Super League: Ashton Sims impresses Warrington coach Tony Smith against Salford
Last Updated: 12/02/15 11:04am
Tony Smith praised Warrington Wolves debutant Ashton Sims following a stellar display in their 22-8 victory over Salford Red Devils.
The Fijian prop, signed from North Queensland Cowboys, was the stand-out performer for the Wolves alongside Stefan Ratchford who haunted his former club with an impressive show.
Sims showed he is going to be a fans' favourite and coach Smith said: "Ashton stood up when it was needed and held his cool when they baited and targeted him. It's tougher to hold your cool in those circumstances and I was delighted with his contribution."
We created six or seven clear cut chances but didn't take any of them. Defensively we were very sitting for large parts of the game but clocked off and you can't do that.
Iestyn Harris
Smith also praised Ratchford and Kevin Penny adding: "They both caught the eye.
"Kevin came back to us last year much more prepared and is going to get better. He has speed in tons and has come a long way. Rhys Evans' defence and reading of the game was sensational."
Despite winning by a fair margin, Smith admits Salford made life difficult for the hosts at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
"Salford gave it a real dig and were targeting us," he added. "They are under pressure from their chairman from the first game.
"We took time to break them down but then scored some classy tries and looked the better side.
"We were a bit loose with the ball at the start of the second half but we are going to be a hard team to beat. There is room for improvement."
Salford coach Iestyn Harris said: "Warrington are an an exceptionally good side and we needed to have belief.
"We created six or seven clear-cut chances but didn't take any of them. Defensively we were sitting very comfortably for large parts of the game but clocked off and you can't do that.
"Adam Walne nearly scored a try and if we had scored then it would have given us belief. We also lacked discipline at times."