Disappointment inspires form for Wolves' forwards (From Warrington Guardian)

Wembley disappointment inspires form boost for Warrington Wolves' Simon Grix and Mike Cooper

10:40am Thursday 4th October 2012 in Wolves news By Christopher Terris Taylor

TONY Smith believes the disappointment of missing the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley has played its part in reviving the form of Mike Cooper and Simon Grix.

Cooper’s performance off the bench against St Helens at the weekend was hailed as one of the best of his young career, while Grix stood out in two different back row roles he played at stages and scored a crucial try before half time.

Their performances have made life more difficult as Smith once again ponders which of the plethora of Wolves’ talented young forwards will make history as the club’s first Grand Final competitors.

“Sometimes a bit of disappointment can really focus you,” said Smith.

“They (Grix and Cooper) are doing their best to get selection this week and are doing a good job of it.

“They have been in terrific form and Coops has played two of the best games I have seen from him in the four years I have been here.

“Not a bad time to be hitting form, all-in-all.”

Dropping fit-again international front rower Garreth Carvell against St Helens may have been seen as a risky move by some, but the Wolves coach believes there is another player who can rightly be frustrated by not gaining selection against Saints.

“Carvell was injured a couple of weeks ago but his form wasn’t great leading up to that,” said Smith.

“It was picked on form and I think the unluckiest bloke last week was Tyrone McCarthy, who has been terrific.

“While Carvs is a big name player, Tyrone was the one that could be most aggrieved about non-selection at the moment.”