Warrington head coach Steve Price praised the efforts of his young players after their gutsy effort in defeat at Salford.
Wire displayed the youngest line-up in the club’s 125-year history at the AJ Bell Stadium as Price opted to rest the majority of his star players ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final.
Salford also rested some of their key men, but they fielded a much stronger side and that proved pivotal in the end as they recovered from 18-0 down to prevail 20-18.
“The lads displayed plenty of effort tonight,” said Price. “When we led 18-0, I thought we were in really good control.
“The momentum was always going to swing in that second half. I thought we defended our try line there really well for long periods.
“Riley Dean and Keenan Brand went close but we just could not finish, but I was still proud of the boys’ effort tonight.
“I just wanted them to go out there and represent the jersey with pride and the boys certainly did that.
“It was nice to see Nathan Roebuck score on his debut. I thought there was some really nice footy on show to create the space out there for Nathan.
“He has just come through our academy, it was his first game all year and I thought he was great.
“Josh Thewlis, I thought he was another one who had a really solid game too.”
It was not only a historic night for Warrington Wolves but also amateur club Saddleworth Rangers, as the likes of Thewlis, Roebuck, Eribe Doro and Ellis Robson all featured for the junior team.
Reflecting on this revelation, Price added “It is huge. All of those guys have come through and played together.
“It is a big step up for them. They have not had match fitness too without the reserve grade.
“We were in a fight, right to the death and just unfortunate that we could not get the win tonight.”