'We'll come back every year' (From This Is Cheshire)

Warrington Wolves hope for return invitation to Barcelona

12:37pm Sunday 21st June 2009 in Sport By Connor Murphy

WOLVES hope to make their showpiece game in Barcelona a regular occasion following a 24-12 win against Catalans Dragons at the Olympic Stadium.

More than 18,000 people watched the Super League clash, creating a carnival atmosphere and making the ambitious game an overwhelming success.

Dragons took the game to Barcelona as part of an ongoing push to develop rugby league throughout Catalonia, especially across the Spanish border.

And Warrington were the team chosen to enjoy the spectacle with them after consistently taking the largest travelling support to Perpignan during Catalans' first three years in the league.

The Wolves players and staff were the grateful beneficiaries of that decision and Adrian Morley was glad the team were able to overcome the occasion to record their first 'away' win at Catalans in three years.

He said: "It was a fantastic atmosphere. It’s always good, even when we play in the south of France.

"The Warrington fans were as excellent as always and made plenty of noise. It was a great atmosphere and great occasion.

"We didn’t have the best record going to the south of France with the travel and the heat so it was great to get the win.

"It just adds to the character and we have to keep building now."

Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith supported his skipper's view.

The Australian heaped praise on his team's fans for their dedicated support and hopes Wolves are invited back to Barcelona in the near future.

He said: "We can’t always reward the fans with a win.

"For so many of them to come all this way was fantastic and it was a great atmosphere between the two sets of fans. It has been all around the city leading up to this game.

"We’ve seen so many jerseys from Catalans and Warrington in the last few days and it’s been a great experience and great for rugby league for it to be that carnival-type atmosphere in the city.

"It’s got to have captured the attention of the locals as well. It’s got to be good for our game and if we’re asked to come again I think we’d put our hand up.

"Years ago in Australia, St George used to play a lot of games in Adelaide and they’d promote the game.

"I wouldn’t mind us coming to Barcelona every year, so let’s try and start that tradition. We’d be happy with that."