Warrington Wolves returned to winning ways against Hull KR but Australian head coach Tony Smith insists there is still much improvement to come.
After kicking off the Super League season with back-to-back victories, defeat to St George Illawarra Dragons in the World Club Series brought them back down to earth.
And after the Wolves were beaten last time out at Catalans Dragons, a 32-24 triumph over Hull KR on Sunday – in which former Gold Coast Titans man Matty Russell grabbed a try double – sees them back on track.
However, Warrington did not have it all their own way – ex-Newcastle winger Josh Mantellato crossed over twice for the visitors in a tight first-half.
And after Terry Campese’s creativity threatened to snatch victory for the Rovers, Smith was not entirely impressed with the way his side closed out the game.
“We were good in patches,” he said. “We had our moments but we’re not quite back on it yet.
“To have 24 points scored against us, you are never overly happy. We found a way to keep ahead but our kicking game and some aspects of our defence need to improve.”
On Saturday, Catalans Dragons were not only denied victory by a late penalty in their 40-40 draw with Salford Red Devils, but they also lost star signing Todd Carney to injury.
Carney, who arrived in France from Cronulla Sharks this season, suffered broken ribs following a Lama Tasi tackle and could miss up to four weeks of action.
It was only the 28-year-old’s second appearance of the season and Dragons boss Laurent Frayssinous accused the officials of failing to protect Carney.
“I said I was worried over the protection of my quality players and it has happened in only his second game,” Frayssinous said.
“I expect Tasi to be charged but I also thought he should have been shown a card.”
Elsewhere Hull FC boss Lee Radford was forced to defend his decision to select Australian centre Steve Michaels following their 43-12 home defeat to Leeds Rhinos on Thursday night.
It was announced a week ago in Queensland that an arrest warrant has been issued for Michaels as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking but Radford had no problems with naming him for the clash.
“We’ve had no dialogue from anyone in Australia,” he said. “I have no issues with it.
“The first half was really pleasing, defensively the energy we showed was really good but we ran out of gas, simple as that.
And St Helens head coach Keiron Cunningham believes former Melbourne forward Atelea Vea can become an important player for Saints after he starred in their 20-16 win at Wakefield Wildcats on Friday.
St Helens were made to work hard for the result, which preserves their 100 per cent start to the Super League season, and eventually won the arm wrestle.
“My middles were just phenomenal,” reflected Cunningham. “I thought Alex Walmsley was sensational and Atelea Vea is a superstar in the making.
“I’m proud of the way they hung in and how worked for each other. These two points could be the ones that get you there. It’s a massive victory for us.”
