Smith: Wolves are ready for the play-offs (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington Wolves ready for Saints, says Tony Smith

5:53pm Sunday 9th September 2012 in Wolves news By Christopher Terris Taylor

WARRINGTON Wolves are ready for their final push towards Old Trafford, according to boss Tony Smith.

Wolves overcame a scrappy start to run out comfortable victors against ‘derby’ rivals Widnes Vikings at the Stobart Stadium, running in 10 tries for a 52-14 score line on the final day of the regular Super League season.

It was far from a classic performance from Smith’s Wolves, despite them breaking the 50-point barrier, but the Warrington coach is convinced his side are ready to step it up a notch and take on Saints in the play-off opener at the Halliwell Jones Stadium next Saturday, September 15, kick off 6pm.

“You can tell that we are ready,” he said.

“The way they reacted after the game, I can see they are ready.

“They are ready to move on to the next stage, and though we will review this game we will be turning our attentions to Saints pretty quickly.”

Wolves were overrun by the spirited hosts in the early stages, with their class and attacking firepower shining though only after Widnes had made life difficult for them in the opening 20 minutes.

His side may have run out comfortable victors in the end, but Smith was impressed with the way the hosts fought throughout the contest.

“It was scrappy for both teams,” he said.

“I think we both made plenty of errors and wasn’t the prettiest to watch or participate in but we got the job done.

“I thought Widnes were very spirited today, they were going for it and good on them.

“If you are going against one of the teams at the top of the table it is better to die on your feet rather than live on your knees and they were trying to unravel us.

“They did a couple of times too.

“We were a little bit ragged at times, but I sensed our boys are ready to step it up now.”