Cullen reflects (From Warrington Guardian)

Cullen reflects

PAUL Cullen reflects on the Warrington Wolves success against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on the opening night of the new Tetley's Super League IX season at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

He says: "Paul Noone picked up a twist to his knee in the game but he's trained this week and is available for the Challenge Cup game at Rochdale.

"Other than that, there were bumps and bruises from what was a very tough and physical game. Most players were a little sore the following morning but that is only to be expected.

"The opening game was as tough, but probably not as physical, as our opener last year at Huddersfield.

"And the first two points to be won is very important. They were even more important to us this time round because it would have been an almost unbelievable anti-climax had we not won that game to open our new stadium.

"I was delighted with the way we operated in the game. If our execution had matched our go-forward then we would have seriously run away with the game but sport has a habit of slapping you in the face the moment you take your foot off the gas.

"There was no conscious decision to ease off in the game. The kick-off after we went 32-8 ahead was 'red' for us but the short kick-off was an excellent piece of skill from Wakefield and we couldn't handle it.

"We then faltered with a number of penalties and Wakefield made the most of it. I never thought for one second we were in any danger of losing the game. The moment we re-took the grip then that enthusiasm from Wakefield ebbed away.

"Wakefield will play worse than that and win some big games in the process this year. I thought it was similar for Wigan at Bradford on Friday night. Although Wigan were embarrassed by the scoreline, Wigan will play an awful lot worse than that and still win some very big games. The competition is going to be absolutely massive this year."