Warrington Wolves signing recalls Halliwell Jones Stadium experience

Indeed, he has experienced it on one of its better nights in recent history – and it’s made him keen to be on the right side of it.

Back in 2017, McGuire was part of the Brisbane Broncos side that travelled to England for a World Club Series clash with The Wire.

He started the game at loose forward as the Broncos were stunned by a red-hot Warrington side, who raced into a 20-0 lead before eventually closing out a noteworthy 27-18 victory.

Three of McGuire’s new Warrington teammates were in the side that day – Matty Russell started on the wing and scored a try, Daryl Clark was at hooker and Joe Philbin was among the interchanges.

Just over 12,000 fans were inside the ground to create an impressive atmosphere and McGuire hopes that was a taste of what he can expect when the 2023 season starts in February.

The Halliwell Jones Stadium during the 2017 World Club Series match (Image: SWPix.com)

“We’d played Wigan for a couple of years before hand and put 50 on them,” he said, recalling the experience.

“That year, we stayed in London for a week beforehand then came up to Warrington.

“I’d been told about the Wire fans and how loud they were so I was excited for the opportunity to come and play in front of them.

“There were a lot of Aussies in the Wire team that year – the likes of Kurt Gidley and Ashton Sims were in there so it was good to see some familiar faces.

“I think they were three or four games into their season and it was our first hit. We didn’t play very well, they played some good footy and we learned some lessons that night.

“The biggest thing I remember was how loud it was.

“I got a bit of spray from the fans, which I’m used to with the way I play – you either love me or hate me.

“That’s how it’s been since I was a kid and I won’t change now.”

Josh McGuire in action for Brisbane against The Wire (Image: SWPix.com)

McGuire is settling into life on the other side of the world but has plenty of familiar faces around him in the shape of former St George Illawarra teammates Paul Vaughan and Matt Dufty.

Dufty got a head start on his countrymen by spending the final weeks of 2022 as part of the Wire squad and McGuire feels it was important for him to make the journey alone initially.

“He gave us a bit of a headstart in terms of what we were walking into, but I think it was important for him to come here without us,” he said.

“For Matt and his development as a game-breaking player, it was important for him to come and get a taste of it.

“Me and Paul are a bit older and we’ve been around the traps a bit more.

“It’s a bit easier for us in our role but for him, he had to get a feel for the likes of George Williams and Clarky.”

Supporters have already heard plenty from McGuire, who impressed at a recent fan’s forum shortly after his arrival in England.

There, he talked up the potential of young forward Matty Nicholson, whom The Wire signed from Wigan Warriors partway through last season.

Indeed, Nicholson credited a phonecall from McGuire with helping to convince him Warrington was the best place to realise his potential.

After a couple of weeks in training with him, the 32-year-old’s belief in his ability has only been reinforced.

“Matty’s a special player, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“He’s 19 and playing back row, which is such a tough position to learn as you’re the link between the middle and the edge.

“Athletically, he’s been fantastic and he’s another young one who is super eager to learn.

“We’ve got a few older guys here so we don’t need to rush these guys. We can nurture then and expose them to first team at the right pace instead of burning them out.

“Matty will wear the white and red jersey (of England) and he will determine when he does. The next World Cup should be a target for him.”