The Sam Burgess era at Warrington Wolves got off to a disappointing start after they lost to 12-man Catalans Dragons after a controversial red card for Michael McIlorum.
The Wolves lost 16-10 despite a lovely second half try from fullback Matt Dufty as they also lost Jordy Crowther to two sin bins.
After the game, Burgess spoke with Sky Sports about the defeat.
“I was nervous – I’m probably more nervous as a coach than I am as player,” Burgess told Sky Sports. “I’m proud of them, so we’ll have to lick our wounds and get ready for next weekend.
“There are areas we can improve, but overall, I’m really proud of our attitude. It’s a tough place to come in Round 1, I thought they were really good.
“It was poor discipline at times, probably the red card affected us more than them and we lost our way a bit, but we’ll go again in six days.”
Warrington Wolves disappointed
Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com – 26/01/2024 – Rugby League – Pre-season friendly – Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings – Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, England – Warrington s Brad Dwyer Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxOllyxHassell/SWpix.comx SWP-2352-0043
He also continued to say his side were disappointed:
“They’re disappointed, they wanted to win,” Burgess said. “They put a lot of effort in, and I think when they look back they’ll probably realise they should have taken a few better opportunities.
“But that’s just sport and we’ve got to learn when we play again in six days’ time.”
Burgess went on to say he was pleased with the effort from his side in the defeat at one of the most difficult places in Super League to go especially in the opening game of the season.
“We probably didn’t match our intensity in the second half but it’s a great marker for Round 1 and something to work with,” Burgess said in his post-match press conference.
“I’m really happy with what I saw, I thought we showed great togetherness and I’m looking forward to next week.”
Warrington take on Hull FC in Round Two with both sides set to look and right the wrongs of Round One.
