Ratchford: Atmosphere is unreal
Stefan Ratchford has been ever-present so far this season playing off the bench in the opening two rounds and starting at stand-off for the last three weeks.
Reflecting on last week's loss he feels the side will have learnt a lot from the result.
"The way we performed wasn't great but we can probably take a lot more out of that than from winning by 60 points. We've reviewed the game, know where we went wrong and what we need to put right and are fully focussed on St Helens.
"We reviewed the game on Sunday in the changing rooms after the game and then again on Monday in a bit more depth, we then turned our attention to St Helens knowing that we've got to put things right this week."
Looking ahead to tonight's derby encounter Stefan is ready for a tough fixture back on home soil.
"Saints' away form is probably what's keeping them going at the moment. They had the two victories here last year so will be confident of coming here and getting the win. They've got a few threats with Jonny Lomax back playing at fullback and the wingers too. They are also getting a lot of go-forward with the likes of Puletua, Soliola and Willie Manu, and off the back of their good work James Roby's finding gaps to exploit so we've got to be good in every position this week."
And on the return to The Halliwell Jones Stadium after two weeks on the road he said: "It will be good to be back here especially against a team like St Helens. The atmosphere is usually unreal and the place is bouncing so hopefully we come out to that tonight."
This season has started out pretty much even across the board with all teams having won and lost at least one game.
"There's no runaway leaders yet. We were thankful last week that Huddersfield got beaten when we did as it keeps us within touching distance of them; we don't want any gaps opening up so early on. I think it's going to be a really tough year for everybody."
Away from club rugby England coach Steve McNamara named his initial Elite squad earlier this week in which Stefan featured much to his surprise.
"I was really proud to get the call; it was a bit unexpected with having not started every game this year, so when Steve rang me I was a bit surprised. I've got to find some form now that will warrant my place within that squad.
"If you can get in there early on you are one of the players at the forefront of his mind but there's a long way to go before the World Cup; the squad will get revised so you've got to find some form at club level and play well consistently."
Warrington Wolves v St Helens, Tonight, 8pm, The Halliwell Jones Stadium
Click here for this week's Touchline including interviews with Tony Smith, Stefan Ratchford plus Lee Briers and Jon Wilkin.
(photo courtesy of swpix.com)
08, Mar, 2013
