Steve Price pleased for Warrington to have clinched semi-final spot
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
Warrington coach Steve Price was happy to see his side edge past Huddersfield and seal a spot in the top four.
The Wolves beat the Giants 26-24 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday night. The result saw Warrington confirm their place in the semi-finals, with them now sitting eight points above fifth-placed Huddersfield with only three games of the Super 8s left.
Price admitted that it was an ugly way to win but is relieved to have secured their place in the semi-final play-offs.
He said: “We did what we had to do to get the result, I’m just pleased that the guys found a way to win.
“Huddersfield are a good team since Simon [Woolford] came in. They have changed a fair amount of their systems and structures and they have been one of those top four teams over the last 10 to 12 weeks.
“It is good to finally cement down that top four spot. It is important that we build momentum towards the back end of the season now but at the same time, we have got to be smart and manage players really well throughout the week. If players need to have a spell then I will rest them but in saying that, I want to try and push my best team out there.
“We have cemented the top four but we have got to keep raising that bar now to build momentum going into the semi-finals.”
Bryson Goodwin scored two tries in a man of the match display, and Price picked him out for praise along with Stefan Ratchford, Jack Hughes and Daryl Clark.
Price added: “I was impressed Bryson Goodwin. He has been very good for us, he has been consistent and is big and strong.
“He had another strong game, he scored five tries last week and had some more big moments. He is great to have on our team.
“Stef Ratchford had some big moments in the game and Jack Hughes is doing a phenomenal job through the middle third for us. Daz Clark also played well and there were positive moments throughout the 80 minutes.”
Price revealed that Kevin Brown will have scans in the coming days on an abductor injury, while Ben Murdoch-Masila is expected to be out for the next two games with an ankle knock.