Smith: The NRL style is often predictable

After masterminding a first Super League victory in the World Club Series in three years, Warrington coach Tony Smith admitted he already had a good idea how to deal with Brisbane before the match kicked off.

The Wolves secured a special 27-18 win against Wayne Bennett’s men at the Haliwell Jones Stadium.

Warrington caught Brisbane out by moving the ball wide quickly and often running the ball on the last tackle of their sets.

“Some of the Australian style is pretty predictable and we knew a bit about how they would play,” Smith said.

“You’ve got to be strong you know they’re going to come at you but that first half I think we were pretty well prepared.”

After a dominant first-half performance from the hosts, Brisbane scored its second try just five minutes after the interval but Smith backed his side and said it was a good indication of their resolve.

“I had faith in my team they were determined which you could see from the kick off,” he said.

“Like every match no matter how dominant you are you’re going to have a little ebb and flow at some stage and its good for that to happen.

“It showed our metal and what we can do when we’re under the pump.”