12:05pm Friday 6th June 2008
By Chris Flanagan
WOLVES skipper Adrian Morley says the players must respond in the right way to Paul Cullen's departure and prove what they are capable of at Harlequins on Sunday.
The clash with Brian McDermott's side is difficult to predict because of the large bearing that Wolves' mental state could have on the match.
Morley says the players needed all of last week to come to terms with Cullen's exit but reckons they are starting to focus on rugby league again and should produce a response at the Stoop.
He said: "With the turmoil the club's had over the past week or two, this really should be a case of the boys standing up, putting on a united front and showing everyone what they can do.
"The decision for Cull to leave can work either of two ways.
"The players can throw the towel in, say the season's gone now and let's look forward to next year or it can have a real positive effect where the boys really try to show what they can do. I'm pretty sure it will be a positive reaction.
"As unfortunate as the situation is, life does go on. This is Jimmy's first game in charge so the boys will be trying to show Jimmy what they can do plus any other potential coaches as well.
"Last week was terrible really.
"A lot of players were disappointed to say the least and very disillusioned and dejected.
"Jimmy knew he wasn't going to get much out of us last week.
"We did train but it was a case of going through the motions.
"He said that we should try to get over it as best as you can but on Monday he needed us 100 per cent focused to win what is a very important game on Sunday.
"As captain, I've just been trying to keep the boys upbeat.
"Cull is a top guy and no-one likes to see a friend lose his job.
"But we are all professionals and you've got to take the personal emotion out of the decision.
"Even though we're out of the cup and we're out of the top six at the moment, there's a great deal to play for and if we get a bit of confidence and form back we can get something from this year."
Morley feels injuries as well as a lack of form and confidence have been among the reasons for Wolves' failings and says a number of players are taking to the field with injuries.
The prop admits high expectations can sometimes be an additional burden but insists that none of their recent problems should have prevented them from matching those expectations.
He said: "I think it can be a burden but the expectation is justified. If you look at the playing squad, it's fantastic.
"We've not performed as we should be doing. The coach has had to take the brunt of the decision, which is unfortunate and the players do feel a certain degree of responsibility for that.
"It's no secret that we've not won any trophies for a long time.
"But every year, with the players we sign, the expectation gets higher and higher.
"Everything's in place, that's why no-one can put their finger on what's not going right.
"We've got all the junior development in place, the new stadium and the quality playing roster. It's just one element missing and no-one knows what it is.
"We need to get up to where we think we belong."
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisischeshire.co.uk