Cup remains a priority for greedy Wolves

Given they have prospered twice before in the last three years, beating Huddersfield in 2009 and Leeds the following season, some feel the famous knockout competition has diminished in their priorities.

Warrington, who won the League Leaders’ Shield last season only to be denied a first Grand Final appearance by Rhinos, are again in the running for top spot and remain desperate to secure a maiden Super League title.

For the likes of long-serving stand-off Briers, captain Adrian Morley and full-back Brett Hodgson – some of the game’s real heroes – fulfilling their obvious potential on that front is a sight many neutrals are eager to see.

Conversely, Leeds have bagged four league titles in five years only to see the cup consistently elude such luminaries as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Jamie Jones-Buchanan since 1999.

But Briers sees no reason why both cannot be attained although uppermost in his thoughts today is Wembley.

“It’s great to be there again,” he told the Yorkshire Post. “We missed out last year and it was one of our goals to get straight back.

“It’s the Challenge Cup this week and we want to win that. We won’t have any eyes on Super League whatsoever. We’re fully focused on the Cup and we need to be.

“The last time we played really well (against Leeds). We’re going to need to perform to that standard again to have any chance.”

Briers was Lance Todd Trophy winner two years ago after masterminding a classy 30-6 defeat of Leeds.

While he is still terrorising defences at the age of 34 with his arsenal of deadly kicks and astute passes, Leeds are set to hand a relative rookie chance to take charge.

Stevie Ward, 18, looks likely to replace the injured Danny McGuire and Briers admitted: “He’s a fantastic young kid.

“He’s had big raps for a long time. Ward’s not only filled in that gap but is playing really well and consistently well. To do that at 18, at a big club like Leeds, is tough.”

Warrington are sure to test Ward out, but Briers reckons he will handle the pressure.

“It (Wembley) is massive for anyone but he’s got people around him who are going to look after him,” said the former Wales captain.

“He’s only still a young kid but they’ve got a lot of faith in him or he wouldn’t be there.”