Steve Price: ‘It’s not about me, it’s all about the playing group’

Warrington coach Steve Price is refusing to take credit for the Wolves’ recent form and has heaped praise on his players instead.

The Wolves found themselves in the bottom four at the end of the 2017 season, which saw Tony Smith leave his role at the Wire and former St George Illawarra coach Price take up the vacant spot.

The Halliwell Jones stadium side are currently enjoying life at third place in the 2018 campaign, currently on a 10-game winning streak against sides such as Castleford Tigers, Leeds Rhinos and more-recently Toronto Wolfpack.

Price’s side will arguably face their biggest challenge yet at this year’s Newcastle Magic Weekend, facing second-placed Wigan Warriors in front of the St James’ Park crowd.

The two sides will clash on Saturday’s, a game where they shared a spoil of the points last season with a 24-all draw.

“I’ve never been involved in it,” said Price.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Talking to the captain the other day [Chris Hill] and he’s got a lot of fond memories of it and all the players are really looking forward to it this weekend.

“Every game is important, but if we keep displaying the attitude the guys have been doing in and around training and certainly game day then we’re going to give ourselves every chance.”

Alongside Price, latest additions Bryson Goodwin, Sitaleki Akauola and Tyrone Roberts, the latter visiting on the media day this week, will make their Magic Weekend debuts in the Super League.

“Tyrone went up there yesterday and said it was a long train ride. From all reports it’s a great pitch and something that the players are all looking forward to playing,” said the 39-year-old.

“Those lads [Goodwin, Akauola, Roberts ] are used to playing in big stadiums and big crowds so they’ll soak it up and really enjoy it, it’s why we play the game.

“[They will] enjoy the experience and also to play to the best of your ability and what the team can do.”

Warrington have already won more matches in 14 rounds of the Super League (10) compared to just nine throughout the 2017 campaign, and there’s no questioning that Price has sparked some magic into the Wire.

Asked about the new sense of life he’s brought, a humble Price added: “It’s not about me, it’s all about the playing group.

“They are working extremely hard and bought into all the changes systematically, from a defensive and offensive point of view and it’s a credit to the playing group.

“They’ve worked hard since November, challenging each other in and around training and on and off the pitch and the whole group and whole club are creating a culture where everyone loves coming to work.

“That’s the main thing, you love your work place. The clubs growing, our memberships are growing and we’re selling all our hospitality out at home at the Halliwell Jones boxes.

“The club is in good shape at the moment, but we’ve got to continue to evolve and improving to catch St Helens and the Wigan.”