Monaghan wants Wolves to step up in defence

Warrington star Joel Monaghan is expecting a tough test when his team clash with Leeds Rhinos in the Challenge Cup semi-final this weekend.

The Rhinos meet the Wolves at Langtree Park, St Helens, om Saturday afternoon. Monaghan feels that defence will be key to who emerges victorious to claim a Wembley spot.

“It’s going to be a tough game, they’re a tough team,” said the Australian threequarter.

“They’ve got quality players across the board. I think we’ve got a few back from injury, so I think we’re going to see both pretty much at full strength, and winner takes all.

“We’re going to train hard this week, and we’ll put a plan in place that we’ll go there and try and execute.

“I think defence wins big games like this, so hopefully we can strengthen our defence up.”

Langtree Park is a stadium where Warrington have tended to do well in recent years, and Monaghan is expecting a huge contingent from Warrington to make the short journey to the game.

“That’s a quality stadium to watch rugby league from, and it should be a packed house,” he added.

“Hopefully the sun’s out and we get a dry day, and it’s that style of football that everyone loves to watch.

“If they can make it out to France, then they can make it 15 minutes up the road!

“That’s the great thing about our fans, they’re everywhere. We were in Perpignan, and there were our fans everywhere.

“I think it’s good for them, having nearly a home game, it’s not far for them to go.

“They love the Challenge Cup, and they’ll be out celebrating early. Hopefully they’ll be celebrating afterwards.”