Warrington: Super 8s preview
Thursday 6 August 2015 17:15, UK
We look back on Warrington's Super League form and preview what to expect from the Wolves in the Super 8s.
Story so far:
Desperately disappointing. Not even the most pessimistic Wolves fan would have predicted a sixth-place finish this season. It’s just not gelled for Tony Smith’s side this season and there’s already a squad shake-up on the way, with Chris Bridge and Richie Myler on the way out.
Eleven defeats from 23 games just isn’t good enough and despite Smith’s efforts to blood promising youngsters, it’s been a forgettable 2015 for Warrington so far.
What’s gone right:
Smith’s youth policy, even in difficult times, has to be commended. Ben Currie leads the way, impressing everyone with his maturity and versatility, but the likes of Declan Patton, James Laithwaite, Joe Philbin, Toby King, George King and Sam Wilde have all featured.
With more senior players not stepping up to the plate in 2015, at least there’s a few crumbs of comfort for the Warrington fans to cling on to.
What’s gone wrong:
Senior players just haven’t delivered on a regular basis. Roy Asotasi, at 33, looks a few years past his best. The Joel Monaghan of old hasn’t come to the party. Richie Myler - that wonder try against Wigan aside - struggles to convince fully at half-back.
And Ryan Atkins, an explosive centre on his day, isn’t giving consistent 80-minute performances the fans are used to. Without those experienced heads guiding the ship, it’s a limp looking Wolves line-up.
Super 8 chances:
It’s hard to write off Warrington completely. They looked down and out in last year’s play-offs when 18-0 behind against Widnes. Yet they came through that and got within two minutes of extra-time and a potential Old Trafford appearance in their semi-final against Wigan.
Two wins over the Rhinos is an indication of what they can do when on form. With a pack containing the likes of Chris Hill, Ben Westwood, Ashton Sims and last year’s Man of Steel Daryl Clark, the Wolves should never be discounted.
They’re a dangerous ace lurking in the pack, capable of winning any of their four away games against Leeds, Castleford, St Helens or Huddersfield, so don’t quite rule out Warrington just yet.
One to watch:
We’ve spoken about the impact of the youngsters in Warrington’s side this season and with that in mind it’s hard to look any further than Ben Currie for this selection. Supremely confident and supremely talented, he’s been the standout player in a disappointing side.
With an eye for the tryline, he’s the team’s top scorer with 12 from 20 appearances - so expect the impressive Currie to keep blowing hot as the Super 8s roll in action.
