PREPARE for another full-blooded battle!

That is the message from coach Jon Sharp as the Giants begin the final countdown to tonight's Super League derby clash at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (7.30).

The two clubs have emerged as fierce top-flight rivals, with little to separate them during the Super League era.

In 2004, honours were even at Wakefield, with the Giants winning 24-17 on their first visit on Easter Monday and Trinity gaining revenge with a narrow 21-20 triumph at the newly-named Atlantic Solutions Stadium on September 10.

Both encounters were noted for the tough nature of the tussles and Sharp - a former assistant coach at Trinity - believes tonight will be no different.

"We're braced for another very physical encounter," predicted the Giants chief.

"Wakefield did very well to reach the top six last season and they have carried on from where they left off this time around.

"They are very exciting with the ball in hand and they were very unlucky not to have won at Hull a fortnight ago.

"I don't think there will be many teams who will be able to say that this season.

"They had some tough calls against them that day, and with a bit of luck they could easily have been celebrating a memorable win.

"I know there were some who thought they would struggle following the departure of their captain and Great Britain international, Gareth Ellis, to Leeds.

"Initially, the loss of such a quality player did knock them around a little.

"But the key to Wakefield's success is that they are a spirited bunch who all work hard for each other. That's their main strength.

"We were involved in two tough and tense games at Wakefield last season, and there's nothing to suggest that this latest meeting should be any different."

Sharp has named tonight's squad with one eye on the home game against Salford on Monday, with Paul Reilly rested after taking a variety of bangs at Warrington.

Stuart Jones is also rested with a knee injury, but medical staff have given Paul Smith the all-clear to play after taking a heavy hit to the head against the Wolves.

Also missing out tonight is hooker Sean Penkywicz, who has been unable to displace the in-form Paul White.

The lightning White is now proving a massive success in the substitute role previously undertaken by Penkywicz.

* Ticket office opening hours are up to 4.00 today, 9.00 to noon tomorrow, 2.00 to 7.30 kick-off on Monday and 9.00 to 5.00 on Tuesday. The office is closed on Wednesday.

Wakefield: Halpenny, Demetriou, Tadulala, Rooney, Jeffries, Griffin, March, Korkidas, Solomona, Field (J), Obst, Wrench, Snitch, King, Field (M), Applegarth, O'Neill, Feather.

Giants: O'Hare, Evans, Donlan, Thorman, March, Slicker, Drew, Gannon, Nero, Roarty, Gene, Smith, Morrison, Crabtree, Grayshon, White, Jackson, St Hilaire.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (Mirfield).