MATTY ASHTON reckons Warrington Wolves’ recruitment has been spot on this year.
Few were backing Sam Burgess’ side to be title contenders going into the season, having finished eighth last time.
Yet they sit second in the table going into a crunch fortnight with Thursday-night tests against fellow high-flyers St Helens (June 11, away) and Leeds Rhinos (June 18, home).
Their seven off-season additions included pack men Liam Byrne, Toafofoa Sipley, Kelepi Tanginoa, James Bentley and Sam Stone.
Into the backs came 25-year-old Australians Albert Hopoate and Josh Smith, who have both impressed England winger Ashton.
“Every player we’ve brought in has brought something different to the team,” he said.
“(Hopoate) was my rehab partner (when both were recovering from ACL injuries) and he pushed me all the way. He’s a beast in the gym, I’ll tell you that!
“I’m a bit jealous of how much he can outlift me, but he’s such a down-to-earth guy and he’s showcased what he can do on the pitch as well. He’s so strong and athletic.
“I think (Smith) went under the radar a bit, but he’s class. He’s so strong out of backfield, and he’s got good hands.
“I don’t know if he prefers centre or wing – the way he’s playing at centre now he probably prefers that.
“He’s another one who has brought so much to the group on and off the pitch. Hopefully he can keep building each game.
“They’re both young while we’ve been known for bringing in a lot of older players in the past. But now we’ve signed some good young players in their early 20s who are really excited to be here and putting 100 percent in every week.”
Ashton says Warrington aren’t setting any particular targets for the rest of the regular season, but wants to see them eke out as many wins as possible.
“We’re happy with where we are in the league but we know we’ve got a lot to work on,” he added.
“There are a lot of games we’ve not been at 100 percent and in years gone by we would have lost them.
“We need to put ourselves in the best position possible to get to Old Trafford, and not talk about anything else.”