SAM BURGESS is confident he’s got the forward pack to carry Warrington Wolves deep into the play-offs.
The coach was delighted by the effort of his middle men to grind down and overpower Hull KR in last Saturday’s eliminator.
“I thought Jimmy Harrison and Liam Byrne were very strong,” said Burgess.
“Ben Currie has had a fantastic year and was again solid – he makes great decisions on and off the ball and he works his backside off on the effort plays.
“They all did a great job. Sam Stone and James Bentley as well, in the early stages, were solid.”
That pack is led by hooker Danny Walker, who is making a case for England selection at the World Cup.
“I’m pleased for Danny because he’s played all year and he’s hitting form at the right time,” added Burgess.
“It’s important he understands that playing his best rugby for Warrington gets him in the England team.
“Without distracting him, he’ll get what he deserves in that respect.”
Burgess also reckons that a tough run-in, including a rearranged game against the Robins, has prepared his side well for the play-offs, which continue this Friday away at Leeds Rhinos.
He said: “The period of the season with the short turnarounds has given us some steel.
“The players weren’t feeling too great but they kept turning up and got the job done, and they won every game in that period.
“It taught us a valuable lesson – you don’t have to feel great to win. We’ve taken those lessons forward.
“We have a connected group and they always turn up for each other.”
Hull KR have beaten Warrington in a Challenge Cup final, plus league and cup semis, over Burgess’ three-year reign as coach, but he insisted that did not make this victory sweeter.
“I’ve a lot of respect for Willie (Peters, outgoing Robins coach) and it’s important we respect what a great legacy he’s left behind at Hull KR.
“We came to win the game, whoever it was. I’m not into the revenge stuff.”