FORMER Giants coach Tony Smith is doing for Warrington what he did for Huddersfield and Leeds.

Drafted in by Wolves owner Simon Moran after his club had made a shocking start to 2009, Smith completed turned Warrington’s fortunes around and helped plot their Challenge Cup final success over the Giants at Wembley.

That came after the Australian had successfully helped establish the Giants as a major top-flight force and then guided Leeds to Super League Grand Final glory.

And having now stepped down as England coach to take full-time charge of the Wolves, Warrington will be hoping for even more in 2010.

RICHIE MYLER became one of the most expensive teenagers in rugby league history when Warrington swooped for him during the middle of last season.

The 19-year-old scrum half shot to fame with his outstanding performances for Salford in 2009 and big things are expected of him in Super League XV.

Coach Tony Smith has first-hand knowledge of Myler’s talents, having worked with him in the England set-up, and the former Giants chief will be determined to make sure he doesn’t place too much pressure on his young shoulders too early.

Myler made a memorable impression against France during last June’s mid-season Test in Paris before making further appearances against Wales and France (again) during the autumn.

WITH high-quality recruits in Richie Myler, Ryan Atkins and David Solomona bolstering Warrington’s options, coach Tony Smith’s men are expected to push hard for a top-eight play-off place.

Defensive frailty has traditionally been the Wolves’ undoing, but Smith has worked tirelessly during the off-season to ensure his troops can consistently hold their line during 2010.

The club will also be desperate to defend the Carnegie Challenge Cup with their victory over the Giants last August and a return to Wembley for the showpiece final will be high on their priorities.

As always with Warrington, expect the unexpected – but under Smith’s command don’t be surprised if 2010 is the year they establish themselves as genuine Old Trafford contenders.

GIANTS: B Hodgson, Cudjoe, Lolesi, Whatuira, D Hodgson, K Brown, Robinson, Crabtree, Lunt, Gilmour, Fa’alogo, Raleigh, Griffin, Lawrence, Faiumu, Grix, Aspinwall, Patrick, Horne.

WOLVES: Mathers, Riley, King, Bridge, Hicks, Briers, Myler, Monaghan, Carvell, Anderson, Westwood, Harrison, Higham, Clarke, Wood, Grix, Atkins, Solomona, Cooper.

REFEREE: Ian Smith.