Monaghan aims for Wigan revenge

Manchester: Joel Monaghan has lost back-to-back Super League Grand Finals and, as he seeks to make it third time lucky, next up is the side that stood in the way last year.

Back then Warrington were beaten 30-16 by Wigan at Old Trafford and although winger Monaghan scored a try that day it was not enough. And, after each side has made an indifferent start to the new campaign, they meet for the first time since October on Thursday. Monaghan -- last year`s second top try-scorer in Super League -- knows the loss of 2012 Man of Steel Sam Tomkins to New Zealand Warriors is a big one for Wigan. But he expects someone who has moved the other way -- former North Queensland Cowboys full-back Matt Bowen -- to go some way to filling his shoes. "It is a big test," said Monaghan. "They (Wigan) did a number on us in the Grand Final and to say it is forgotten about is a bit of a cop-out -- everyone still remembers it. "Obviously Sam Tomkins is a big loss but it is a pretty strong squad they have and you can`t mess with Wigan at all. If you do they will turn you over. "Matty Bowen, especially coming from the NRL it is going to take a bit for him to settle in -- but we know what type of player he is. "I am sure they are looking at this game and one to get them back on track. It has got the makings of a great contest." Warrington`s season kicked off with back-to-back defeats by St Helens and Leeds but they have since enjoyed three successive wins. Monaghan, who scored a try in last weekend`s 28-12 win at Salford, added: "We started off slow but we are getting better each week. "We have got a couple of big tests in the next two weeks and we are going to have to go up another level. "It is obviously an achievement to make two Grand Finals but it probably hurts a bit more when you have been there. Hopefully we can turn that around this year." Elsewhere Mandy Koukash -- wife of Salford owner Dr Marwan -- appears to have conceded defeat in her attempted takeover of Bradford Bulls. The Bulls were deducted six points after a failed takeover last month but it appears the Koukash family will not soon own one sixth of the Super League clubs. "I am hearing my bid will not be the winning one," Koukash wrote on her Twitter account. "My bid was focused in helping the Bulls. As I understand, the RFL has nothing to do with the decision. It is based on the highest bid to pay the old debt." Meanwhile, Hull KR and former Parramatta Eels back Kris Keating believes his side can end their winless start to the season when they host the Bulls on Sunday. "We`re very confident. People have just got to realise that the bounce of the ball and little things aren`t going our way," he said. "But that luck will eventually turn and we`re going to start putting some points on the board and kick into gear." Fixtures (1500GMT unless stated) Thursday: Warrington v Wigan (2000GMT) Friday: Leeds v London Broncos (2000GMT) Saturday: Catalan Dragons v Huddersfield (1700GMT) Sunday: Hull FC v Widnes, Hull KR v Bradford, Salford v Castleford, Wakefield v St Helens