Smith: Saints will be confident

Warrington coach Tony Smith believes St Helens will be confident coming into tonight’s game with a good record at the Halliwell Jones Stadium but says his team isn’t afraid of that fact.

Saints have knocked the Wire off away from home several times this season, but Smith says his side won’t shy away from that record.

“It’s a record we’re well aware of and they’ll be feeling confident about coming to our place,” he said.

“Nut we didn’t have a great record against Hull throughout this season and we put an end to that run as well so it’s do-able and we’re not scared of it.

“We’re aware of it and we’re not going to shy away from it, and we want to come here confident and we want them to play well and we want to play better.

“We’re looking forward to that contest and the rivalry between the two clubs is enormous in a good way, between the fans as well.

“They’re a well supported club and one of the big clubs and we’ve fought our way into being one of the big clubs in the competition so we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved so far and we’ve got the determination to continue on with that.

“It should be good.”

The winner of tonight’s game will be straight through to the grand final next weekend.

Smith said Warrington just need to do the simple things well to get the result.

“Play well for 80 minutes and concentrate on the game in hand, it’s still a game of rugby league,” he said.

“The team that handles the little moments and big moments will handle it best and get the prize.

“We all understand the outcome of a bad performance or a good performance gives you, you’ve got to put that all aside and just concentrate on what’s at hand and making tackles and passes and turning up at the right time and doing all the little things well.

“The team that does the little things well for the longest in that game will more than likely win the game.”