Cunningham praises Wire style

St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham has hailed Warrington’s form, ahead of the clash between the two teams at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday evening.

Wire currently top the Super League table, and have produced some scintillating rugby so far this season, with half back Chris Sandow very much to the fore.

“They are playing good rugby,” Cunningham said.

“They’re playing a really carefree and entertaining style. They’re there for a reason, and that’s because they deserve to be there.

“Things have fallen their way this year, and they recruited really well in the preseason.

“So all credit to Tony Smith and his team, they’re doing a great job there.

“But we’re not just going to make up the numbers on Friday night.

“The heartbeat of our team has been our pack all year, and there’s not many going to be changing out of that.

“So if we can stand tall in the middle of the field then it really gives us a chance.”

Sandow looks set to miss the game with a hamstring injury, something which Cunningham believes will favour St Helens.

“It’s a positive for us, because up to now he’s been the best player in the competition by far,” he said.

“He’s really enjoying his rugby and you can tell that. He’s really controlling the game well for them.

“So he will be a big loss if he doesn’t play. It’s a big loss for them and big bonus for us.

“That’s rugby, and I’m sure Tony is feeling the pinch as much as I am over this Easter period.”