WARRINGTON Wolves coach Darryl Van de Velde said his team must not 'fall asleep' against Huddersfield Giants at Wilderspool on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.
Between the Bradford match last night, Wednesday, and through to Sunday Van de Velde will emphasise strongly to his players the need to perform for the full 80 minutes against Tony Smith's desperate team.
Van de Velde said: "We have to go into the game with the same preparation as we've put in for the last couple of weeks.
"We've got to be really switched on throughout. We can't let Huddersfield get their first win over us, it's simply not on."
He continued: "Huddersfield have gone eight games without a win and are coming to us desperate for points. We're aware of it and we've got to be careful.
"We've got to be conscious of not giving Huddersfield any suggestion of falling asleep against them like we did last year.
"We don't want to give them any hint of complacency otherwise they'll get an adrenaline flush from it."
Last season the Wolves, inspired by four tries in the opening 24 minutes from Rob Smyth on his loan debut, built up a 24-6 half-time lead and lost 44-24 in one of the most disgraceful second half performances displayed by a Wolves team.
Van de Velde said: "That will be there to jog the memories of some of the players who played in that game. It has to be remembered that a game is not over until it is over. We've got to compete for the full 80 minutes."
The Wolves are mindful that upsets have been the norm this year and that is why they are tuning in to prevent another one at Wilderspool on Sunday.
Van de Velde said: "All the Super League clubs have strengthened their squads and that is why we are seeing the likes of London beating Wigan and Wakefield beating Bradford.
"This season is not as straight forward as last year."
In their last outing, on Monday, Huddersfield were defeated 44-14 by a Hull team which went to the top of the Super League table for the first time.
New blood in the Giants side this year includes former Bradford Bulls loose forward Steve McNamara, high scoring Australian Andrew Frew and ex-Halifax hooker Paul Rowley.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article