GAMES between Warrington and Wigan have gone a long way to deciding the destiny of the Super League title in recent years.

While tonight’s meeting at The Halliwell Jones Stadium will decide nothing at this early stage of the 2017 campaign, it can already be described as one Wolves dare not lose.

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Ahead of this evening’s crunch clash, we take a look at the last five meetings between the two great rivals.

WOLVES 6 WIGAN 12: Saturday, October 8, 2016:

ON the grandest stage of them all, The Wire were once again forced to watch their foes lift the Super League trophy.

It started so well for them after Dec Patton’s try and if Ryan Atkins had just managed to ground an ambitious second-half effort with the score at 6-2, it may have been Wolves celebrating.

As it was, Oliver Gildart and Josh Charnley crossed to secure Wigan’s 21st league title.

Warrington Guardian:

Toby King and Ashton Sims are despondant after defeat to Wigan in the 2016 Super League Grand Final. Picture by Mike Boden

WOLVES 28 WIGAN 35: Friday, September 16, 2016:

THREE weeks before their Grand Final showdown, the sides met again with Wolves on the verge of securing the League Leaders’ Shield.

After Lewis Tierney had opened the scoring for Wigan, The Wire roared back with tries from Matty Russell, Kurt Gidley and Chris Hill before the break, with Sam Tomkins’ score keeping the visitors in touch.

After the interval, the game seemed set up for Wolves as Joe Westerman and Ben Currie crossed before Ben Flower was sent off for the visitors.

Despite the odds, Wigan mounted a remarkable comeback with two Josh Charnley tries, one more from Tierney, a Matty Smith drop goal and a last-minute Anthony Gelling interception.

Warrington Guardian:

Joe Westerman's try looked to set Wolves on course until Wigan's stunning comeback. Picture by Mike Boden.

WOLVES 40 WIGAN 10: Thursday, April 28, 2016:

IT was a night to remember for Wolves as they dominated their neighbours to go top of the Super League table.

Josh Charnley had given Wigan an early lead, but Ben Westwood and Ryan Atkins both scored twice to ruin Shaun Wane’s 150th game as Warriors coach.

Daryl Clark, Kevin Penny and Benjamin Jullien also got over the whitewash for Wolves, with John Bateman scoring a late consolation for Wigan.

Warrington Guardian:

Ben Westwood reigned supreme over Wigan with a superb performance from the bench. Picture by Mike Boden

WIGAN 16 WOLVES 28: Friday, April 1, 2016:

A FIRST-HALF blitz gave Wolves a victory here as Chris Sandow put in a performance for the ages before picking up the injury that would mark the beginning of the end for him at the club.

The mercurial Australian terrorised Wigan, setting up early scores for Ben Currie, Tom Lineham and Kevin Penny to leave the DW Stadium stunned before limping off with a torn hamstring.

Stefan Ratchford and Ryan Atkins also crossed for The Wire, with Dom Manfredi’s hat-trick in vain for the hosts.

Warrington Guardian:

Chris Sandow wreaked havoc at the DW Stadium before tearing his hamstring. Picture by Mike Boden.

WOLVES 0 WIGAN 28: Friday, August 21, 2016:

THE Wire’s pre-match “Smash The Pies” marketing came back to haunt them and backfired humiliatingly.

They became the first team to keep Warrington scoreless in a Super League game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium as Liam Farrell and Tony Clubb crossed to give them a comfortable lead at the break.

John Bateman scored two tries in the second period, while there was also time for Oliver Gildart to add a try on his senior debut.

Warrington Guardian:

Ashton Sims is halted by Matty Smith and Sam Powell, with Liam Farrell in close attendance. Picture by Mike Boden.