Wigan winger Pat Richards insists his record points haul will be in vain if the Super League leaders slip up at improving Bradford Bulls this weekend.

The ex-Wests Tigers man ripped Catalans Dragons to shreds last weekend, scoring five tries and kicking nine goals to clock up 38 points in a 58-0 win.

His tally was a new Wigan record in Super League - beating former Great Britain captain Andy Farrell's 32-point effort ten years ago - and ensured the Warriors maintained their 100 per cent record under new coach Michael Maguire.

Wigan travel to Odsal on Friday to face a Bradford side on the back of two consecutive victories and Richards has issued a word of caution to his Warriors teammates.

"Bradford have got a great side with the likes of Matt Orford and Heath L'Estrange and it looks like they have started to click together now," said Richards.

"People will talk about the points and of course that is nice but we were just as pleased to keep Catalans to nil to be honest.

"Defence has been key to our start because we know in tight games that is what is going to make the difference.

"Bradford is going to be an incredibly tough game and it would be a shame if we went there and didn't put in a performance after the start we have made to the season."

The Warriors could also be boosted by the return of former Canterbury fullback Cameron Phelps from an ankle injury while halfback Paul Deacon is set to return to Bradford for the first time following his off-season switch to the DW Stadium.

"Deacs is pretty excited about going back. He had 12 years there so it is going to be an emotional game for him," Richards added.

"But the team is the most important thing and we are doing well and Deacs will be desperate to make sure our winning run continues."

Huddersfield Giants will be without talismanic captain Brett Hodgson for their trip to in-form Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Saturday.

The 32-year-old ex-Wests Tigers fullback damaged ankle ligaments in the 14-10 defeat by Warrington last weekend and is now set for a month on the sidelines.

"This is hugely disappointing, but I'd rather be injured now than towards the end of the season when the key issues could be settled," said Hodgson.

"I had a feeling I'd done some ligament damage against Warrington but I was determined to carry on because we were chasing the match."

Former Sydney Roosters back Jordan Tansey is back in the Hull squad for the game against Castleford after serving a one-match suspension for a breach of club discipline.

Leeds centre Keith Senior will be available for selection for the Rhinos match against Harlequins despite being charged by the RFL after branding referee Richard Silverwood 'arrogant' following their 18-10 World Club Challenge loss to Melbourne Storm last weekend.

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