WIGAN boss Stuart Raper insisted Super League new boys Huddersfield are no thugs ahead of their clash at the JJB Stadium on Friday night.

Warriors kick off their home campaign desperate to put memories of their opening round defeat at Castleford behind them.

And they could face another brutal encounter if the Giants' recent fiery battle with Warrington is anything to go by.

Key internationals Darren Fleary and Stanley Gene will both miss the Wigan game after being banned for a total of five matches for high tackles on Wolves skipper Lee Briers during their full-blooded first fixture back in the big time.

But Raper insists the men from the McAlpine are not a dirty side.

"It was just their first game back in Super League and they were really fired up for the occasion," he said.

"Maybe the emotion got to them and they got carried away. I don't think that's part of Tony Smith's coaching or the way the players like to work. So I'll not be preparing for a dirty game, although I'm sure it will be very physical -- as all Super League games are."

Raper, already without injured skipper Andy Farrell and first choice prop Terry O'Connor, has been rocked by the withdrawal of second rower Mick Cassidy.

His calf problem is also likely to keep him out of the Challenge Cup quarter-final clash with Swinton Lions.

The injuries will once again open the door to youngsters Sean O'Loughlin and Gareth Hock.

The 19-year-old Hock impressed in the demolition of Northern Ford Premiership outfit Doncaster Dragons on Sunday but Raper warned he must be prepared for a step up in class against the Giants.

"I thought he performed really well on Sunday," he said. "I thought he was strong and never looked out of place. He really caught my eye and didn't play like a rookie. But Huddersfield will be a different kettle of fish.

"No disrespect to Doncaster but Huddersfield are a Super League side and are desperate for their first win. So it's going to be tough and I'm preparing Gareth for a far different encounter to the Doncaster game."

Ricky Bibey will return to the side after suffering a broken finger in training.