Smith: Warrington are underdogs

Warrington coach Tony Smith claims his team are the underdogs against Hull FC in the Challenge Cup final.

Hull FC have beaten the Wire twice in Super League this season and sit on top of the table, with Smith’s side currently in second place.

“They’ve recruited well and the recruits that they’ve brought in settled in very quickly,” Smith said.

“That’s another reason why we’re underdogs – we haven’t beaten them this year.

“They’ve been two close games so far. I’m not writing us off, don’t get me wrong.

“They’ve been competitive games so far. But they’re a terrific team, they’re a big pack as everybody knows.

“It’s going to be a big physical game and you need to prepare for that.”

Warrington last won the Challenge Cup final in 2012 with Smith at the helm.

The Wire have only four players from that game still at the club now in Ben Westwood, Ryan Atkins, Chris Hill and Stefan Ratchford.

Smith doesn’t believe that experience of winning at Wembley four years ago will be a factor on Saturday.

“I think there’s only three or four players that were involved in any of the last games,” he said.

“We’ve had some pretty big changes since then.

“I don’t think the fact I’ve been there or two or three of my players have been there before gives you an advantage.

“It’s about the present and once that game kicks the players are going to make some pretty big decisions in big situations.

“Whoever handles that the best will come out on top. But we’ll see come Saturday how each handles that.