"Warrington Aims to Fly Under the Radar, Even After Victory in Key Summit Meeting"

JAMES Harrison hopes to silence his mates, even though Warrington would still be under the radar.

The Wolves face Leeds in a summit meeting, with the winners going two points clear at the top of Super League.

James Harrison insists Warrington want to go under the radar, even if they defeat fellow table toppers Leeds. Credit: SWPIX.COM

It means Harrison’s messages to his pals in his home city, where he still has a season ticket at Leeds United’s Elland Road, are well and truly off.

But even if Sam Burgess’ men win, they would not be shouting from the rooftops – a sign of the new attitude that seemingly makes them genuine title contenders.

Not bad for a side that has not played that well in recent weeks.

Harrison said: “We’ve really not spoken about a win sending out any sort of message, but it is a top of the table clash.

“They beat us earlier in the season, so we want to get a bit of revenge.

“We’re just trying to be under the radar. Where we are is for other people to speak about and as a group, we think we’ve not actually played that well in the last month or so.

“We had a good win at St Helens but we were miles off it with the ball. We’re working really hard for each other and there’s a lot of desire, though – that’s getting us at two points at the moment.

“Resilience is a big thing we speak about, not being easy to break down and just competing on every play, saving tries.

“That’s how big games are won, in big moments. Last week at Saints we were on the right side of them.

“But in the big games later in the season, we’ll have to be miles better with the ball to break teams down.”

Prop Harrison, who turned 30 on Monday, is feeling his age as Warrington’s kids – not least 18-year-old half-back Ewan Irwin – are leading the way.

And out of the darkness, missing out on the play-offs last year, comes the light in the number of young talents coming to the fore.

Warrington’s success so far has largely been built on young talent that has come through their ranks. Credit: SWPIX.COM

He added: “It’s a really exciting time for the club.

“Last season wasn’t great, but a lot of our young players gained experience and they’ve been better for it.

“We’re just building as a club, but we’re really happy with the way we’re going and I felt it even last season.

“Ewan trained with us two years ago and we knew he and others would be ready in a couple of years, so it was nice for them to get Super League experience last season.

“Now I’m one of the oldest in the group. I remember being 18, time flies – but they all say I’ve been in the veterans’ group for five years with how my body is and losing my hair!

“Mentally, I still feel 21!”