Warrington Wolves avoided being picked by Wigan Warriors, but assistant coach Willie Poching admits they face arguably just as tough a Stobart Super League play-off semi-final against St Helens.

As expected, the Warriors opted to play Leeds Rhinos at the DW Stadium on Friday after being given the dubious honour of selecting their opponents through the Clubcall system.

That left the Wolves with a visit to Langtree Park on Saturday, a fortnight after losing at home to Saints in their opening play-off tie before bouncing back with Saturday's 24-12 win over Hull FC.

"I think it was common-sense that Wigan would go for the lowest-ranked team," Poching said.

"Defensively we have to pick up our performance and we went a little way to doing that against Hull.

"Our players are under no illusion over the enormity of the job at hand. We're playing a team that's been at the last six Grand Finals and their hunger hasn't dropped one bit.

"People thought they would be a different team without James Graham but nothing has changed. They've still got the spine of the team that's been to Old Trafford every single year."

Warrington are hoping to have England back-rower Ben Westwood back to boost their chances of reaching a maiden Grand Final after missing the last four matches with a knee injury.

"It's fingers crossed for Benny," said Poching. "He's a champion player and a champion bloke who is inspirational to everybody but we've got to consider players' health.

"We don't want to risk any long-term injury so we'll take the advice of our medical staff before making a decision."

Leeds coach Brian McDermott, whose side was chosen by Warrington last year on their way to winning the title from fifth place, is prepared to give the concept - which was introduced four years ago - more time to become accepted.

"I've only been involved in it twice and we've been the team being chosen so I'd like to be in a position next year where I'm doing the choosing," he said.

"I'll probably give you a better opinion then."