STEVE Price admits his Warrington Wolves side’s display either side of half time against Toronto Wolfpack was “worrying.”

However, he praised them for “finding a way” to eventually see off their winless opponents.

The Wire flew out of the traps to build up a 16-0 lead but Toronto fought back strongly either side of the interval.

Once former Wire man Gareth O’Brien crossed just shy of the hour mark, the scores were tied at 22-22 and Warrington were in danger of becoming the first side to lose a Super League game to the Wolfpack.

However, two Stefan Ratchford penalties and a Ben Murdoch-Masila try allowed them to record a 32-22 win.

“I thought we were in total control for the first 15 and the last 15,” Price said.

“It was the block either side of half time which was worrying.

“Credit to the boys – sometimes you have to just find a way in early parts of the season to get that W.

“We’ve won in a different style to what we have in the past, which was pleasing.

“At 22-6 going into half time, I thought that was a fair reflection of the game but Toby King played that flicked pass just before half time which was a little bit disappointing.

To find a way and scrap and fight at the back end, I was very pleased for the lads.

“I was really pleased with Mike Cooper, who banged out a solid 80 minutes.

“Overall, we’re still learning but there’s positive signs.”

Warrington Guardian:

Mike Cooper played the full 80 minutes in the front row. Picture by Mike Boden

Gareth Widdop marked his home debut with a try as part of a flying Wire start, either side of tries from Josh Charnley and Tom Lineham.

Wolves looked set to cut loose at that point, but the Wolfpack responded with Jon Wilkin and Andy Ackers tries either side of Matty Ashton’s first ever Super League four-pointer.

After the break, the Wolfpack stormed back and O’Brien and another ex-Wire man in Matty Russell crossed to level the scores.

Ratchford nosed the hosts back in front with a brace of penalties before Charnley came up with a critical try-saving tackle on Hakim Miloudi in the corner.

Murdoch-Masila then crashed over to seal a victory that will have felt unconvincing to many Wire supporters.

“People have got to understand that Gareth and Blake (Austin) have only had a handful of training sessions together,” Price said.

“The more times we get that combinations going – plus our two captains will be coming back shortly – the better we’ll be.

“Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition. They’re leading the competition in offloads and they play a high-risk style of rugby.

“When it comes off, it can be quite electric and we had to earn it tonight.”

Warrington Guardian:

Blake Austin in action against Toronto. Picture by Mike Boden