THE Wire need to take the “foot on the throat” mentality they showed in Sunday’s semi-final victory over Leeds into their upcoming Super 8s games, skipper Chris Hill says.
Wolves crushed the Rhinos 48-12 to reach their fifth Challenge Cup Final in 10 years and give Steve Price the chance to lead them to silverware in his first year at the club.
They will take on Catalans Dragons at Wembley on August 25 and by coincidence, they also face the Dragons in their opening Super 8s game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday.
Hill, who won the Challenge Cup with Warrington in 2012 and captained Wolves in the 2016 final defeat to Hull FC, says the intensity in training will lift as players try to earn places in Price’s Wembley team.
However, the skipper insists they must not take their eye off the ball when they face Catalans and Castleford Tigers in crucial league matches before their trip to the capital.
“We expected a tough game, but our first half put a real dent in Leeds and we got a healthy lead,” he said.
“The first 10 minutes of the second half were a bit scrappy and we need to improve on that in the 8s.
“It was an outstanding performance, though. Once we got a grip, we never really let go and that’s what we need to take on for the rest of the season.
“We had our foot on their throats and we pressed down in that last half hour.
Chris Hill on the attack against Leeds. Picture by Mike Boden
“We’ve got a big few weeks leading up to the final. We need to cement our place in that top four.
“With Pricey, there is no blueprint 17. People will earn their places over the coming weeks.
“It makes things intense in training as people will want to get in. It can only be good for us in the games coming up.
“We’ve not won anything yet, but there’s a possible two we can win and we want both.
“We’ll focus now on beating Catalans on Friday and we’ll enjoy the next few weeks. They are playing well and are in really good form.
“I only managed to watch 10-15 minutes of their game but they absolutely dominated Saints.”
The skipper applauds the Wire fans. Picture by Mike Boden
Watch the full video interview with the Wire captain above
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here