WOLVES NEED TO UP GAME
Williams wants shot at title
GEORGE WILLIAMS admits Warrington still need to prove themselves as title contenders.
The England captain takes his side to Leeds on Friday, having let slip their mantle as early Super League leaders.
Warrington had won five on the bounce in all competitions before Saturday’s 32-24 home loss against Catalans.
Their only other defeat had also come against last season’s beaten Grand Finalists and Sam Burgess’ side have yet to see off one of the big clubs.
Warrington were top after eight rounds under Daryl Powell last year before a spectacular collapse.
And stand-off Williams, said: “That’s the reality. Catalans are a top-four team and we’ve lost twice to them so that’s an indication of where we’re at. Leeds away doesn’t get any easier. It is always a tough game no matter how they’re going.”
Williams made only his third appearance of the season against Catalans after missing back-to-back games against London and also sitting out earlier wins against Hull and Castleford.
Warrington fell 18-0 behind after just 12 minutes but got back to 18-12 at the break only to slip further off the pace again.
The ex-Wigan and Canberra ace added: “We probably got what we deserved. We showed some character to get back in it and, at the end, I did think we had it.”
Williams’ fine solo try just before the hour hauled Warrington back to 28-24 but they couldn’t make the final punch.
He said: “I was just happy to get back playing. I’ve had a couple of niggles at the start of the year so it was just good to play.
Warrington’s Paul Vaughan, below, will miss Friday’s game and also the Challenge Cup quarter-final against St Helens after a two-game ban.
Leeds will be without Cameron Smith and Justin Sangare after they were served one-match penalty notices. But Wigan prop Liam Byrne faces a potential five-game ban after being ordered to face a tribunal for a Grade E head contact that resulted in a red card in Good Friday’s defeat at St Helens.