What constitutes success for Warrington Wolves in 2020?

Is it simply trophies, or is it more than that? Success is a broad term, but will it be measured merely in wins and losses or how much silverware adorns the trophy cabinet in November?

From the stands at least, this year’s Wire vintage will be judged on the style of rugby they play. They do not just want the team to win, they want them to look good doing it.

While the matchday experience at The Halliwell Jones Stadium is unrivalled in Super League, for much of 2019 it very much stopped after kick off.

Steve Price knows that and told a pre-season fan’s forum that it will be addressed.

In terms of the personal values of The Wire’s leader, though, there is no changing them.

“What constitutes success? A happy family and a good football club,” he said.

“I just want us to be the best we can be every day. Every time we put that jersey on, we have to commit to each other for the full 80 minutes.

“If we live by our standards we set, it will be a successful season.

“We’re not looking at the big picture – we have to focus on doing the little things right.

“If we can do that, we’ll give ourselves a big chance at the back end of the season.

“We want to meet our standards 24/7 then success will take care of itself.

“Rugby league’s built on a strong backbone in defence.

“If we have a strong defensive system, we’re going to give ourselves every chance but in saying that, we still need to score points.

“We’re in pursuit of excellence. We have to evolve and be better and we’re working extremely hard to do that.

“We have a number of talented players in our squad but its important we spread the load.”

Steve Price chats to the Guardian. Picture by Mike Boden

When asked if changing his side’s fortunes with ball in hand involved tweaking existing systems or ripping them up and starting again, Price replied: “It’s a combination of both.

“We have to find a balance that suits the players we’ve brought in but as a coaching group, we also need to find the balance of what’s going to suit us as a group to score more points.”

Gareth Widdop is a key man in making that happen but for the first three matches at least, The Wire must do without him.

Creatively, it means Warrington will start 2020 with largely the same personnel and it is a similar case in the engine room.

With three props having departed – the iconic Ben Westwood to retirement, Lama Tasi and Pat Moran to pastures new – a hot topic among fans has been the need for more reinforcements up front.

It looked as though The Wire would go into the year with Chris Hill, Mike Cooper, Joe Philbin and Sitaleki Akauola as primary front-row options until Leilani Latu signed last week.

“I’m very happy with what I’ve got up front,” Price said.

“I said last year that we have a very strong forward pack and it’s not different now with Coops, Hilly and Joe Philbin to name a few.

“I’m expecting a very strong season from Bennie Currie too – he’s been outstanding throughout pre-season with what he’s been able to tick off."

Could it be the year of the youngster, too?

Luis Johnson’s raps on the door of the first team are getting louder following a successful loan spell at Hull KR last year, while reports from inside the camp have hailed Keanan Brand and Matty Ashton’s displays in pre-season.

Josh Thewlis and Riley Dean can perhaps expect more game time having made their Super League bows last year.

The message from the top is clear – if they are ready, they will play.

“As history has shown, I’m not afraid to give a young bloke an opportunity,” Price said.

“We saw with Josh Thewlis and Riley Dean last year that if they are right, they will get that chance.

“The likes of Keanan Brand, Matty Ashton and Luis Johnson have been outstanding in pre-season. If I feel they’re ready, I won’t hesitate.

“I look at good people for our team. You have to be a good listener and work hard and the guys we have brought in have those attributes.”