WOLVES centre Rhys Evans is hoping 2016 can be his year after starring on Thursday's dramatic opening day win at Leeds.

The 23-year-old missed most of last season but he was singled out for praise by boss Tony Smith after the game.

And Evans says the determined nature of the defence - which saw Warrington defend 60 more sets than their opponents - was key.

"We knew we would have to defend well coming to somewhere like Leeds.

"We have to put in a real effort," he said.

"We have looked at defence in the off season. It is an area we all highlighted as somewhere we need to improve on from last year.

"And so we are really happy to come to the home of the champions and come away with a win and get a bit of confidence going," he added.

The Welsh international came up with a number of massive plays in defence and then teamed up with Tom Lineham for a dashing break which lead up to Kevin Penny's match-winning score.

He said: "Last year was a bit frustrating.

"But I have worked hard in the off season and I am raring to go and hopefully have a big year."

And Smith in particular was impressed by an 'outstanding' display from the centre.

He said: ""Rhys (Evans) is very astute and strong. Both centres were outstanding for us."