WOLVES head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith praised the professionalism of his players after they overcame the loss of key players to thump Featherstone Rovers.

Already missing captain Adrian Morley and playmaker Lee Briers, Warrington lost Paul Rauhihi to injury on Saturday and then Vinnie Anderson on the morning of the game.

Anderson was unable to travel to West Yorkshire for the Challenge Cup round five clash after his wife gave birth late yesterday.

But, despite those setbacks, Wolves put in a convincing display, cruising to a 56-8 win, which delighted Smith.

He said: "We had a couple of late withdrawals. Paul Rauhihi pulled out yesterday and Vinnie Anderson was up all last night because his wife gave birth, so we found out about his absence this morning.

"I thought, considering those late adjustments, we handled it in an exceptionally professional way.

"They are a good team, very good for Championship level and they’re good with the ball, which showed in their first try.

"But I was pretty pleased with all aspects of our game."

Wolves suffered a scare when Fev capitalised on their indifferent start to take the lead on nine minutes.

Penalties were given away and errors committed to hand their Co-operative Championship opponents good field position and invite early pressure.

But Smith said he never had any doubt the tide would turn in his side's favour and believed the final scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.

He said: "Even during that period I thought our defence was very good and signs were there right through with the ball and without the ball.

"I don’t think we were troubled in any area, except on the one play for their first try.

"They are a very good team for their division and they will win more games than they lose this season.

"They were very spirited as well but I think the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game."