Stefan Ratchford: We aren’t getting ahead of ourselves

Drew Darbyshire
Stefan Ratchford Warrington Wolves News Images

Photo: Mark Cosgrove/News Images

Warrington captain Stefan Ratchford insists his side aren’t getting ahead of themselves despite their impressive start to the season.

The Wolves head into Round Six of Super League sitting at the top of the Super League table, having won their first five games of the season.

Warrington won their first three games last season, but they then only won two of the following 12 games, so Ratchford is remaining grounded, but says there is a brighter feeling this year.

Ratchford said: “There is no danger of us getting ahead of ourselves.

“We were four from five at the start of last year but that’s when the downward spiral set in.

“I’ve never known a year like it – on the field we were below standard, and off the field we had 14 players out of contract, and a new coaching staff trying to impose their systems.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows, but we didn’t expect it to be that bad. But when some of the new signings started to get announced, it felt like the turnaround was imminent, and the lads have all come in and done a brilliant job.”

Stefan Ratchford: We’re nowhere near the finished article

The Wolves have enjoyed an impressive recruitment drive over the off-season. Coach Daryl Powell has strengthened his pack by signing Paul Vaughan, Josh McGuire and Gil Dudson.

Ratchford, who was appointed captain ahead of this season, is pleased with their start to the year but feels their best is yet to come.

He said: “I think from our point of view we’re still not where we want to be.

“We’re good for parts of games, but then we have other parts where we go away from what we want to do – but obviously so far in terms of results, so far, so good.

“Ever since I’ve been here, with the squads we put together, we have every right to believe we should be pushing for Challenge Cup finals and Grand Finals.

“We know that we’re nowhere near the finished article at the moment, but that is what this club needs to aspire to.”

Warrington travel to Castleford on Friday night as they look to extend their winning run to six matches.

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Super League Stefan Ratchford