Smith ready for Widnes pitch challenge

Warrington coach Tony Smith believes that the pitch at the Select Security Stadium will hand Widnes a significant advantage this Friday.

The Wolves coach feels that the artificial surface behaves in its own unique way, which the home side will be much more accustomed to than his players.

“It’s going to be a  tough one,” he said.

“They’re probably not flying as they were in the earlier part of the season, in the way they’d like to be.

“But that makes them even more dangerous, I think.

“They’ll be getting pretty determined to turn things round, and they like playing on their home pitch. They’re good at it, it’s a tough pitch to play on and they’re used to it.

“They’re used to the way it reacts and the way it bounces, so that’s an advantage for them.

“But they’re all challenges that we’ve got to overcome and that we’re looking forward to.”

Smith is also urging his players to focus properly, as the Wolves have suffered some heavy defeats at Widnes in the recent past.

He feels that Widnes, although not performing at their peak in recent weeks, have some very good players who will make life tough for the Wolves.

“We’ve also been there and not handled it well. We’ve experienced some big defeats there, and that in itself makes you wary of your opponents,” he added.

“We’re certainly be trying hard this week not to put in performances like that. We’re keen to get out there and do well.”

“they’ve got some terrific players and some dangerous players, and we need to be wary of them.

“We need to play to our potential as well, and hopefully throw some ammunition at them, and ask some questions of them.

“It should be a good contest. It’s always a good atmosphere between the two teams as well.

“We’ll look forward to it.”