Smith happy with fifth place finish

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Warrington coach Tony Smith is looking forward to the challenge of local rivals Widnes in Saturday’s all-or-nothing derby.

A defeat would end the Wolves play-off campaign at the first hurdle, but Smith is confident in his players despite their lowest league finish since 2009.

“We’ve tried to do it from position two, but this time we are having a go from position five, which has its advantages due to the first round being at home,” said Smith, who has led the Wolves to successive Grand Finals.

“We understand that this competition is there to be had, and whoever wants it the most has a really good chance of getting it.

“Hopefully we can continue our form from the last few weeks, we’ve had to pick up our intensity, which should stand us in good stead for this local derby.”

Warrington Wolves

Pos: 5 W: 17 D: 1 L: 9 F: 793 A: 515 Diff: 278 Pts: 35

Elimination play-off: Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings (Saturday 2.45pm)