IN many ways, this was “mission accomplished” for Warrington Wolves.

Of course, that is far from the case in the long term but in this little block of fixtures, they can be happy with the job they have done.

Their post-Wembley wobble knocked them off course and steadying the ship – both in terms of result and performance – was critical in the three-game run either side of the international break.

With due respect to Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants and, latterly, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington had a presentable schedule with which to achieve that.

Performance levels have differed – error-strewn at Hull, functional and professional against Huddersfield and somewhere between the two in this game – but results-wise, they are firmly back on track.

And while they were not quite at their razor-sharp best in Round 17, it was still more than enough to win comfortably against a Rhinos side going through a period of transition.

At times, it was much nervier than it should have been, particularly in the opening period of the second half. Indeed, when Ned McCormack crossed for Leeds’ third try, they still had the best part of eight minutes to play with George Williams in the sin bin and the prospect of their lead evaporating seemed quite real.

That was as nervous as it got, though – aided by their opponents’ lack of precision and care for the ball, they managed to take the sting out of the situation well and keep themselves at arm’s length.

There will be disappointment that they did not kick on to record as dominant a victory as they did last week, but few opponents will lie down and accept their fate as Huddersfield did.

In the opening few minutes, another procession looked likely – their first two attacks resulted in tries and they seemed well placed to put a vulnerable visiting outfit to the sword.

That did not quite happen partly down to a show of resilience from the visitors, who deserve credit for fighting back and making a contest of things, but partly down to Wire’s execution being a little off.

Whether it was kicks that went either too short or too deep or plays not quite clicking, they never really made full use of what was a solid first half until a late burst that effectively won them the game.

At the heart of that – and pretty much everything positive in primrose and blue – was Matt Dufty, who continues to have the season of a lifetime.

There will always be those who are not convinced by the Australian defensively and flashes of why have reared their head at times this season, but he cannot do much more than he is doing with the ball.

The anticipation when he has it in his hands is palpable, as is the collective horror and intake of breath when he stays down following the increasing number of hits and knocks he is putting himself through.

The long and short of it is Warrington would be half the side without him and if they are to challenge this year, his durability – another impressive trait – will have to remain.

Coming up, though, are the kind of games in which he was brought in to stand out in.

Trips to St Helens and Wigan Warriors and a home game against Hull KR is a run quite apart from the one they have had and will test every facet of their game.

They enter it in a good position and in the knowledge that this is their chance to prove themselves as genuine contenders not just for a play-off spot or a top-four place, but a finish inside the all-important top two.

Second spot is very much up for grabs and for now, Wire are very much in an admittedly packed conversation for it.

Whether they still are in three weeks’ time depends very much on whether or not they take forward the positives they have shown of late and learn lessons from the things upon which they can still improve.