AN optimistic Tony Smith is confident Warrington Wolves are building towards a big future as the club prepares for their first Super League outing at The Halliwell Jones this year.

Hull KR, who earned a point against Castleford Tigers in round one, are the visitors on Sunday, kick off 3pm.

Ryan Atkins, who missed last week’s win at Leeds Rhinos with an elbow injury, is likely to be the only addition to the squad with Ben Evans, Stefan Ratchford and Mitchell Dodds still a few weeks away.

Head of coaching and rugby Smith insists there is reason to be excited both on and off the field at the minute, calling on his side to reward fans with a strong performance.

“It’s exciting times for our club and we are hoping to put all the form together on the park and off the park as a club,” said Smith, who welcomed nine new signings as well as additions to his backroom staff.

“If we do that you get growth and it’s all there for us at the moment.

“There's been a strong desire for us to be a bigger club and there’s a chance for us to do that now.

“There are a lot of positive things off the field, but there are some exciting things happening on it too.

“We’ve got to keep building as a club and keep positive, there will be a few blips along the way but at the same time there is more to be optimistic about from our club than any other one.”

One of those new arrivals was Jordan Cox from Hull KR, who has rediscovered his love for the sport since penning a deal with The Wire.

“I’m absolutely loving it and I’m sure you can see it in my game,” said the 23-year-old prop. “For the first time in a while I’m excited for the game.

“I’ve always loved playing at The Halliwell Jones and they always get a good crowd. I could hear the Wolves fans at Headingley and that’s what you want as a player.

“It only benefits us if we hear them cheering when someone gets a good run or a big tackle, it’s class. I love it, that’s the best part of the game.

“I’m excited and can't believe I’m excited for rugby, because that’s something that has come back into my game since I signed here.”

Smith is also excited for the first home game of the campaign.

"It’s fantastic to be back at home and I’ve got to mention the away crowd last week, it was fantastic over at Leeds and they really did help us – 13 coaches and heaven knows how many people drove as well," he explained.

"That helped us and inspired us, hopefully we can repay those people who came with a good home performance as well as those who were unable to travel last week on a Thursday night.

"It was a massive effort from our supporters and we want to put in a big effort for our home support this week."