York Wasps' Challenge Cup conquerors Warrington Wolves are being tipped to join the game's traditional "big four" as the countdown begins to the start tomorrow night of the Tetley's Bitter Super League season.

Wigan Warriors are 11-8 favourites but bookmakers William Hill have cut the odds on the Wolves' chances of finishing top of the table from 10-1 to 7-1 on the back of a record-breaking Challenge Cup campaign.

And London Broncos' former Wigan and Great Britain half-back Shaun Edwards, who will face new-look Warrington on Sunday, expects Darryl Van de Velde's men to pressing strongly for honours.

"They look very strong this year," said Edwards. "They must be up there. They have made some very big signings and the whole club has been buzzing for the last six weeks."

Edwards will come up against his former Test rival Allan Langer in a mouthwatering clash of legendary half-backs at Wilderspool on Sunday, where ex-internationals Andrew Gee and former York star Tawera Nikau will also make their Super League bow.

Last Sunday's club record 84-1 victory over the Wasps has raised expectations levels to a new high and coach Van de Velde admits that it is time to deliver.

"There is huge expectation," he said. "The town has woken up to the fact that they have got a good team, it's looking good."

Warrington are bracketed with St Helens as fourth favourites behind Wigan, Bradford (9-4) and Leeds (5-1), with Hull (14-1) expected to provide the biggest competition for a top-five spot.

Castleford (25-1), Wakefield (66-1) and London (150-1) have seen their odds lengthened following disappointing Cup exits at the weekend, while Halifax's odds have closed from 100-1 to 66-1 on the back of their win at Wheldon Road.

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