Austin powers recovery
BLAKE AUSTIN is convinced Warrington are proving last year’s nightmares can now be forgotten.
But the marquee signing insists the unbeaten side can’t start sleeping easily just yet.
The Aussie stand-off, 28, said: “There were some heartbreaking moments last year but we are well and truly on the right track now.
“But even though we are happy with our three wins, we know we can get a lot better.
“We were really happy with how we went against Leeds, but we were disappointed with some of what we dished up against Hull KR and our defence against Huddersfield.
“To concede 20 points was disappointing because we pride ourselves on our defence.” Warrington, who lost in both the Challenge Cup Final and the Grand Final, are second behind Castleford on points difference.
Austin – already the favourite to win Man of Steel – has shone in all three victories but he added: “I am certainly not where I want to be yet, but good signs are just around the corner.
“I have shown glimpses, but I am confident I am not far off a complete performance.”
Warrington take on cup winners Catalans Dragons away on Saturday and Austin admits he is shocked by the travel arrangements.
He said: “We fly in and out on the day, which is different.
“We would make a three or four-day trip out of that back home in Australia, so it will be an interesting experience.
“I’m pretty new and so I don’t carry any of that burden from the cup, but I’m sure that won’t play any part.”
Meanwhile, Canberra Raiders have been linked with a move for Wigan stand-off George Williams. The NRL club are understood to want the England star to join his former Warriors team-mates John Bateman and Ryan Sutton at the club from next season. HULL KR captain Joel Tomkins could be banned for up to five games for “questioning the integrity of a match official”.
Tomkins is accused of abusing an in-goal touch judge after he had a try disallowed in the 24-22 home defeat by Salford on Saturday.
His case will be heard by the RFL disciplinary panel tonight.