Steve Price hopes knockout rugby mentality will spur Warrington on heading into the play-offs

James Messenger 15 Sep 2019 3:29 PM

Warrington boss Steve Price says he is hoping his side can be spurred on by their knockout rugby mentality when the play-offs get underway next week.

The Wolves were on course for a top three finish, meaning they would’ve had a second chance even if they suffered defeat in their opening play-off match.

However, defeat to Leeds on Friday night, coupled with Salford’s Golden Point victory over Hull KR, means that they have to settle for fourth place and a home play-off eliminator against Castleford on Thursday night.

Should they progress through that match, the club would still have to win twice on their travels – something which they have failed to do in six of their last seven away games – if they are to make it to Old Trafford for the second successive year.

Despite their turgid recent league form, Warrington still managed to win this year’s Challenge Cup, toppling Hull FC in the semi-finals back in July, before upsetting St Helens at Wembley.

Price, who has reached every final since taking over ahead of the 2018 season, admits he is disappointed with how his side have performed in recent weeks, but hopes they can put their best foot forward when it matters.

“There’s a quality football team there and I know what sort of team we’ve got,” he said. “That’s why I’m disappointed.

“Everyone saw not long ago in the Challenge Cup Final what we can do. To throw away two bites and opportunities to make the final now is what I’m filthy about.

“We’re a team that plays better when it’s backs to the wall and have been good in knock-out footy this year.

“I haven’t had time yet to think about Castleford just yet. It’s more about getting our house in order this week, tidying up things and getting back to doing what we know we can do well.

“We can easily fix up some things and we’ve got a good opportunity now on Thursday night to bounce back against a good Castleford side.

“We’ll get the gloves back on and this is where you find out your true believers.”