Having been a shining light in England’s 2021 Rugby League World Cup campaign, the Wolves half-back hopes to use the disappointment from the Semi-Final loss to Samoa as motivation heading into the new season.

“It was really disappointing the way the World Cup finished, it is a dream for every player to play for their country in a World Cup. I look back on it with a big smile on my face, I am very grateful for the opportunity and the experience I had with the group and coaches. As much as it hurt, it will be used heading into the season with the hope to be successful both individually and collectively. I always believe in myself, I was really happy with how I played in the World Cup. I want to continue into the season the same way I was playing at the end of the year.

The 2022 season saw Daryl Powell’s first season in charge of the Wolves which ultimately ended in huge disappointment for both the players and fans. This, therefore, saw a big overturn of players in the offseason with as many as 13 players moving on.

“Obviously, last year was a tough year at the club and for everyone involved. We all learned a lot about ourselves individually having to manage adversity with things not going as we planned”.

The size of Warrington’s pack was one of the main focuses of criticism last season with teams able to make easy meters down the middle. With the new recruits Daryl Powell has brought in, the size of their pack shouldn’t be an issue in the opening round against Leeds Rhinos with the likes of Paul Vaughan, Sam Kasiano and Gil Dudson coming through the door. Three players who all have experience playing in high profile games.

“We obviously don’t want to be in the same situation again as last season. We have signed and recruited really well, it is a different look of a team. We have signed some leaders and players who have played in State of Origin’s in Australia and Super League Grand Finals.

The Wire’s number 6 spoke about the impact the new signings have had on the squad in just a short space of time and what players who have huge experience bring to the squad.

It’s massive the experience they have, even at the start of the year the pressure is on to start winning games and perform well. The new signings have been in every situation possible whether it be good or bad. Playing in big games is a crucial experience because the first few rounds are close games. It’s English weather, it’s wet, dirty, and not always the flashiest of games but you have to find a way to win”.

With the kick-off to the new season creeping closer Warrington took a week’s trip to Portugal for some warm weather training. A week that proved to be a huge success for all involved.

Portugal was really good. It wasn’t too warm, not the warm weather training I was hoping for, but it was still warmer than here. It was perfect for the new group to bond. You obviously bond at training but to have a week where you are around each other every day you learn a lot about each other, family life, business whatever it may be, you get a better understanding and that definitely helps as you know the person you are playing alongside. These camps are always beneficial for bringing teams closer and we definitely got the most out of it”.

Following a long preseason for most the team, they can not wait to be back out on the field a week on Sunday to take on newly branded the Leigh Leopards at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for Ben Currie’s testimonial match

“The Leigh leopards, it is something new. They have obviously rebranded and made some noise about our sport which we obviously need a bit more of. I’m looking forward to it, they have recruited well, I have played with quite a few of the players they have signed. They took a few from Warrington, so it is exciting and hopefully, we can get a few fans down for Ben it will be a great first run out for the lads”.

 

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