The winter months spent slogging away in all weathers on the practice floor are paying off to Josh Charnley in Warrington Wolves.
The winger and his team-mates saw their efforts rewarded in August if they overcame rivals St Helens 18-4 at Wembley to lift the Challenge Cup, banishing the memories of the last year’s defeat against Catalans Dragons.
Warrington are still in pursuit of some other prize that has so far proved elusive for them though, that being the Super League title, and start their quest to go back to the Grand Final in the home to Castleford Tigers on Thursday night.
Last year’s 12-4 loss to Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford had been the Wolves’ fourth defeat in Super League’s showpiece match and with one trophy already procured, Charnley would like to guarantee Steve Price’s side do not see their own efforts throughout the season visit waste.
“The pain was there (before the Challenge Cup final) and we spoke about it ” Charnley told Sky Sports.
“It’s not great losing and you work so hard, you are in over Christmas training hard in the snow and the rain, and that you do everything you can to get some silverware.
“Last yearwe had been lucky enough to be in two finals and we dropped them, but we began this season with goals and we’ve got one of those goals now. We just require the previous bit of the puzzle”
A return to Old Trafford would indicate Charnley’s fourth appearance with Warrington with returned to league at 2018.
Although he did not have quite the identical impact with Sale since fellow wide-man Denny Solomona that is cross-code, the 28-year-old still reflects positively on his spell in union.
It didn’t take long to repay to league when he arrived at Warrington, bringing a few improvements to his game.
“I have played rugby league since I was six and I’ve never know another game, therefore it was not too tough to get back into it,” Charnley stated.
“The greatest thing was getting my body back into the contact, in order which has been the biggest threat.
“I believe I am maybe more comfortable under the large ball. There is a whole lot of grabbing and kicking.
“It is little technical things and a lot of union teams now are taking league in their game. I enjoyed my spell there and if I catch a large ball over my head I am buzzing.”
Charnley knows what is necessary to get to and win the Super League Grand Final having been part of the Wigan teams which triumphed at 2010, 2013 and 2016 – the two viewing with the Cherry and Whites overcome his club.
But despite that Challenge Cup triumph, the type in the league of Warrington was patchy in the closing weeks of the regular season since they slipped to fourth, placing them in a removal final with Castleford.
Charnley has supported Warrington to thrive in that scenario though, utilizing the lessons learned to assist them.
“It had been one of them where we had to stay in the game,” Charnley explained. “Saints are a great team and we are a great team on the day, therefore it was likely to be a thrilling match.
“It was only down to that kept hold of the ball and did the proper things.
“We just get one shot at this now and on Thursday we’re taking that into it, so we’re fully relied on doing the job.”
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