Steve Price: ‘Blake Austin is only going to get better’

Warrington Wolves’ marquee man Blake Austin is only going to get better, according to head coach Steve Price.

The former Canberra Raiders half-back had a debut to remember against local rivals Widnes, scoring a tenacious first-half try before playing a part in three more scores after the break.

Price is confident that his performance was a sign of things to come as the Wolves look ahead to their round one opener against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday February 2.

“He’s going to be fantastic for us,” Price said. “He’s been here since day one and all the players love what he’s bringing to our club.

“He is only going to get better. It’s going to take a little bit of time, but I thought he showed some really promising signs.”

Former Newcastle Knights and Huddersfield Giants back Jake Mamo also had a momentous start to life in Primrose and Blue, crossing for a hat-trick of tries.

Price admits that he has some severe selection headaches ahead of their season opener, with fellow outside backs Tom Lineham and Josh Charnley also crossing in Ryan Atkins’ Testimonial match.

He said: “Jake Mamo had some really promising touches. Overall, it was a tick in the right direction. I was really pleased with our attacking structure and that’s only going to get better.

“Kev [Brown] did some really good things, as did Dec [Patton]. There’s some pressure in all areas of the pitch and that’s what I expect.

“There’s a couple of guys who’ve really stood out today, so I’m going to have some tough decisions to make.”