Steve Price: We want to be brides at Wembley this time, not bridesmaids

Drew Darbyshire 27 Jul 2019 5:59 PM

Warrington coach Steve Price admitted his side’s trip to Wembley will count for nothing this year if they don’t win the Challenge Cup.

The Wolves reached the Challenge Cup final for the third time in as many years on Saturday as they beat Hull FC 22-14 at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Warrington lost at Wembley to Hull in 2017 and Catalans in 2018 – but Price says the trip to Wembley isn’t enough for the Wolves this time around.

He said: “At this stage, it only feels like we have only been invited to the wedding! This time we want to be brides and not bridesmaids.

“I’m really pleased for the boys. We’ve had a rough couple of weeks but we knew what type of team we had and what we represent.

“We showed what our DNA and foundations have been built on over the last 18 months.

“All 17 contributed to a good performance today. It’s all about the team and we showed that togetherness today.”

Stefan Ratchford played his first game for Warrington in 10 weeks after recovering from a torn pectoral muscle.

Price lauded the England international after their victory over Hull – but winger Josh Charnley faces “a couple of weeks” on the sidelines with a knee problem.

Price added: “It was a big call to bring Stef in.

“We made the decision the day before the game when Charners had to have a knee operation.

“Credit to Stef, he has done everything right in nine-and-a-half weeks to turn around a torn pec is unbelievable and credit to our medical staff for that.

“I’m really pleased for Stef, he’s the ultimate professional and his performance typified that today.”

Price confirmed there were no other injuries concerns after their win in Bolton.