HAVING led them through what was a golden era, Adrian Morley is happier than most to see Warrington Wolves competing for trophies again.
And while the odds may be against them in their Super League semi-final at Hull KR on Friday, he insists his old side have “a great chance” of reaching Old Trafford.
During his stellar, 173-game career for The Wire, Morley skippered them to three Challenge Cup titles in 2009, 2010 and 2012, two Super League Grand Final appearances in 2012 and 2013 and a League Leaders’ Shield in 2011.
Now, they are looking to return to consistently challenging to be in the game’s biggest occasions and with his old teammate Sam Burgess at the helm, ‘Moz’ is delighted to see them do just that.
“I think they’ve got a great chance. Under Sam, they’ve improved dramatically,” he said.
“Going into it having played a game like Saturday will be good for them – it was a genuine play-off game against Saints and they came out on the right side of it.
“They will go up there confident and knowing there’s a massive prize at stake for winning, and I think they’ve got a good chance.
“They’ve had a really indifferent couple of years but now, they’re back where they deserve to be.
“They’ve gone through that adversity and now, they’re in a great position.”
Morley played alongside Burgess in 12 international games for Great Britain and England between 2007 and 2010 – the period in which he had first joined Warrington after a lengthy spell in Australia with Sydney Roosters.
Despite many being surprised by Warrington’s decision to hand Burgess his first top-flight head coaching role, Morley insisted he is not surprised by his success.
“When he did get the job, there were eyebrows raised but mine weren’t,” he said.
“I know him as a player and as a lad, and I know what he’s made up of.
“He’s got a great rugby brain and even though he didn’t have the experience, I knew he’d do very well.
“I’m delighted the club gave him the opportunity. The players have really taken to him and that’s half the battle – if the players like you, you’re doing a good job.”
Now, Morley will be among those watching on as his old side travel to Sewell Group Craven Park to take on a Hull KR side that have impressed under head coach Willie Peters.
A hostile atmosphere is likely to be directed against the Warrington players and when that is combined with the on-field action, the former skipper believes it is a game that will deliver on its pre-match billing.
“To be fair, it’s always like that even if they’re not going particularly well. It’s always a tough place to go and now they’ve got a bit of form behind them, it makes it even more difficult,” he said.
“If you look at the squad, it’s a champion team that’s been moulded by Willie Peters.
“It’s a really compelling fixture – one I’m certainly looking forward to – and may the best team win.
“This is the time of year I miss playing, but then when you see those guys get put on their backside it does make me glad I’m not out there!
“It’s been a fantastic year anyway and the intensity gets knocked up a level or two now.
“If this weekend’s games are anything like last week’s, we’re in for a real treat.”
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