Warrington Wolves coach Tony Smith believes that youngster Declan Patton was “taught a few lessons” by Wigan’s attack on Thursday night.
The young half-back burst onto the scene last Saturday, starring in their 80-0 win against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
And while Patton impressed with several aspects of his game on Thursday during the 30-20 loss to Wigan – something Smith openly admitted – he said that defensively, there are still things he needs to learn.
“He got taught a few lessons there by Joel and Gelling there. He got ragged around defensively a few times,” Smith said.
“While loving some aspects of his game, there are some aspects of his game he needs to really step up. He copped it a little bit and learned some lessons there.
“That’s how you get better. I remember watching Andrew Johns and Matthew Johns when they hit the scene.
“People used to rag them around. By the end of it Andrew Johns was one of the best defending half backs I’ve ever seen.”
Smith did however compliment Patton’s impressive kicking game, which laid the platform for some of Warrington’s scores throughout the contest.
“I loved some parts of it (his game),” he said. “I see all his game, his kicking game was sensational and I love him when he’s running with the ball, squaring players up.”
