LEE Penny found out how ruthless Darryl Van de Velde can be when he was named as a substitute on Sunday.

The Wolves' regular full back missed only his second game of the season at Bradford on July 11 through a hamstring injury and it cost him his place.

Alan Hunte, who began his career as a number one, filled in for Penny at Odsal Stadium and continued in the role at the weekend.

Van de Velde said: "Huntey was the best player on the field at Bradford, even on a hiding.

"I want the players to realise they've got to earn their positions and can't just walk back into the team.

"We've had that situation for a number of years because we've not had the back-up and depth of squad. But I want them to understand now that if they miss out one week and someone takes their place and plays well then I'm going to stick with that player.

"This is the way it has got to be and this is for internationals too, I don't care who they are!

"This will then lead to players valuing their places on the team."

Van de Velde described his team as being desperate for the two points against the Broncos.

He said: "We did make hard work of it but we ground out the win. We got ourselves into good field position but didn't take chances.

"However, it was a win and we were desperate for it because it keeps us on the heels of the top five."

Van de Velde said he was not nervous when the Broncos reduced an 18-6 deficit to 18-14 and said his team just needed to stay focused, and that is what they did.

The Wolves coach gave praise to centre Jon Roper.

He said: "I thought his defence was excellent. He defended really well against Chris Ryan and shut down a lot of chances London had on that side of the field.

"Also, once again Danny Nutley went forward well for us. I thought Dean Busby had a good game and Mike Wainwright was steady.

"Steve McCurrie came on and made some good yardage for us so that was positive too."

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