IT was a tough afternoon for the youngsters during Warrington Wolves' heavy defeat to Huddersfield Giants, according to boss Tony Smith.

Wolves were beaten 48-10 at the John Smith’s Stadium, with Jermaine McGillvary scoring four tries for the hosts.

Warrington’s head of coaching and rugby says Mitch Dodds, arriving from Brisbane Broncos for next year, will help solve his side’s defensive problems.

But in the mean time Smith says his side were lacking some experience against a side who guaranteed a top-four place with this win.

"Some of it's technique, some attitude and some experience as well,” he said about Wolves’ defensive performance.

“We had some young boys who were trying to play their best and match it with a top four team.

"It was a bit much for some of them. You only have to have one or two that are off and I thought we had three or four.

"It's not pleasant to watch and it's not pleasant to partake in. It's tough, and it's tough for the players."

Smith added: "We're trying to recruit in the areas we need. It's probably been shown up again this afternoon.

"We've conceded way too many points. We want to be up the top of the defensive ladder. He (Mitch Dodds) can help us in that area."

Wolves had little of the ball in the second half, but Smith said the visitors did not deserve it.

"They were a team playing very confidently, they smelt blood and went for it,” he explained.

"Defensively we were pretty soft. Second half we couldn't get a hold of the ball; I think we had nine sets after 36 minutes in the second half.

"We didn't deserve to get hold of the ball as we just weren't tough enough without it."

However it was not made any easier for the travelling Wire side when they lost their right edge, Gary Wheeler and Joel Monaghan, early in the first half.

Smith said: "That's what you've got to cope with (injuries. to lose two outside backs isn't ideal.

"I made three subs in the first 10 minutes but you've got to be able to handle that, soak that up.

"Gary Wheeler has got a heel injury, he's got some sort of bruising on his heel. He had a needle at half time as he knew we were desperate for numbers.

"Joel's tweaked something in his knee; we'll have to get him scanned in the next couple of days.

"I had to take (Daryl) Clarky off, he was limping by the end there."