Matty Ashton is still learning to be a winger – despite Warrington’s start
MATTY Ashton and Warrington are far from winging it as they look to notch a magnificent seven of victories.
But the Wolves star admits he is still learning the role he occupies in Daryl Powell’s team.
Ashton may be seen streaking down the flanks on a regular basis as the mood around the club has turned on its head after 2022’s nightmare.
Which is some going considering he holds his hands up – he is not yet a winger by trade. His full back past is still a big part of his game.
Ashton said: “I’m learning the role each week but I’ve still got a long way to go yet – winger’s my spot for now, though.
“Playing wing is still new to me really. It’s more the defensive side I need to learn, things like my positioning and bringing the ball from my own end.
“It helps with a bit of speed and size, so I need to improve on that and improve my carries.”
Warrington’s start to 2023 justifies sticking with Powell after they ended an embarrassing 11th in Super League last term.
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Ask any fan and he would have been the favourite to be first coach to lose his job – but signing a pack worthy of the name is having the desired effect.
Sam Kasiano may be banned and Josh McGuire may be serving the last of his seven-game suspension, while this will be Thomas Mikaele’s last game before heading back to Australia.
But Ashton believes the likes of Paul Vaughan and Gil Dudson, alongside players like James Harrison, Daryl Clark, Ben Currie and Matty Nicholson, have added what was needed.
And pride in the badge on the shirt is showing.
The 24-year-old added: “Everyone who’s come in has added something and you can see they’re playing for the badge.
“You can see they’re happy to be here, you can tell by their performances. You can see the pack’s bigger and better from the way people like George Williams are playing.
“The forwards get the ball rolling and that helps our halves out. It even helps me out as a winger as we get the ball in better positions.
“And the mood is very different than last year. Obviously, it helps when you’re winning but we’re building some trust together.
“The biggest difference is those effort areas – we’re playing for the badge a lot more and you can see we’re playing with a smile on our faces too.
“Last year, we all went through stages when we didn’t come to work smiling. It was a tough place to be around and it didn’t help with so many players chopping and changing, it was hard to get stability.”
Ashton hopes to play a starring role on national terrestrial TV as today’s clash with Hull is being broadcast on Channel 4.
That will certainly help him become better known in his home town of Rochdale, as long as it is not the better version of Hull FC former Warrington coach Tony Smith brings to town.
He told SunSport: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s class with the game being on Channel 4. If it helps grow the game, I’m happy.
“But Hull can beat anyone on their day, you don’t know what to expect at times. We’re not walking in thinking we’re going to win but we are very confident in our ability. Hopefully we can get the win.”