Super 8s preview: Warrington seek reaction at Catalans
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 03/09/16 5:00pm
Warrington coach Tony Smith insists he will have no difficulty lifting his deflated Challenge Cup final team for their day trip to France.
The Wolves must quickly put the disappointment of their dramatic 12-10 Wembley loss to Hull behind them when they return to Super League action against Catalans Dragons on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
It was Warrington's first defeat in four finals at the new-look national stadium but Smith endured a similar experience in Cardiff in 2005 when his Leeds team suffered a 25-24 defeat to Hull.
"I lost in the last two minutes of that game and it's important to respond," said Smith, whose side remain handily placed for both the League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final. "With our spirit, I've got no doubt we'll be able to do that.
"We're pretty motivated at the moment. We're still one of four teams vying for a Grand Final, it's just a matter of which order we all finish. We've said it for a while, we're aiming for number one so we'll go all out to do that.
"The performance this week is important to us and we're putting out our strongest team. That's been tested but it's a good opportunity for some young guys who are fresh and keen and see it as an opportunity.
"I don't think it's a hard job to get them going again. They're all pretty keen to get out there and get rid of some of those recent memories."
Smith has lost six members of his Wembley line-up to injury but is confident he has the depth to cope with their absence.
Winger Kevin Penny, whose last Super League appearance was at Hull KR in July, is one of the players recalled to plug the gaps and is keen to seize his opportunity.
"It's been frustrating but that's the beauty of having a big squad, if you're not quite on your game, somebody is there ready to take your spot," said Penny.
"I've been out of the team waiting patiently and I'm hoping to take my chance this week. Catalans is a very tough place to go and get a win.
"With the crowd get right behind them it's a very hostile atmosphere but it's something that we have experienced this year and we got a good win so we'll take a lot of confidence out of that."
The Dragons, with just one win from their last nine league and cup matches, are still without a host of senior players and have lost Australian forward Dave Taylor to suspension but they are boosted by the return of former Warrington scrum-half Richie Myler, as well as leading try scorer Jodie Broughton and second rower Justin Horo.
"They're affected by injury and suspensions but you'd expect a spirited effort from them," Smith said. "They've probably come under some criticism from their owner and local support so you'd imagine they'd have a crack at us."
Catalans Dragons: Paul Aiton, Lucas Albert, Louis Anderson, Jason Baitieri, Julian Bousquet, Jodie Broughton, Rémi Casty, Vincent Duport, Olivier Elima, Morgan Escaré, Ben Garcia, Tony Gigot, Justin Horo, Greg Mounis, Richie Myler, Romain Navarrete, Eloi Pelissier, Glenn Stewart, Fouad Yaha.
Warrington Wolves: Ryan Atkins, Jordan Cox, Ben Currie, Brad Dwyer, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Jack Johnson, Benjamin Jullien, George King, Toby King, Declan Patton, Kevin Penny, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Matty Russell, Ashton Sims, Morgan Smith, Joe Westerman, Sam Wilde.
Watch Catalans v Warrington live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Saturday from 5pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.