A SHORT turnaround may be the best thing that could happen to Warrington Wolves this week.

Just five days after a dismal opening to their Super League campaign, The Wire take the field again tomorrow, Friday, with competition newcomers Leigh Centurions in their sights.

Head coach Steve Price and his players have had a lot of criticism thrown their way following their 21-12 defeat to Castleford Tigers, from both the media and disgruntled supporters.

Warrington Guardian:

Jordan Turner beats Josh Charnley to touch down for Castleford. Picture by PA Wire

The Wire boss insists he will not hide from the scrutiny and in a show of faith in his players, has named an unchanged 21-man squad for the match at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

“The scrutiny we come under is part of our game,” he said.

“As a coaching group and as a playing group, we deserved what we’ve got. We’ve got to live with that and we can’t hide from that.

“People have every right to say what they like.

“What we can control is our performance and what goes on within our four walls.

“We were disappointed with our performance, we’ve openly admitted that, and we’ve got the perfect opportunity to sort it out on Friday

“It’s business as usual for us. It’s a short week, which is a positive after our performance last week.

“We’re excited for the challenge against a really competitive Leigh side.”

Once again, the game comes too soon for Australian legend Greg Inglis, who is not yet ready to make his Warrington debut after two years in retirement.

In his absence, academy graduate Connor Wrench started in the centres against Castleford and he was part of a right edge that was tortured by the Tigers attack.

Warrington Guardian:

Connor Wrench tackles Castleford's Oliver Holmes. Picture by SWPix.com

He and Jake Mamo will once again compete for a spot in the 17 while Rob Butler, Ellis Robson and Josh Thewlis will also aim to break into the matchday squad.

Forward Matt Davis has recovered from a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season but he will not be involved against John Duffy's side.

Given the struggles of Sunday, was there a temptation for Price to get Inglis involved this week?

“It’s one of those things – as a coach I have an obligation to make sure he’s in the best possible shape he can be when he goes out there,” he said.

“I’m not going to put a player out there and jeopardise that down the track.

“He’s a legend of the game and he’s here to add value to our football club, which he has to date.

“When we feel he’s right and he’s fit, we’ll put him in.

“He can’t wait to get out there and start playing, but the time has to be right.

“In saying that, he’s not far off.”

Warrington Guardian:

Greg Inglis in training. Picture by Warrington Wolves

Across the field from Price’s men will be a side they have already met in 2021 – they were convincing 34-12 winners over Leigh in Chris Hill’s Testimonial match a fortnight ago.

However, he knows to expect a much different Centurions outfit in the white-hot heat of competitive action, especially having watched them come so close to stunning League Leaders’ Shield holders Wigan Warriors on Friday.

John Duffy’s men stormed into an 18-0 lead before the Warriors eventually came back to win 20-18.

“They will be a much different team. Friendlies are so much different to a competition game and there’s a lot more riding on this one,” Price said.

Warrington Guardian:

The Wire and Leigh Centurions met in Chris Hill's Testimonial a fortnight ago, with Warrington running out 34-12 winners. Picture by Mike Boden

“They were a little bit unlucky not to get the result at the weekend. It was pure quality from Wigan that pulled them through.

“Their back five carry the ball really well, especially Matty Russell and Lewis Tierney.

“Adam Sidlow and Nate Peteru in the front row like to play a bit of footy too and their hooker Liam Hood is very competitive. We’re expecting a tough game.

“We have to get our own back yard in order. If we do that, we will negate their benefits.”