AFTER Warrington Wolves’ worst ever start to a league campaign, there have been calls in some quarters for the long-serving Tony Smith to step down from his role as head of coaching and rugby.

However, the Australian believes now is the time for him and his coaching staff to “step up” and says there has been no “moping around” from anyone at the club.

“It does test us all because we take pride in what we do,” he said.

“When it’s all working well, a lot of it is player-driven and it just flows. Coaches can add their little bits and bobs of advice here and there but at the moment, coaches need to step up.

“Whether that’s in terms of the psychology of how to deal with it or the type of practice that’s needed.

“When we get to training and do our reviews, there is no moping around and feeling sorry for ourselves. We roll our sleeves up and do the hard work.

“Each week, the feeling and expectation grows that this is our week.”