Smith: Wolves players deserve Cup credit

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Australian, who combines his duties with the Wolves with leading England, is one of the most successful coaches of the modern era and watched on as tries from Richie Mathers, Michael Monaghan, Chris Hicks and Vinnie Anderson helped Warrington lift the cup for the first time since their 1974 win over Featherstone.

"These guys have been going in a pretty good direction anyway and I've been able to come in and jump on the back of a lot of good things they were already doing and about to do," he said. "Sometimes the focus can go a little bit away from where it should be. They're the ones on the park doing it, that's where the accolades should go."

The success is a far cry from where they were in March, when they languished at the foot of the Super League amid talk of dressing room unrest. That prompted owner Simon Moran to bring in Smith to work above James Lowes and the move has reaped instant dividends.

The Challenge Cup was the only trophy to evade Smith during his highly-successful stint in charge of Leeds and after a long wait, he was more than happy to get his hands on it.

"It's the first time I have touched it," he said. "It's something special. The Cup has got something else about it. To be able to lift ourselves for occasions, that's what we've done."

Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown, who played with Smith in St George Illawarra's Grand Final-winning team of 1993, was magnanimous in defeat and happy to laud his former team-mate's achievements.

The Giants have enjoyed a season of remarkable renaissance under Brown's leadership, but after briefly drawing level through Shaun Lunt's early try they were unable to keep pace with the Wolves and their 53-year wait to lift the trophy goes on.

"It was unfortunate," he said. "We had a fair few people who were a fair way below their best, especially in some really key positions.

"You have to give some credit to Warrington; they have probably put in their best performance for a while. The reality was the occasion probably got to some people."