CHRIS Hill and Kevin Brown are expected to remain as captain and vice-captain of Warrington Wolves – but Steve Price says he is yet to make a final decision.

Hill was first handed the captaincy ahead of the 2016 campaign by Tony Smith and Price saw enough to let him keep the job for last season.

Price did name Brown as his new vice-captain ahead of 2018 and the pair led The Wire to both major finals.

The likes of Mike Cooper and Jack Hughes have been tipped for leadership roles, but Price praised the jobs Hill and Brown have done.

“I have been very happy with what Chris and Kev do in the way they lead our team,” he said.

“Chris has done a tremendous job for us and I’m very happy with his captaincy going forward.

“I’m also very happy with Kev and how he contributes as a vice-captain.

“I’ve got a bit of thinking to do prior to Leeds in terms of whether I go for a different angle, but I’ll make that decision in the coming weeks.”

Kevin Brown – who is in the final year of his Warrington contract – looks set to remain as vice-captain for 2019

Price’s decision may become a little clearer on Sunday when The Wire play their first pre-season friendly – Ryan Atkins’ testimonial match against Widnes Vikings at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Blake Austin and Jason Clark are set for their first run-outs in a Warrington shirt, as are fellow new additions Jake Mamo, Danny Walker, Lama Tasi and Matt Davis.

They all look set to form a part of a strong Wire team that lines up against their neighbours and Price underlined the importance of getting a quality run-out as well as celebrating Atkins’ Wire career.

“Ryan has made a great contribution to Warrington Wolves,” he said.

“Anyone who gets a testimonial in today’s game deserves full credit.

“It’s going to be a special occasion for Ryan on Sunday and it’s important that we represent him and everything we stand for to the best of our ability.

“It’s going to be a good hit-out for us and it’s something Ryan and the team are all looking forward to.”

Ryan Atkins' testimonial match will be against Widnes Vikings on Sunday. Picture by Mike Boden

Another issue that might move a step closer to being resolved on Sunday is that of who will start the season as The Wire’s first-choice goal kicker.

It is believed Austin, Stefan Ratchford and Declan Patton are all in the running for the job.

“We’ve got a number of candidates. Blake Austin kicked during his earlier career in the NRL and he’s got a really solid strike on him.

“Stef Ratchford can kick and Dec Patton is a handy goalkicker as well.

“We’ll put a fair amount of work into that over the coming weeks and we’ll make a decision in due course.

“All three are knocking them over from all round the park, so it’s a tough one to pick.”

Warrington Guardian:

Blake Austin is a contender to be The Wire's lead goal-kicker this year

The squad spent last week on the Algarve as their preparations for the new campaign stepped up a gear.

They returned to England on Monday morning and are now back training at their regular Padgate base.

Price was thankful for the time his side were able to spend at Brown’s Sports and Leisure Complex in Vilamoura in what was their first overseas camp since his arrival.

“The facilities were very handy for us,” he said.

“Everything is central and everything flows, from the villas to the gym, the field, recovery and weights.

“The CEO and the board agreed to us coming abroad, which gives us a little more chance to grow as a team and a club.

“It’s a great location and it’s a good opportunity to bring the team together.

“We’ve had a bit of fun, but most importantly we’ve worked hard.

“We had to change a few things within the club last year.

“Our priority was to change a bit of our mindset and credit to the players because they’ve done that.”