Price unhappy with red card as Liam Watts comes in for criticism

Steve Price’s Warrington ran out 40-24 winners over Castleford tonight, with the Tigers desperately needing victory to keep their play-off hopes alive.

However, after stemming an early tide of pressure, the Wolves ran into a commanding 26-0 half-time lead and extended that shortly in the second forty minutes before withstanding a Tigers comeback.

“We needed to change the momentum after Castleford’s period being on top and the boys did that,” Price said.

“I was really pleased with how we finished the game with three repeat sets, but first-half we were outstanding and played the best footy we’ve played for a long, long time.

“We played hard and we played fast with a good style to our play, whilst defensively we were really hard-nosed and kept them out a number of times on the line.

“We took the emotion out of the game nice and early.”

Price was full of praise for two of his chargers in particular.

“I thought Matty Ashton was outstanding, he popped up when we needed him to.

“I thought Jake Mamo was another one who was rock solid over on that right edge.”

Warrington did have to end the game with 12 men after Mike Cooper was red carded for making contact with Liam Watts’ head – after Josh Charnley had been sinbinned earlier on – but the Wolves head coach believed Watts’ later infringement warranted a greater punishment.

“That was really harsh – a red card for that it was really tough.

“Liam Watts had a high shot on Matty Ashton under the posts when we took two points and it was more round the head anyway.

“I’m confident he will not have to answer to that or Josh Charnley’s tackle although it did warrant a yellow.”