Defeat not an option for Wolves
WARRINGTON’S Jack Hughes admits a third straight defeat at Salford today is unthinkable for his rock-bottom side.
Tony Smith’s Wolves are rated among the favourites to prevail at Old Trafford in the Super League Grand Final on October 7.
But they lie at the foot of the table after successive defeats by Catalan Dragons and Castleford, which have left them playing catch-up.
Sandwiched in between those setbacks was a momentous World Club Series win over Brisbane Broncos, but Hughes knows the time has come for progress domestically.
Second-rower Hughes said of the Salford showdown: “It’s 100 per cent a must-win game and that’s how we’re looking at it.
“Obviously, you want to play well and we’re looking for a good performance first and foremost.
“Salford look as if they’ve had a longer pre-season than most teams. They’ve made some good signings and got through a lot of work.
“The guys that have come in aren’t necessarily big-name players but players that will work hard for each other. They have started very well and have shown that they don’t want to be in the Million Pound Game again.”
Salford appear primed for an improved campaign after the trauma of last season’s ultimately successful fight against relegation.
But head coach Ian Watson is wary of the Wolves’ threat, saying: “Warrington are a great team. I know the kind of standards Tony sets for them. As you saw against the Broncos, if they want to turn it on, they can.”
The Red Devils have signed troubled half-back Todd Carney, although this weekend’s clash has come too soon for him to make his debut. The 30-year-old Australian, who was international player of the year in 2010, is set to feature at Wakefield next Sunday.
Carney has been sacked by all three of his NRL clubs at home and left Catalan Dragons last September under a cloud with two years left on his contract.
Carney said: “I just want to get out and play some really good football and get back to the top of the tree, which I know I can do. I definitely have a lot more to give.”
CASTLEFORD chief executive Steve Gill is recovering at home after suffering a “vicious assault” in the town yesterday. The Tigers, who beat Leeds 66-10 on Thursday, said in a statement: “On behalf of everyone here at the club we wish Steve a quick recovery.”