THE déjà vu effect will not come into Wolves’ thoughts for their Challenge Cup semi-final against Wakefield, first-team coach Richard Agar says.

Last year, Wolves were heavily favoured going into the semi final against Hull KR, coached by current Wakefield boss Chris Chester, but came up short for the third season running as the Robins secured a place at Wembley with a 26-18 victory at Headingley.

This year’s scenario appears achingly similar as Chester once again looks to block Wolves’ path to the capital, but Agar is adamant the team have moved on from last year’s heartache.

“We disappointed in this fixture last year and we’re coming up against a team under the same coach as that game,” he said.

“We’ve got to make sure there’s no complacency and that there’s a good energy and determination about our work.

“We know we have to make some improvements on our past two games but it’s a good time to make them.

“It’s a different squad with different personalities to last year and we’re in a different place in terms of our form.”

Despite Saturday’s win over Huddersfield Giants taking them beyond the number of victories they secured last season already, Wolves have come across some defensive issues of late and shipped 30 points against Super League’s bottom side.

The Wire still hold the best defensive record in Super League with 425 points conceded but Agar is keen for the side to get back to their old habits and says the players have responded well.

“Tony has said in review this week that the past two games haven’t produced the defensive performances we’ve been looking for or that we’ve become accustomed to,” he said.

“We’ve been very high up in the defensive stats in this competition but we feel like we’ve had to put a renewed focus on a couple of areas in defence.

“It doesn’t need us to spell out how massive this game is and I think that’s really been reflected in the focus and edge we’ve had in our sessions this week.

“We’ve had a good energy and a great intensity about us.”

Agar, who had a spell as head coach of Wakefield between 2012 and 2014, confirmed full-back Stefan Ratchford should be fit after he suffered a head injury against Huddersfield.

He also stressed the dangers his former side posed.

“Everyone has come through unscathed so for the first time in a long time we’ve got all our bodies on the park,” he said.

“Stefan had a head knock and didn’t feel too bad but with the current protocols we have in place for head injuries, the doctors thought he was showing enough signs and symptoms for him to sit the rest of the game out but he’s had no adverse effects since then.

“We’ve highlighted that Wakefield have probably gone under the radar a bit. They’ve had a really good year and they have terrific ability with the ball in hand.

“They’ve got some good off-the-cuff players. Jacob Miller has been sensational, Scott Moore has been brilliant at dummy-half, particularly close to the line, and the big guys can pass the ball and have terrific footwork.”