WARRINGTON Wolves will go into Sunday's mouthwatering Challenge Cup tie against Halifax Blue Sox with dynamic attacking intentions.

Explosive runner Steve McCurrie will start for the first time this season and Australian whippet Dean Hanger is in contention to make his debut as a substitute.

It is a clear indication from coach Darryl Van de Velde that the Wolves are planning a heavy artillery pace and power blitz for Halifax in the fifth round all-ticket clash, which kicks off at 2.30pm and will be live on BBC Sunday Grandstand.

The meeting is the first of a Wolves-Blue Sox double header as Warrington will be travelling to the New Shay next weekend for round one of Super League IV but the second game is far from the minds of the Wolves while a cup quarter-finals place is at stake.

This potential classic has created huge interest on both sides of the Pennines with a 7,284 sell-out likely.

For remaining tickets the club shop at the ground will be open until 5pm today, Friday, and then sales will switch to the stadium's Touchdown Club tomorrow, Saturday, between 10am and 5pm. There will be no ticket sales on Sunday.

The excitement for this game is built around the current buzz of optimism in Warrington and the upbeat mood over in Yorkshire after Halifax proved themselves to be a major force last season with a third place finish in Super League.

Van de Velde and Blue Sox boss John Pendlebury have strengthened their squads but now both teams face their toughest test of 1999 so far.

The Wolves chief says: "This is a big game. Everyone off the field has done their bit, now it is up to the team on the pitch and the supporters to get behind us.

"The task is for our forwards to match them up front because we've got the backs to settle it."

This is why McCurrie has been brought into the line-up to replace Ian Knott. Van de Velde has been pleased with Knotty's defence so far this season but the coach wants extra running power for this game.

Van de Velde says: "Steve is a devastating runner with good vision and handling skills too. This is going to be Steve's year. We didn't have time to get him properly fit for last year with him joining us late on in pre-season but he has put in a strong effort prior to this season and he is now probably at his ideal playing weight."

Wolves: Lee Penny; Jason Roach, Toa Kohe-Love, Alan Hunte, Mark Forster; Scott Wilson, Lee Briers; Mark Hilton, Danny Farrar, Danny Nutley, Simon Gillies, Steve McCurrie, Mike Wainwright. Subs from: Jon Roper, Gary Chambers, Ian Knott, Dean Busby, Dean Hanger.

Halifax have declared that their new signing prop forward Paul Broadbent, who skippered Sheffield Eagles to Challenge Cup glory over Wigan at Wembley last year, will be fit to make his debut after recovering from a calf strain. He missed the previous round's 74-6 victory over amateurs Featherstone Lions.

But Nick Pinkney, who also joined Halifax from the Eagles, is expected to be dropped in favour of another new recruit, Darryl Cardiss from Wigan.

The Blue Sox have added Leeds' Graham Holroyd to their books and he has formed a dangerous half back liaison with Australian Gavin Clinch, who was outstanding in 1998.

Pendlebury has made an interesting switch around to accommodate Holroyd this season with Martin Moana moving to centre and playmaker Chris Chester stepping in at loose forward.

Halifax (probable): Damien Gibson; Darryl Cardiss, Martin Moana, Jamie Bloem, David Bouveng; Graham Holroyd, Gavin Clinch; Paul Broadbent, Paul Rowley, Kelvin Skerrett (capt), Des Clark, Gary Mercer, Chris Chester.

Sunday's referee Russell Smith will have the aid of a trial 'video referee' system for try adjudications. Smith will have a microphone linked up to the studio where a senior official will be monitoring replays. For the benefit of supporters, a light system will be in use. A green light will flash to indicate a correct try and a red light will indicate an infringement.

The Challenge Cup quarter-finals draw will be live on Sunday Grandstand at 5.10pm from Wilderspool's sponsors' lounge.

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