signs in that contest to suggest Warrington are warming up nicely for tomorrow’s big clash against the Giants.