Steve Price prepares Warrington Wolves for a play-off clash against Hull Kingston Rovers on Friday, in what could be his last game as head coach.
After four seasons in charge, the time has come for Price to leave the Cheshire club, however, he has one final assignment, which is to take Warrington to a second grand final in his time at the club.
There have been many highs and lows during the Australian’s time in the northwest and this season could turn out to be one of the highs.
In October 2017, the Wolves announced Price’s tenure would begin at the start of the 2018 season, and that campaign he took Warrington to a Grand Final, in which they were beaten by Wigan Warriors. In the same season, he took them to Wembley where they were also beaten by Catalans Dragons in the Challenge Cup final.
Fast forward a season, Price got his first major trophy as head coach of the Wire when Warrington beat St Helens 18-6 in the Challenge Cup final. Since then though, it has been two straight losses in the play-offs and it is the last chance for the 44-year-old to go out on a high with Warrington before he goes back to Australia to become the assistant coach at his old side, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
The expectations at Warrington are always high, as they should be with the players the club sign and the type of games they play in, and it’s fair to say it could be argued that his time has or hasn’t been a success. Three finals, with one win and consecutive play-off appearances, you could say Price’s time at the Wolves has been positive.
If you look at what has he actually won, then it could be argued it was not a success. Taking Wire to two finals in his first season was a success in itself when he was implementing a new philosophy at the club, but he didn’t really build on that league wise, however, he did win the Challenge Cup.
Looking forwards, Warrington have one final chance with Price at the helm to make it a definite success by making it to Old Trafford on October 9th.
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