By Chris Lord
September 10 2006

Paul Cullen was more then delighted after Warrington finally secured their place in the play-offs by beating inform Hull FC. Click to read more.

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Warrington: 26 Hull FC: 14

Warrington coach Paul Cullen was delighted with his team's turnaround in fortunes as they booked their place in the engage Super League play-offs with a 26-14 home win over Hull FC.

The Wolves had put their top-six spot in jeopardy after losing eight of their previous 11 matches, including a 54-16 hammering at Leeds Rhinos just a week earlier.

But they produced some of their best rugby of the season to inflict on Hull FC only their second defeat in 16 matches under Australian coach Peter Sharp.

"It was a great improvement," said Cullen, whose side face a trip to Leeds Rhinos or Bradford Bulls in the first round of the Grand Final series.

"It has been a tough week to rebuild the confidence on the back of the good hiding we got at Headingley. The players ran their legs to water, it was a great effort."

Skipper Lee Briers scored 14 of his side's points with five goals and the match-clinching try, but Cullen had special praise for full-back Stuart Reardon, who pulled off a series of magnificent tackles to thwart a second-half fightback from the visitors.

"It was a breathtaking display," said Cullen.

"He was man of the match by a mile. He is an outstanding athlete who returns the ball as good as any full-back in the country."