NEW signings Ashton Sims and Gary Wheeler impressed Tony Smith in last night’s friendly win, but the Warrington Wolves boss insists competition for places in his squad is higher than ever.

Former NRL man Sims looks set to be an instant fans’ favourite after a strong performance against Widnes Vikings at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Wheeler, signed from St Helens in the off-season, showed signs of what a useful addition he may prove should the 25-year-old stave off injury this year.

Warrington’s head of coaching and rugby Smith said: “I thought Sims was right up there in some of our better performers.

“Everybody did pretty well, but I think Sims was very good in his go forward and looked the business.

“To be thrown into a team where you don’t know too many people and with new systems, it’s a tough thing to do. I thought he did really well considering that.”

Smith continued: “Wheeler, good, left centre for most of it. He played the last 20 minutes at left half back and showed some real good glimpses.

“He’s going to be a good player for us this year and a real good addition to us. He suits our style of play as well, somebody that likes to attack and can really put the foot down when he needs to.”

Smith also reserved praise for wingers Gene Ormsby and Kevin Penny, the latter missed the second half of last season through injury.

“The two boys on the wing were very, very good,” added Smith. “Gene looked really strong and had a couple of outside chances.

“One he probably would take with a few more matches under his belt. Kev was really strong and nearly had a couple himself.

“He had a really good attempt in the left hand corner, but I thought it was the right call by the touch judge. He’s fighting hard for it.”

Smith handed game time to youngsters Dec Patton, Joe Philbin and Tom Walker in the second half, while King brothers George and Toby also featured.

Hooker Andy Ackers, who arrived on a four-week trial from Swinton Lions earlier this week, did also not look out of place among those in primrose and blue.

And the strength-in-depth displayed by Wolves delighted former Great Britain coach Smith.

“One of the things about our joint this year, more so than probably in the time I’ve been here, is more competition for places,” he explained.

“I’ve got a real headache and that’s great. We’ve got some boys, big names, that weren’t playing so it’s going to be a tough job for me.

“A lot more well known names came off in the second half and I looked out there and thought ‘jeez, that’s still a pretty good team out there’.

“Not too many of them would have looked out of place in the first team.”