Shaun Wane’s Wigan Warriors, runners up in last week’s Grand Final, will make the short trip to Merseyside on Thursday February 5 after the opening 2015 Super League fixtures were released.
The first time Wigan will face up against Grand Final victors Saint Helens will be on April 3 at the DW Stadium before facing Salford Red Devils three days later.
Wigan prop Ben Flower, who was handed a six-month ban for his double punch on Saint’s Lance Hohaia during the Old Trafford showdown, will miss the first ten Super League matches, two pre-season games and the World Club Series clash with the Brisbane Broncos.
Super League general manager Blake Solly is confident that 2015 will be a momentous year for the competition.
“The league structure allows for changes that will bring unprecedented levels of excitement, drama and jeopardy to a game that has an unrivalled ability to deliver world-class sporting action,” he said.
Next year’s league will take on a new format, consisting of 12 teams and combining with the Kingstone Press Championship after 23 rounds.
The 24-team double-league will then split into three pools of eight for the final rounds.
Meanwhile Salford Red Devils will visit 2013 runners-up Warrington Wolves in the first round of fixtures, with a 3pm kick-off scheduled for Sunday February 8.
In a tough following two games, the Red Devils will host champions St Helens before taking on Hull FC at the AJ Bell Stadium.
The 2015 Magic Weekend will take place from May 30-31, with the fixtures set to be announced in November.
Main image courtesy of Super League TV via YouTube, with thanks.
