STEVE Price says he is “really pleased” with how his Warrington Wolves side are shaping up defensively ahead of the Super League season.

The Wire conceded just one try in the 18-6 friendly win over Salford Red Devils yesterday, an opportunistic first-half effort from Robert Lui after a kick had bounced off the foot of the post.

However, that was as good as it got for the visitors as tries from Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford and Ryan Atkins ensured they will go into the new season on a high note.

“It was a good hit-out. It was what we needed,” Price said.

“Defensively, I am really pleased with where we’re at at the moment. Systematically, we were quite sound.

“Overall, we had good leg speed through the middle and our decision-making on the edges was sound. That is all positive.

“There’s a few things we need to work on in our offence, but that’s going to take a little time with the new combination and the short period we’ve had with the World Cup players.

“I was really pleased with our edges. We threw some reasonable shape at them at times but our execution still definitely needs to get better.

“I’m happy with where we’re at.”

The game saw Ben Murdoch-Masila make his first appearance in a Wire shirt and he was instrumental in the opening try, barging through the Salford line with a trademark burst before offloading for Philbin to gallop over.

The Tonga international started at loose forward before appearing on the edges later in the game.

“Everyone knows how damaging Ben can be on an edge,” said Wolves head coach Price.

“He’s a special player and it’s important we utilise him in a way which will make our team better.”