WOLVES’ off-season transfer dealings leave the club equipped to cope with even the worst injury crisis, according to head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith.

Chief executive Roger Draper told the Guardian last week that the club’s nine acquisitions, including Chris Sandow, proved more than they had initially planned.

But circumstances in the market enabled Warrington to recruit what Smith calls “value-for-money” signings, and means there will be plenty of competition for places.

“There were a couple of circumstances that arose that were probably a little unexpected in terms of who was available and the price range as well, which made it viable to do more than one acquisition,” explained The Wire boss.

“We got what are considered pretty good value-for-money deals in the end, as well as some really good personnel that were planned and targeted.

“Sometimes you can’t predict exactly what’s going to be on the market at the right time and for the right price.

“There was a lot of management of some and a bit of luck come our way as well.”

Warrington Guardian:

Wolves had up to 10 first-teamers out at one stage last season, but Smith is confident his squad is well equipped should a similar scenario arise during Super League 2016.

“We’ve got more depth this season and more competition for places, that’s certainly the case,” added the 48-year-old.

“Heaven forbid us having the same sort of injury toll lists, but if we were to suffer anything like some of those weeks last year we’d definitely cope with it a whole lot better.

“Hopefully we won’t have those injuries and we’ll just have people playing for their roles, vying to keep their fellow players at bay from their position.”

Sandow’s arrival in July was followed by Kurt Gidley, Tom Lineham, Jack Hughes, Joe Westerman, Jordan Cox, Ryan Bailey and Benjamin Jullien, while Mitchell Dodds is due in Warrington on December 18.

“We felt the changes on and off the field were necessary based on last year,” said Smith, who also added Jon Clarke to his backroom staff.

“There are some old faces that have moved on.

“We’re grateful for what they did, but it was also time for them to move on and we’ve filled with some new faces that are very excited to be part of us, here to prove themselves and do the best for their team.

“We’re looking for the enthusiasm they bring when people come to new clubs and they’ve certainly shown that on the training field so far.”