TONY Smith praised Stefan Ratchford and Roy Asotasi for the role they played in Warrington Wolves’ win at Castleford Tigers.

Ratchford impressed from full back, while Smith believes the 30-14 win at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle was Asotasi’s best performance in a Wolves shirt.

“I thought he (Ratchford) was tremendous tonight,” said Smith. “I joke around with him each Monday or Friday after our Thursday games and joke ‘which position am I going to put you in this week Stef?’

“He just puts his hands up and says ‘whatever coach’, and I know whatever means whichever one I put him in he’ll play well.

“The only position I haven’t put him in this year at any stage is prop. He might get a shot at that – I reckon he’d make a fist of that as well!”

On Asotasi’s performance, Smith added: “I thought from his first carry his late footwork there was awesome. He was as effective as he’s been all season.

“It’s hard for overseas players. Everybody expects them to just come in and be terrific but it takes time for a lot of them. I can give you many examples over the years.

“Some have gone on to be fantastic players but they weren’t in their first season. I was really pleased for him, a good contribution to the team.”

Michael Monaghan appeared to be limping on the touchline, but Smith said the joint-skipper will be fine for next week.

“He’s just got a bit of tightness in the calf,” he explained. “We scanned him during the week and there’s nothing in there, it was just a precaution.”