DEC DARES TO DREAM
Patton praying for final place
DECLAN PATTON is praying he’s done enough to live out his dream of playing in the Grand Final.
It was something the Warrington half-back hardly dared think about a few weeks ago when he was in the reserves.
But an injury to Chris Sandow opened the door and Patton has charged through it in style.
His only worry now is whether coach Tony Smith decides to go with Aussie Sandow instead if he passes a fitness test tomorrow.
Patton, 21, said: “I’m living the dream and I’ve tried to give everything, so fingers crossed I have done enough to keep my spot.”
The goal-kicker helped Warrington win the League Leaders’ Shield two weeks ago and is desperate to help them do the double.
He said: “Winning the Shield was brilliant but if we do the double, it will be unbelievable.”
Patton had made only three appearances this year before getting his chance in early September. After his debut last season, he said he found it difficult not being able to force his way in.
He said: “It has been frustrating watching, when you want to be out there playing.
“When I got my chance I took it and hopefully I will stay in. Everyone is ecstatic to get to the Grand Final but to win it would be amazing.
Proud
“I’m a Manchester United fan so if we get the home dressing room at Old Trafford that will be great.”
Prop Ryan Bailey will also be given a fitness test tomorrow, after missing the last three games with a calf injury.
Warrington have never won the Super League title, losing in 2012 and 2013, whereas opponents Wigan have appeared in the last three finals.
The 2013 winners will have prop Ben Flower back from suspension but they have seven key players out injured.
Coach Shaun Wane said: “Ten of our 17 players last week were Wigan lads and have come through the youth system – and that is something to be very proud of.”
Meanwhile, Wigan’s returning winger Joe Burgess is a major doubt for this autumn’s Four Nations tournament.
Burgess, who has spent this year in the NRL with both Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs, needs a hernia operation.