TONY Smith has called on Wolves’ young players to step up to the mark as he looks to build lasting success.

Warrington’s head of coaching and rugby is a firm believer in utilising a blend of youth and experience in his teams and developing homegrown talent.

Wolves have made progress on both counts this year, with the likes of Ben Harrison, Chris Riley and Mike Cooper all performing impressively at first-grade level, while the club’s academy set-up goes from strength to strength.

But Smith is keen for more young players to earn their place in his squad.

The Australian’s Super League-winning sides at Leeds were based around a quality, experienced core supplemented by young academy products and he is aiming to build a similar model at Warrington.

He said: “I’m pleased with how some of the younger players have stepped up. It’s great that they get some of that experience and it does them good.

“They’ve been taking their chances pretty well but they’re still learning. There are some aspects of the game that they’re working on and trying to improve on behind the scenes and probably don’t stand out so much to some people onlooking and watching the game.

“They’re making some progress and they’re getting better and that’s all you can ask for from your young people as a coach, that they’re willing to learn and improve and they’re working hard in training to address those things.

“I like to have the blend of youth within the team but only if it’s warranted though.

“You don’t pick young people for the sake of it, they need to deserve their position and work hard for their position in order to gain experience.

“It’s a tough one for kids because they learn from experience but sometimes it’s hard for them to gain experience as well. But at the moment some of those kids are stepping up and doing a good job so I’m pleased for them and long may that continue.

“I’d also like to see some other young people, some new faces, in our team by the end of the year as well.”

While Smith has been impressed by his young players, he is hoping to have three of his more experienced performers back for Saturday’s game at Hull FC, kick off 6pm.