AS he prepares to face one of his former clubs, Josh Drinkwater is under no illusions about what it will take for his Warrington Wolves side to overcome Hull KR on Friday night.

The Wire are top of Super League but face the competition’s most in-form team, with the Robins having won their past six matches.

After winning their first eight games including the reverse fixture at Craven Park in March, Warrington’s performances have dipped of late as they suffered back-to-back defeats to St Helens and Wigan Warriors prior to the international break.

They got back to winning ways against bottom side Wakefield Trinity last time out, but Drinkwater knows they will have to improve if they are to see off Willie Peters’ side.

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“If you look at our recent performances, we haven’t been great but we can’t be like that against Hull KR,” the scrum-half said.

“They’re a really good, hard-working team and you can tell their new coach has come in and brought the Australian mentality.

“They complete high, they strangle teams out of games and they work incredibly hard for each other.

“They’re hard to break down and they’ve got some great offensive players as well.

“It’s going to be a hard test for us but hopefully our fans can get our place rocking and we can put in a really good performance but most importantly, get the two points.

“We’re first on the ladder but in the last few weeks, I don’t think it’s any secret that there’s been a bit of chopping and changing and we haven’t been playing as well as what we’d like.

“At the same time, you’d rather be sat where we are on the ladder in the knowledge that there’s still a lot of improvement to come.

“Overall, we’re happy with where we’re sat but there’s still a lot to come from us. I don’t think we’re anywhere near our potential yet.

“We’re winning games ugly at the moment but I think that’s the sign of a really good team.

“We’ve had a lot of middles go down so there hasn’t been a lot of consistency in the team but hopefully over the next little bit, we can string some games together and show how good we can be.”

Since joining from Catalans Dragons in the off-season, Drinkwater has featured in all but one of The Wire’s games in 2023 as he builds his partnership with George Williams.

With the England skipper shining on the left edge, the Australian has taken on more of an organisational role but admits he isn’t quite satisfied with his own displays yet.

“Personally, I don’t think I’ve played anywhere near my best,” he said.

“For me with so many new players and combinations coming in, I wanted to make sure I put the team first and put my own displays on the back burner.

“From now on, I’ll start to worry a little bit more about myself and playing well but I’ve had chats with Powelly about that.

“I’m happy with where we’re going as a team and although I don’t think I’m playing my best, I’d rather it be that way if it means the team keeps winning.”