Wolves aiming to give Price the ultimate Final send-off
Warrington’s England international Stefan Ratchford says the Wolves are highly motivated to send coach Steve Price out on a high with a maiden Super League Grand Final success.
Price announced in February he would be taking his family back to Australia at the end of the season and Ratchford says the players are determined to make his four-year stay a memorable one by landing the big prize.
Warrington, who lifted the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2019, have not been crowned champions since 1955 but victory over Hull KR in next Friday’s elimination play-off will take them a step closer to ending that 66-year wait.
“We’ve started a job with the majority of this group of players four years ago when Steve came in and we’ve got a job to finish,” said Ratchford (inset).
“His assistant Lee Briers is going after 25 years and there are seven or eight players leaving, including Chris Hill who has been here 10 years.
“It’s going to be the last time this group are going to be together and, although I’m sure we’re not the only club in this position, it would be nice to send them out on a high.”
Price took Warrington to the Grand Final in his first season in 2018, when they lost to Wigan, and has guided them to a third-place finish for the second year-in-a-row, which is not good enough, according to Ratchford.
“For a team like ourselves, our aim is always to be No. 1,” he said. “We want to be top of the league and competing in finals.
“Third place is not where we set out to be at the start of the year but – on the whole – we’re in a good position.”
Meanwhile, Ratchford, speaking at Hindley ARFLC as part of “Pride in the Community”, an initiative launched by woodcare brand Ronseal to give back to grassroots rugby league communities, is hoping to keep his England spot for the October 23 Test match against France in Perpignan.
He was at stand-off for the midseason international against the Combined Nations All Stars in the absence of St Helens’ Jonny Lomax and is hoping his versatility will count in his favour when coach Shaun Wane comes around to selecting his squad.
“I’ve always said to be involved in an England camp or training session is always a huge privilege,” said Ratchford, who was at hooker in Thursday’s win over Castleford. “Any opportunity to pull on the jersey and sing the national anthem, you are going to be chomping at the bit.
“It’s always nice to be involved but, when you look around Super League and see what quality players are available, you can never take anything for granted. Being involved in the last one might give me a chance.
“I’m happy to do whatever best suits the team and being able to play pretty much every position is a benefit. I am sure if Shaun sees that as a bit of an asset, it might increase my chances of being in the 17.
“It was really good working under Waney. You hear these stories about him but you don’t quite know what’s going to happen until you train with him.
“But, from minute one, you could see the passion he has and why he has been so successful at club level. His passion is just so infectious.
“When he speaks you listen and it makes you want to play for him and play for your country. Hopefully I get a few more chances to play under him.”