Ex-Warrington Wolves man reveals now star player would disagree with three legends as a young player
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock 12409487al Ben Currie of Warrington Wolves is tackled by John Bateman and Joe Shorrocks of Wigan Warriors Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves, Dacia Magic Weekend, Betfred Superleague, Rugby League, St James Park, Newcastle, UK - 05 Sep 2021 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves, Dacia Magic Weekend, Betfred Superleague, Rugby League, St James Park, Newcastle, UK - 05 Sep 2021 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xAnnaxGowthorpe/Shutterstockx 12409487al
For anyone to disagree with the likes of Tony Smith, one of the best coaches in Super League history, Lee Briers, a star halfback and a Super League legend and Adrian Morley who was a success both in Super League and the NRL, would take guts.
But for a young player to do so takes even more guts and former Warrington Wolves man Ryan Atkins has revealed that in his youth Ben Currie was willing to disagree with these three legends.
He said on the Wolves’ website ahead of Currie’s testimonial:
“He was a scrawny lad with a bit of a spiky fringe when he came up to the first team in 2012.
“I’d heard that he could play a bit. In his first session he was a bit timid but by the second he was very vocal and you didn’t expect it from a youngster. He was speaking up and pointing things out to coaches and players.
“In video sessions if he didn’t agree with something he wouldn’t be afraid to voice his opinion. He wouldn’t mind disagreeing with Tony Smith, Lee Briers or Adrian Morley and I think that shows his character.
“You could tell from that moment that he had it and he was going to become a great player.”
He also reflected on playing with him: “It was a breath of fresh air playing alongside him.
“He has speed, strength and skill – a bit like an old school loose-forward but in the second-row.
“He’s an out and out competitor and a winner. He hates losing. We used to joke about left edge v right edge. He drove that even though I was probably the more senior player.”