I WOULD usually say beware the wounded Wolves going into this game on the back of last week’s performances…but how much is there to fear?

It’s been a pretty miserable season so far for the Wire, with Daryl Powell’s team languishing in eighth place of the Betfred Super League table.

Remember I put the curse on the Saints ahead of going to Toulouse!

But after seeing Warrington’s 40-8 drubbing off Catalans in the South of France it’s hard to look past the obvious outcome of Thursday’s game.

Wolves boss Daryl Powell, a good friend of mine and someone I respect hugely, was very critical of some of the officiating in the game…but I don’t think even Daryl will deny it was far more than a few decisions that cost his side the points.

With only one score the difference at the 65 minute mark, shows a complete capitulation from a team tipped to challenge for silverware, again.

The Wolves, under the new regime of Powell & Co were probably the most fancied team to stop Saints from winning title number four, but with just five wins from 12 games this has been far from the case.

For me, it’s simple…his players are not good enough with too many overrated and underperforming.

I know Daryl, and his attitude to the game - and it seems the players are not buying in to his culture, or not capable of doing as he asks, either way these performances will not be acceptable at a club like Warrington.

All being said, on their day they still have a number of players who can win games, and Saints must turn up at the Halliwell Jones expecting the best of the Wolves.

On current form, I don’t think the Wire pack can live with the Saints six, and I’m going for a visitors win by 18 points or more (evens at Betfred).

Enough about the opposition anyway, it’s all about what Saints do, and if they turn up with the mentality and ability the showed against Hull FC on Friday all will be good.

It was a huge show of character to bounce back from such a tough defeat to Wigan the week before in the Betfred Challenge Cup semi.

Boss man Kristian Woolf praised his team’s second half performance especially, and their superior fitness and intensity to maintain their standards for 80 minutes, something I have spoken about all year.

Woolfy was also delighted with his teams ‘as close to its best’ defence in the 24-10 win, with just a couple of tries scored down our left edge.

Some of the players impressing me at the moment, as per led by Mr Perpetual Motion- James Roby who just continues to perform at the highest standard week in week out, Mark Percival, Jack Welsby, and another guy who has been immense is Agnatius Paasi. Special mention to Jonny Lomax, who has defied medical science to play through a complete ruptured bicep and still control things out on the park, coming up with big moments and tries to boot.

Finally, it was great to hear that the new fans favourite Konrad Hurrell has expressed his desire to stay at Saints, amid reports of a move back to the NRL. Hurrell, outstanding in the win over Hull FC has been a revelation since his move from the Leeds Rhinos last season. He is clearly enjoying himself, and has thrived at the club. That initial one year deal is certain to be extended.