Warrington Wolves half-back Declan Patton admits he’s unsure whether he’s done enough to hold down a place in the side for Saturday’s Grand Final: but says if he does, it will be a dream come true.
Patton, who has come through the club’s Academy structure, has played a telling role in the Wolves’ wins against Hull FC and St Helens which have secured both a Grand Final spot and the League Leader’s Shield.
However, with Chris Sandow still having a chance of being fit for Saturday’s game against Wigan, Patton told League Express he has a cautious wait to see if he makes the side.
“It’s just mad,” he said.
“It’s been tough for the most part this season having struggled to get in the side but to be back in for the important games like this, I’m just so over the moon. I’m living the dream.
“You can never be sure if you’ve done enough. I’ve tried to give my all, I’ve got a lot to work on but only the boss knows whether I’ve done enough. Playing with Kurt has been incredible; he teaches me a lot of stuff you don’t really see.”
Patton was a spectator in the Wolves’ Grand Final defeats of 2012 and 2013 – and says if he gets the chance to put that unfortunate Old Trafford record right this weekend, it will be beyond his wildest dreams.
“You think about it when you’re younger, growing up watching Warrington and dreaming of playing in a Grand Final.
“If I keep my place it’ll be a dream come true. We had our under-19s Grand Final in 2013 the day after the big one, so we watched on in the hotel: and we both got beat by Wigan. It wasn’t a great couple of days that.
“With coming up short there a couple of times not too long ago, we’ll be going there massively determined and desperate to get it over the line. I can only imagine what it’s like being involved: hopefully it happens.”
And Patton admits his excellent run of form has been down to playing regular rugby in reserve grade.
“Reserve grade has helped; it’s not the best playing once a month but it;s more than you’d have got if it hadn’t been there.
“It’s tough to come in when you’ve not been playing for a couple of months but having those opportunities to be able to keep my hand in and play regularly is something I’m hugely grateful for. Hopefully it becomes permanent across the board.”
