Close. Warrington captained Joel Monaghan leaps high into the air from a high kick but he's unable to scramble over the line from close range.

First sight of the try line from either side.

Both teams get through a set in the early stages, but, as you would expect, the defences have been well organised.

The pitch at the DW Stadium looking in much better nick compared to recent weeks.

Paul Rowley
Leigh Centurions coach on BBC Radio Manchester

"We've seen straight away Wigan have put a bit of attention down Warrington's left. Warrington are having to do it tough already.

"The arm-wrestle begins. Tit for tat really, good set. It's dry, no wind and perfect for rugby league."

After an impeccably observed minutes silence, we're ready to go.

The hooter sounds and Warrington's Stefan Ratchford kicks deep into Wigan territory to get us going.

As the sun begins to set, Wigan come out under the floodlights in their red and white hoops alongside the primrose and blue of Warrington.

Huge noise inside the DW Stadium.

There is a minutes silence before tonight's game for teenager Miracle Godson, who died when he drowned at a Wigan quarry.

The 13-year-old, a student of St John Fisher school in the town, was a keen rugby league fan and played for local amateur club Wigan St Judes.

Phil Wilkinson, sports editor of the Wigan Evening Post, on Twitter:, external "Stars of sport are out in force tonight for Wigan v Warrington - Danny Cipriani and Stuart Pearce at the DW Stadium. Should be a cracker!"

It's a mild, calm evening at the DW Stadium, perfect conditions for some running rugby.

The players are going through their final preparations on the pitch, and my fingers have been stretched off to keep you going until 22:30 BST tonight.

Remember, you can listen to BBC local radio coverage on BBC Radio Manchester or BBC Radio Merseyside using the 'Live Coverage' tab above.

Image source, SWPIX.COM

Warrington's emergence as a trophy-winning force in this decade was arguably kick-started by their 2009 Challenge Cup success against Huddersfield Giants at Wembley.

Their road to the national stadium that season featured one of the most eventful and dramatic semi-finals of recent times, when a Lee Briers-inspired Wires held off the challenge of tonight's opponents Wigan Warriors at the home of rivals Widnes.

Tony Smith's Wolves were in control at 32-8 early on in the second-half - with Aussie winger Matt King running in a hat-trick - but Wigan fought back doggedly to close within a converted try of parity with 12 minutes to play.

Briers dropped a field goal to edge Warrington further ahead before Chris Hicks strode over to ease the nerves and book a first final appearance since 1990.

Image source, SWpix.com

With Sam Tomkins set to reveal the identity of the Super League club he will join from NRL side New Zealand Warriors, it seems pertinent to remember his last appearance in European club rugby league: the 2013 SL Grand Final.

Coincidentally that game was also between Wigan and Warrington, and was a successful parting gift as the England full-back helped deliver a double for the Challenge Cup winners that season with victory under the Old Trafford lights.

Warrington were ahead after a flying start, with tries from Joel Monaghan, Simon Grix and Ben Westwood putting them in a comfortable position.

However the loss of Australian winger Monaghan to injury at the tail end of the half caused a delay that Wigan responded best to, scoring five unanswered tries to rack up a third Super League title in the summer era.

So the big news is Ben Flower will start from the bench for Wigan after his six-month ban, while John Bateman is back at loose forward.

Warrington have given Tom King, 18, and Declan Patton, 19, their second starts of the season after impressing last week.

Wigan: Hampshire; Manfredi, Gelling, Sarginson, Burgess; Williams, Smith; Mossop, McIlorum, Crosby, J. Tomkins, Farrell, Bateman.

Replacements: Flower, Clubb, Tautai, L. Tomkins.

Warrington: Ratchford; Monaghan, Bridge, King, Orsmby; Patton, Myler; Hill, Higham, Asotasi, Currie, Westwood, Harrison.

Replacements: Clark, Sims, England, Laithwaite.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (RFL)

Image source, @NaterlieeLou

Natalie Watson on Twitter:, external "Our little lads first live rugby game at two weeks old! I'm a @wiganwarriorsrl fan and his dads a @Wolvesrl fan! :)"

Image source, SWpix.com

Away from Super League for a second, and there is an intriguing game in the Challenge Cup fifth round as Leigh take on Salford.

Gareth Hock, released by the Red Devils after receiving a six-game ban, joined the Centurions a few days later.

They were then drawn together in the cup and Salford said he was unable to face them because of a settlement agreement - not so according to Leigh.

"Leigh and Gareth have sought legal advice and on the basis of that advice consider that Gareth will be available for selection," read a Leigh statement.

Image source, SWpix.com

After four losses in a row, Warrington ended their worst run since 2009 last week with a 80-0 thrashing of Wakefield.

One man still adjusting to Super League life is Wire prop Ashton Sims after signing from North Queensland in the off season.

"I'm loving it," he told BBC Radio Merseyside. "The kids are absolutely loving it and the wife is thoroughly enjoying it as well.

"There are a lot of differences. They play the rugby a little bit different over here but it is something I've had to adjust to."

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts on all things rugby league tonight...

Did Ben Flower's punishment fit the crime? Can Warrington end Wigan's 100% home record in Super League so far this season?

Have your say on tonight's action by using #bbcrl on Twitter.

Image source, BBC Sport

Doesn't 187 days go quickly?

That's how long it has been since Wigan prop Ben Flower was sent off two minutes into the 2014 Grand Final for his punches landed on St Helens' Lance Hohaia.

"He did what he did, he's more than served his sentence," said Wigan head coach Shaun Wane, who confirmed Flower will play tonight.

"He let his team-mates down and we lost a Grand Final through it. If he'd stayed on we'd have won by 30 points and that, in itself, is a lot for a player to carry."

Another Thursday, another round of Super League fixtures coming your way.

The 11th round of the competition kicks off with a belter as two of the most successful teams of recent seasons meet - between them they racked up 114 points in the last time they were on the field... more of that please.

Welcome to our coverage of tonight's game from the DW Stadium.