Warrington coach Price has happy memories of last time he beat Wigan Warriors to a trophy

Warrington coach Steve Price already knows what it feels like to beat Wigan to a piece of silverware.
Steve Price at Old TraffordSteve Price at Old Trafford
Steve Price at Old Trafford

The Aussie was the assistant at St George Illawarra when they flew over for the 2011 World Club Challenge.

And when head coach Wayne Bennett unexpectedly departed midweek, it was left to Price to steer them to a 21-15 win.

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“The great man, Wayne, had to go back home for family reasons,” recalls Price.

Wigan Warriors' Martin Gleeson and Darrell Goulding (centre) tackle St George Illawarra Dragons' Brett Morris (bottom) during the World Club Challenge match at the DW StadiumWigan Warriors' Martin Gleeson and Darrell Goulding (centre) tackle St George Illawarra Dragons' Brett Morris (bottom) during the World Club Challenge match at the DW Stadium
Wigan Warriors' Martin Gleeson and Darrell Goulding (centre) tackle St George Illawarra Dragons' Brett Morris (bottom) during the World Club Challenge match at the DW Stadium

“It was a great occasion, I remember it fondly. I remember a lot of singing at the DW Stadium that night and I’ve got huge amount of respect for Wigan as a club.

“It gave me a taste of the game over here, in terms of the chanting from the fans and also the brutality of the game within the top teams and it’s great to be a part of that now.”

Price was also the Cronulla assistant coach for last year’s World Club Challenge, which Wigan won, before taking over from Tony Smith at Warrington this season.

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This is the sixth meeting between Wire and Wigan this year following their semi-final victories over St Helens and Castleford respectively.

“We can take some confidence out of the Saints game, especially from a defensive point of view, but that game counts for nothing now,” he said.

“It’s totally different opposition and different personnel. And we need to deliver on our game plan. We need all 17 to contribute to a strong performance on Saturday night.”

Price also saluted his counterpart Shaun Wane, saying: “He has been great for the game.

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“He calls a spade a spade and he’s a genuine guy and it’s a credit to him that his football team have been so consistent.”

Price reported no fresh injury concerns and expects forward Mike Cooper to recover from an eye injury in time.

Warrington, who were beaten by Catalans in August’s Challenge Cup Final, have never won a Super League title.

And you have to go back to 1955 for their last Championship victory.