WARRINGTON Wolves have not hosted an NRL side since the 56-28 loss to Auckland Warriors in 1997.

Mark Forster, Kelly Shelford, Willie Swann, Richard Henare and Lee Briers were on the scoresheet that day in June.

The loss proceeded defeats to Penrith Panthers (52-22) and Cronulla Sharks (40-12) during the ill-fated World Club Championship contested by 22 teams and eventually won by Brisbane Broncos, led by their captain and future Wolves star Allan Langer.

Wolves returned to Australia at the end of July, only scoring four tries across the three games and conceding 108 points in the process.

They fared much better against the earliest Australian tourists. In fact, Warrington boast the best club record against touring Green and Golds – winning eight and drawing one of 16 games, the last victory coming in October 1978 (15-12).

They were also triumphant against the first visitors to Wilderspool in 1908. Jackie Fish was the Wirepullers’ hero in a 10-3 success in front of 5,000 fans.

Warrington drew their next meeting with the Kangaroos (8-8) in 1909 before suffering their heaviest defeat against a touring Australia side in 1911 (34-6).

However, Warrington would enjoy a five-match winning spree thereafter, remaining unbeaten for 41 years until a 10-4 loss in 1952.

That remarkable run included a dazzling performance from winger Tommy ‘Tubby’ Thompson, who scored all the points in a 17-8 success in 1929.

Warrington last hosted a touring Australian side in November 1994, suffering a 24-0 defeat in a no-nonsense encounter.