Warrington aim to strike a blow for the English game
DISAPPOINTED Giants coach Rick Stone will look for his side to follow Salford’s example when they return to Super League XXII action against Wakefield at the John Smith’s Stadium next Friday.
Huddersfield failed to build on their solid 28-16 opening-night triumph at Widnes as they slumped to a 30-20 home defeat to the Red Devils in their first competitive home encounter in 2017.
Stone’s side only had themselves to blame for their defeat in front of the Sky TV cameras, failing to take a number of chances that came their way and gifting their opponents possession they didn’t have to fight hard to achieve.
As a result, the experienced Australian is demanding his players right the wrongs ahead of hosting Wakefield in six days’ time.
“Any time you lose, it’s disappointing,” said Stone.
“I thought our effort in the second half was great, but that wasn’t enough.
“We had some momentum to win the game but probably didn’t stay as composed as we needed to be. Sometimes when you’re chasing points, there’s a bit of panic and I think there was a bit of that. WARRINGTON have a chance to help mend the reputation of Super League when they kick off a slimmed-down World Club Series against Brisbane Broncos on tonight.
Wayne Bennett’s Broncos were the only NRL club willing to join champions Cronulla in a series which was launched amid high expectations two years ago when Russell Crowe cancelled a trip to the Hollywood Oscars in order to support his beloved South Sydney at St Helens.
A 39-0 rout that day demonstrated the gulf that still exists between the NRL and Super League, whose representatives have lost all six matches so far.
Wigan, who host Cronulla in the World Club Challenge tomorrow, and Warrington were prominent in the move to expand the annual one-off clash into a series and had been willing to play the matches in Australia this year.
Wolves coach Tony Smith, whose side suffered an 18-12 loss to St George Illawarra in 2015, is aware of onus on his side to fly the flag for Super League.
“Some teams don’t want to be part of it but we certainly do,” said former Giants boss Smith.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to shine for Super League if we can.
“A couple of years ago we were just a little short against St George.
“I think it’s good for the English public because in years gone by, the only chance of your club playing against Australia was on tours when the Kangaroos came over.
“It’s about young kids remembering in 10 or 15 years’ time when Warrington played the Brisbane Broncos.”