Steve Price ecstatic to make Wembley at the first attempt

James Gordon

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

Warrington coach Steve Price was ecstatic as his side reached Wembley in his first season as coach.

The Wolves ran in eight tries as they thumped Leeds 48-12 to set up a date with Catalans later this month.

It means a first attempt at silverware for Price since arriving in the UK to succeed Tony Smith, at the first attempt.

He said: “I’m ecstatic, it was a fantastic display of rugby today. I’m really pleased with the boys to be able to achieve the dream of getting to Wembley, and we’re 80 minutes away from creating history again.

“We spoke all week about Leeds and what they can produce on the big stage, they’ve been the benchmark for 10 years and they’ve still got a lot of good players, so really pleased for the players for executing the game plan.

“I wasn’t happy with the block after half time, but we regained control and it’s credit to the players for grinding out a dominant display.”

Price will join many other Australian coaches in experiencing a Wembley final, something he never thought would happen in his career.

He said: “(Did I think it would happen), honestly no! It’s an amazing feeling. As a young bloke, I’d always watched it as a young kid and envy of it, sit up with my old man early in the mornings.

“I’ve had a lot of mates played in it, and worked with Nathan Brown and Mick Potter who have coached in it, it’s important that we enjoy it.”

The Super 8s fixture list means that Warrington’s next game will be a dress rehearsal for the Challenge Cup final, against Catalans on Friday.