Warrington coach Daryl Powell and new signing Josh McGuire have stressed the importance of getting off to good start this season, and to be back challenging the top of the league.
Due to some poor performances, and the clubs low league finish in 2022, the Wire faithful seemed disconnected from the club. Their support was distant from the players and the coach, with many people calling for Powell to be sacked.
On the dawn of a new campaign, Powell stressed the significance of getting the fans back onside to help the team’s performance, saying:
“That’s the big focus for us, we’ve got to work really hard to re-connect with the fans. Some of the things the lads have been doing in the community have been excellent, because we really want to show that we care about what we do.”
He went on to say:
“We’re going to have to prove we can do it on the grass. The boys are busting to get out there and show what we can do in 2023.
“It’s important we start well, round one at home is a big game against Leeds, I don’t want to put any pressure on the boys but they know they have to go out there and play well, and I think we’re ready for the big challenges that will come this year.”
Last season Warrington won their first three games before the form book changed and they couldn’t buy a string of good results. They proved last year that getting off to a good start doesn’t guarantee you a good season, however, it’s important that the fans are shown signs of improvement.
Their 2023 campaign kicks off with a game at home against Leeds Rhinos, before a trip to Huddersfield, a tricky start when the pressure is so high.
Their recruitment over the Winter period was mainly focused on the forward pack. Josh McGuire is one of the new boys and has been speaking to ProstINT about how he is settling in, and what he expects this season:
“I’m loving my time here, everyone has been so welcoming and the club has been super, they bend over backwards to make life easier for us. It also helps having the other Aussie boys over here for our families.
“I’m super excited to get off to a strong start, it’s different here to the NRL but we’re trying to contrast the two games together, and implement both styles to be that team that can push St. Helens.
“I think every team will say the can challenge them, we’ve just got to compete and play on the night, but every team will be going for them.”
In 2023 Warrington fans will want to see maximum effort from all the players, so it will be music to their ears to hear that the new signings are settling in well, and hoping to increase the quality within the group.
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