Marshall: More than a match
First team coach Richard Marshall talks to warringtonwolves.com reflecting on last week's win over Salford and ahead to tomorrow's top-four clash with current league leaders Huddersfield.
"It (last week) was pleasing from a defensive point of view. We felt our defence improved a lot from the previous week so we were impressed with that. They scored a try from an interception, it wasn't something we could do anything about - there was still some good chase off the back of that as well. We scored some nice tries and have got some players coming into form which is important at this time of year."
Tomorrow night will see the pacesetters Huddersfield come to The Halliwell Jones Stadium and Richard, and the team, are aware of the task ahead.
"The table doesn't lie - they are at the top, playing really well and are playing a nice brand of rugby too. Their emphasis is on the go-forward and outmuscling the opposition so that is something we'll have to more than match. They've also got some threats off the back of that with Danny Brough and Luke Robinson's kicking game. But we're coming off a confident win over Salford and will be looking to put on a really good performance on Friday. We are looking forward to the fans really getting behind us again this week."
The pivotal point of the season is coming up with Easter just round the corner but things are looking up in the Warrington camp.
"We've now got a lot of games in a short period of time so we need players into form and fit - hopefully we can get a couple back over the next few weeks, with the likes of Trent Waterhouse and Ben Harrison in the 19 this week, which will be important for us not just for Friday night's game but for the Easter period to get some numbers and bodies back.
"They (Briers and Morley) are our long-term absentees at the minute. They are both in and around the place doing their rehab programmes - they are really experienced players and we are missing them. Having said that if you look at Richie Myler's performance, along with Stefan Ratchford and Gaz O'Brien over the last few weeks, they have really taken some leadership on from where Lee left off."
Away from Super League and having been part of the academy set-up in the past Richard is pleased with the progress being made with partner club Swinton.
"There've been some challenges as it's a new venture for everyone concerned. Gary Chambers has now been promoted to their head coach which is great for him - an emotional one for him, he's had a long-standing attachment to the Warrington club and has been fantastic for us for almost 25 years. In today's modern sport that's an outstanding accolade. He's now standing alone on his own two feet at Swinton and he's got to create a culture and team there and have everyone buy into the systems. Swinton is traditionally a great club and the partnership can only go from strength to strength with Gary in charge."
Warrington Wolves v Huddersfield Giants, Friday 22nd March, The Halliwell Jones Stadium, 8pm. Tickets on sale in WolfWare, on 08448 11 11 76 (Mon-Frii 9am-5pm) and at WolfWare Online.
21, Mar, 2013
