I HOPE the rain stays away tomorrow.

Wolves were as dismal as the wet night in that last home performance against Wigan Warriors.

On that occasion, questions had to be raised again about Wolves’ ability to play in slippery conditions.

Although the wind played havoc in the Challenge Cup win at Hull KR at the weekend, both games since Wigan have been in dry weather.

And in those games we got to see the progress Wolves have made as the season has grown.

Neither performance was perfect. In fact, there were errors aplenty, but the character to dig in when the going got exceptionally tough was clear to see and a credit to the mental strength of the players.

With the stunning fightback from 14-4 down at Huddersfield Giants a fortnight ago to the even bigger ascent from 12-0 behind at a highly determined Hull KR at the weekend, it certainly looks as though the team have moved forward.

The consistent factor has been Wolves not getting off to a good start.

Arguably, Wolves’ only decent start of the year came at Salford and even then three tries were bombed in the opening 11 minutes, albeit against a spirited defence.

For a few years now there’s been a belief in the opposition ranks that if you head to The Halliwell Jones Stadium and manage to hang in there for the opening half, you give yourself a chance of winning.

Many a side have been beaten in the opening 15 minutes after going 12 to 18 points behind and perhaps suffering psychologically in believing there was no way back.

But we haven’t seen that side of Warrington so far this season, and visiting teams have grown in confidence as a result.

We must not forget the quality of those sides to have already visited and won at The Halliwell Jones Stadium – Saints are the current table toppers and Wigan are the reigning champions.

But it has given hope to others, the fear factor has reduced and Hull KR will come to town fancying their chances tomorrow night.

A good start and an 80-minute display in Round 8 could begin to turn that tide again.