Tony Smith praises Lee Briers’ self disipline

Warrington coach Tony Smith has praised Lee Briers for his honesty after breaching the club’s disciplinary protocol. 

Smith refused to go into detail why his stalwart stand off was dropped from Warrington’s visit to the KC Stadium on Sunday, but admitted there was a serious reason why Briers didn’t play in the match against Hull FC.

Smith said: “It was a breach of protocol in terms of preparation, Lee wasn’t rested or injured.

“The players set themselves some very high levels in terms of preparation. A big part of our culture here is about being decent human beings. We’re not afraid to admit that we make errors and mistakes, and we hold our hands up for them when we do.”

Smith said Briers put himself forward for punishment, and praised the 33-year old for the way he conducted himself after the incident.

Smith said: “He has handled it in the right manner. He put his hand up when he made a mistake and judgement error in the way he prepares for matches. That’s all you can ask from people.

“We all make mistakes in various ways and all we can do is put our hand up when we do and then be prepared for the consequences of those mistakes. He did that and served his penance.”

Smith said Briers will be available for selection going into Sunday’s round two match against London Broncos, a team the Wolves thrashed at the Halliwell Jones Stadium last year 82-6.

Smith said: “He’ll go into the mix of selection this week. Whether he gets back in is dependant on how the rest of the team performs.”