Praise for Warrington Wolves' Sita Akauola, Pat Moran, Dec Patton

Tongan prop Akauola was handed his first start in Wire colours, 20-year-old front-rower Moran was handed his debut off the bench and Patton was recalled into the halves for the first time since a five-match ban.

“I thought Sitaleki played his best game of the season for our team this year,” said Wolves’ head coach.

“He knocked out 72 minutes in total so he’ll get a lot of confidence out of that.”

He added: “I was really proud from day one when I came to the club that there was great pathways and opportunities for our local players.

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“Pat Moran’s come through our system, in the scholars and academy, and it’s a great reward for him to be able to get his first-team jersey.”

And he felt Patton delivered what was needed after warming into the cup tie.

“After the first 12 minutes I thought he was really competent and grew into the game,” said Price.

“I was really happy with how he played. That’s the type of performance I expect from Dec Patton going forward.

“That was the challenge, to get his hands on the ball, play direct and get dirty. Defensively too I thought he was quite sound which was very pleasing.”

Josh Charnley crossed for four tries but Price saluted the man on his inside who helped to provide the scores.

“A big rap goes to Ryan Atkins as I thought his catch-and-pass skill levels were first class.”

Wolves achieved their biggest win of the season over the League One side and Price was pleased with what he saw from his team.

“I’m proud of the guys. It was a professional display, he said”

“They can be quite awkward those type of games but it’s a testament to the playing group and the character to be able to replicate the game plan, stay at it.

“It was a great opportunity for a lot of young guys who haven’t had a great deal of game time. I was really happy with the display.”