Steve Price

The coaching landscape is an ever-changing environment given the cutthroat nature of the business and Steve Price, after a stint as St George Illawarra Dragons head coach and numerous assistant roles, is back at the helm in the top job.

Super League side Warrington confirmed that Price would assume the role as head coach on a new 2-year deal.

With Tony Smith departing, the Wolves sought out Price who in recent years, has been an assistant with the Cronulla Sharks who made the grand final and won the premiership in 2016.

After his retirement as a player, Price moved into coaching and worked under Wayne Bennett in 2010 at the St George Illawarra Dragons before remaining there until he soon became head coach.

Warrington Chief Executive Karl Fitzpatrick believes that Price is the right man for the job and believes he has the tools to succeed at Warrington and in the Super League.

“Following completion of a thorough and extensive search, we firmly believe that in Steve Price we have found the right man to bring success to Warrington Wolves,” said Fitzpatrick.

“As a result of his involvement in two NRL Grand Final winning clubs, Steve fully understands what is required to deliver that success; he is regarded as having a major influence on the Sharks’ 2016 Grand Final win and he is highly respected by all of their players.

“As a result of his involvement in two NRL Grand Final winning clubs, Steve fully understands what is required to deliver that success; he is regarded as having a major influence on the Sharks’ 2016 Grand Final win and he is highly respected by all of their players.

With expectations always high for a club as prestigious as Warrington, the bar is set at a certain standard but the club has faith in their appointment of Price to meet them and challenge them.

“During our detailed discussions, Steve clearly demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the game in both attack and defence, and he has a great awareness of Super League,” continued Fitzpatrick.  Steve has a reputation for attention to detail when it comes to his team’s preparation and performance, and he is acutely aware of the high expectations we have here at Warrington.

“Steve has a reputation for attention to detail when it comes to his team’s preparation and performance, and he is acutely aware of the high expectations we have here at Warrington.

In the end, it was strong praise from both Wayne Bennett and Sharks coach Shane Flanagan – coupled with what they thought of Price, to begin with – that gave him the nod for the role.

“Steve was one of the youngest to secure a head coach role in the NRL, and we are certain that this experience will put him in good stead,” said Fitzpatrick. We received resoundingly positive feedback at all stages of the recruitment process, with Steve being highly recommended by some of the sport’s most successful coaches and influential players.”

“We received resoundingly positive feedback at all stages of the recruitment process, with Steve being highly recommended by some of the sport’s most successful coaches and influential players.”

Some of that praise from Flanagan highlighted the influential nature of Price at the Sharks.

“His knowledge and support has been invaluable for me as head coach and I know the playing group here at the Sharks will be disappointed to see him leave for season 2018,” said Flanagan.

Just as pleased as Warrington is the man himself who wants to start things on the right track as he looks forward to the pre-season and season ahead.

“I’m excited to be heading to the UK and being part of the Warrington Wolves for 2018,” said Price.

“I’m grateful to be leading this great club with such a passionate fan base and prestigious history. I endeavour to build a tough and resilient football team, that will be attractive to watch and will enhance the Wire brand.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Warrington Wolves Board, CEO, office and playing group. As well as getting to know the supportive Wire community.”

By ricky

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