Warrington will come back stronger, insists Steve Price
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
Warrington coach Steve Price said the club will be bigger and better in 2019 after losing in two finals this year.
The Wolves fell short to a 12-4 defeat to Wigan Warriors in the 2018 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Warrington lost in the Challenge Cup final against Catalans Dragons earlier this year as well – but Price insists that the club will learn from this season.
He said: “We have come a long way since November and we have made two finals but have been on the wrong side each time.
“It could have gone either way until the 77th minute. It was a hard and ferocious game for a long time but I’m super proud of the boys. I’m proud of their commitment, effort and the attitude they displayed.
“I’m not going to point the finger at anyone in our team. It was going to take all 17 players to play at their best but it is unfortunate that we came so close and couldn’t get the result.
“I’m super proud of the players. We have a tough and resilient team now and that showed from some great displays throughout the season and to knock off the league leaders in St Helens last week and give ourselves a chance right until the 77th minute tonight was a good effort. I’m proud of the team and the club will come back bigger and better next season.”
Price praised Wigan on their Grand Final victory and also spoke highly of his full-back Stefan Ratchford, who became just the second player ever alongside Paul Deacon to win the Harry Sunderland Trophy while on the losing team.
Price added: “Wigan were tough defensively and they were hard to break down.
“They kept turning us around but there wasn’t much between the sides. I will give credit where it is due, Wigan were good. To keep Wigan to 12 points was a super effort from our boys.
“Stef has been really consistent this season. He has been great for us and he was outstanding in the game.
“I thought there were a lot of good performances. Chris Hill, Mike Cooper, Bodene Thompson and Jack Hughes were super through the middle.”