TONY Smith has praised the response of half backs Richie Myler and Gareth O’Brien after they were dropped earlier in the season.

Smith admitted to dropping Myler, who has suffered an injury-hit season, after the Challenge Cup semi final with Leeds Rhinos, while O’Brien spent time at partner club Swinton.

But he has stuck with the pair in Wolves’ last five fixtures and is confident they have proved their worth.

“They’ve been terrific – attitude wise there’s never been an issue,” said Smith.

“Attitude wise they understand that if they’re not in good form, sometimes they’re not going to make the team. If they perform well, they know they will be in the team.

“There’s never been an issue with any of that sort of stuff. Their response is as you would expect any professional sportsperson to when they’ve either been dropped or left out of a game.

“They’ve come back stronger and more determined and in better form, they’ve certainly done that, so their response has been as you would wish.”

Wolves have had a number of combinations in the halves this season, with Stefan Ratchford and Chris Bridge also spending time there.

But Smith is pleased his current pairing are beginning to click.

“They’ve built up a good combination together and our kicking game is much better,” added Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby.

“Their combinations and passing and understanding of one another has been much better. We’re grateful for that combination to come off for us.

“The idea is to have good combinations no matter who you put in there, but sometimes that takes a little time, particularly when you’re dealing with young people.”