Warrington Wolves coach, Tony Smith, has played down fears his side will lack leaders in 2014 as they chase an elusive Super League crown.
Warrington will go into next season without captain, Adrian Morley, experienced pair, Brett Hodgson and Garreth Carvell, and influential half-back, Lee Briers.
Smith is confident the Wolves will cope without those key men, claiming that it allows other players to step up.
“There is still a lot of leadership in our group. I don’t think we’ve lost it,” the 46-year-old said, according to the bet365 betting website.
“Some of the older and some of the younger boys coming through are doing well in their leadership roles.”
Smith has done his best to ensure Warrington are no weaker as they look to go one better than the past two seasons, when they fell at the final hurdle at Old Trafford.
He has recruited four players, most notably former New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi and ex-Gold Coast Titans full-back Matty Russell, who was highly impressive for Scotland in the World Cup.
Smith expects his new signings to make up for the loss of players who were the heartbeat of his team as they won three Challenge Cups in four seasons between 2009 and 2012.
“We are bringing in an experienced player in Roy Asotasi who has captained his country and club, won finals and been highly successful,” he said.
“Matty fitted our bill well before the World Cup started and we found out he was feeling a little homesick in Australia. I admired him before he went over there; I thought he was a terrific player then.”
Despite the upheaval, Warrington are the favourites with some bookmakers to make it third time lucky and lift the Super League trophy in 2014.
While they still have a squad packed with talent, Briers will be a big miss for the Wolves and their fans who watch live rugby online.
