STEVE Price has defended the way Warrington Wolves attack following criticism from fans.

The Wire put in a disappointing display in losing 22-12 to Salford Red Devils on Friday, punctuated by a lack of penetration with ball in hand.

Supporters have been critical of their team going forward on a few occasions this season and Price has responded to his side’s detractors.

“We’ve reviewed the Salford game as a group and we’ve put our finger on the reasons why.

“We’ve got to make sure we don’t do that when the opportunity arises again.

“We’ve got to execute our game plans and value excellence.

“We remain confident in what we’re setting out to do with the ball.

“What people have to understand is that we’re second in terms of tries scored and in almost every stat offensively – such as metres gained, tackle breaks and line breaks – across the whole of Super League.

“We’re doing a lot of good things. We know what we need to do better and that’s things around execution and decision-making.

“Those are things that are easily fixed.

“If we start believing all the hype, we’re going to come unstuck. What we have to focus on is the process rather than the outside noise.

“We believe in what we do well.”

Price takes his side to Castleford Tigers on Sunday, kick off 3.30pm having gained one prop and lost another through suspension.

Co-captain Chris Hill returns from a two-match ban to take the place of Sitaleki Akauola, who will sit out the next two games after The Wire decided against appealing his Grade C dangerous throw charge from Friday’s game.

Wolves are hopeful Mike Cooper (back) and Ben Murdoch-Masila (ankle) will be fit to play at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle – they will be given as much time as possible to prove their fitness.

> Update on Cooper, Murdoch-Masila, Brown and Ratchford injuries

“Castleford are a dangerous team,” Price said.

“They are starting to get a few bodies back and I’ve said a lot of times that they have an excellent number six in Jake Trueman.

“One good thing is that it’s on a Sunday afternoon, so hopefully we can get a lot of travelling support.”