DESPITE watching his Warrington Wolves side finish the campaign in winning fashion, Daryl Powell admitted their performance at Salford Red Devils contained many of the frustrations that have plagued their season.

Against a much-changed home side, The Wire eventually ran out 32-14 winners but struggled to finish off their more inexperienced opponents.

In truth, the game was a scrappy end-of-season affair between two sides with little to play for and Powell admits there “wasn’t really anything to shout about” in terms of the display.

Warrington Guardian:

Picture by SWPix.com

“I won’t be watching it back,” he said.

“I think it was Danny Walker who said after the game that it was typical of our season.

“There wasn’t really anything to shout about – it was just so frustrating like the whole year has been. Not from start to finish, but not far off.

“We’ve got to reset and go again next year. There’s nothing really to say about that game that I hadn’t already said about 18 times this year.”

What Powell was happy with once again was the performance of the younger members of his team, all of whom had an impact on the game in some way.

Luke Thomas powered over in the first half for his first senior try while Leon Hayes and debutant Tom Whitehead both assisted tries in the second half.

Hayes’ delicate kick was touched down by Greg Minkin while Whitehead’s well-disguised short ball sent George Williams racing through to score.

Warrington Guardian:

Tom Whitehead, left, looks on after his pass sent George Williams racing through. Picture by SWPix.com

Going forward, Powell says he wants to see the club’s young players use pre-season as an opportunity to further impress him.

“I think Tom Whitehead coming off the bench did a really good job,” he said.

“I praised him in the dressing rooms – he’s been on the bench before and not got on but I thought he was good.

“He created a try for us, he handled it alright defensively as well.

“Leon again did some really good things with a try assist. It was great to hear the fans shouting his name and I know how much it means.

Warrington Guardian:

Leon Hayes landed three conversions from five attempts. Picture by SWPix.com

“I thought Luke Thomas was good again – he’s probably over-brave if I’m honest!

“He needs to be a little bit smarter but he’s been very good in terms of what he’s done.

“Over the last three or four weeks, the young players have been outstanding for us.

“Once we’d done what we needed to do against Toulouse, I was really keen to have a look at some of the young guys.

“I’ve said a few times that the character of the players coming up at the moment is far above what I’ve seen before.

“You’ve got a young buck there starting at half in his second game – I know their team was a little bit different but it’s still tough to do.

“There were some big people in there and he’s a smaller half, but he’s got the heart of a lion. He’s very courageous and he did some good things.

“Luke Thomas at 19 has got a decent future but what they’ve all got to do is take this experience and grow themselves.

“They’ve got to be putting pressure on me, whether that’s for next year or the year after.

“Pre-season is massive for a young player and then it’s about how they grow throughout the season.

“They need to get their grounding and then if they’re good enough, they’ll be in there. If Leon Hayes is good enough next year, he’ll be in.

“Super League is a tough arena and young players have got to be really good to step up, but I think we’ve got a few players who can do that.”