December 2003
26th December. Boxing Day friendly Warrington 26 Widnes 26.
24th December.Super League IX Squad Numbers Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his squad for Tetley's Super League IX: 1. Daryl Cardiss 2. John Wilshere 3. Brent Grose 4. Ben Westwood 5. Graham Appo 6. Lee Briers 7. Nat Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton 11. Darren Burns 12. Ian Sibbit 13. Mike Forshaw 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Jerome Guisset 16. Paul Wood 17. Warren Stevens 18. Paul Noone 19. Gary Hulse 20. Dean Gaskell 21. Matt Sturm 22. Danny Lima 23. Mike Wainwright 24. Nick Owen 25. Richard Varkulis 26. Jamie Durbin .
22nd December. Former St Helens Academy halfback 19 year old Liam McGovern will turn out for Warrington in their boxing day friendly against Widnes at Wilderspool stadium KO 3pm.The ex Halton Hornets junior is included in aside that includes several under 21 regulars as well as senior players Ben Westwood, Jon Clarke, Mark Hilton, Jerome Guisset ,Paul Noone and Gary Hulse.Full Squad v Widnes is as follows Nick Owen , Phil Berry, Richard Varkulis, Ben Westwood, Dean Gaskell, Jamie Durbin, Gary Hulse, Warren Stevens, Mark Gleeson, Mark Hilton, Mike Wainwright,Jerome Guisset, Paul Noone, Subs.Liam McGovern, John Pickerskill, Steve Pickerskill, Phil Braddish, Dave Ashton.
Home Shirt - Tetley’s Super League IX Warrington Wolves is one of only 3 Super League clubs to have had a stock of the SLIX Home Shirts available for sale prior to Christmas and whilst many more shirts have been received this year, than in previous years, unfortunately the manufacturer is not able to meet the continued demand. A further supply of the Home Shirts will now be available in early in the New Year. The Club has done its utmost to ensure shirts have been available and can only apologise to those fans that have not yet got their shirt, but every effort continues to be made to get more shirts into the shop as a matter of urgency. The number of shirts already sold would in any previous year have supplied demand for at least a couple of months. The unprecedented level of interest in all Wolves merchandise really does indicate a bright future for the Wolves. Ideal Christmas gifts are still available in Wolfware and these include Season Tickets/Junior Season Tickets, Tickets for the Wire FM Boxing Day Challenge, Gift Vouchers and tickets for the inaugural opening Tetley’s Super League IX fixture v. Wakefield Wildcats on Saturday 21st February 2004, kick off 6.05pm: Ground and East Stand.
19th December. Warrington Wolves will meet Widnes Vikings and Salford City Reds in friendlies ahead of the Tetley's Rugby Super League IX season. The Wolves are already back in training for the new campaign, which sees them kick off at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday 21 February against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. They will take on Widnes Vikings in the Wire FM Boxing Day Challenge at Wilderspool (3pm) in their first pre-season game. Paul Cullen's side are then hoping to host Leigh Centurions on Sunday 4 January in Mark Hilton's testimonial game, with the final details currently being confirmed. They will then take on newly-promoted Salford City Reds on Sunday 1 February (3pm) in their final game before the start of the new season. Tickets for the Widnes and Salford clashes are on sale now, priced at £10 (£5 concession) for ground admission and £12 (£6) for seats in the Brian Bevan Stand. Supporters will also be able to pay on the day at the games.
18th December.Woody Faces Surgery Warrington Wolves prop Paul Wood is due to see a specialist on Friday with regards to a rip to the cartilage in his shoulder which recent scans have indicated. If surgery is required it will be done on Friday, if that is the decision of the specialist. The injury is specific to the GB v New Zealand A game and GB have taken the responsibility for the medical procedures. Paul Wood is still expected to be available for the start of Tetley's Super League IX.
17th December. Home Shirt - Super League IX Season The Club would like to apologise to all of our fans for the delay in the Home Shirts for the 2004 season arriving at the shop at Wilderspool. This delay has unfortunately been totally out of the control of the Club. Whilst the original shirt launch date of 4 December 2003 for fans wanting their shirt for Christmas, has unfortunately not been achieved, we have now been advised that the shirts will be available for purchase from this weekend. Due to this delay, the Club shop will open on Sunday 21 December 2003 between the hours of 11.00 am and 3.00 pm for the benefit of our loyal fans (the best in Super League!) Our apologies once again. The prices are as last year: £42.00 for Adults in sizes S,M,L-XXXXXXL and £32.00 for the children Small Boys - XS. Picture.
11th December. NOMADIC John Wilshere is hoping that he has finally found his spiritual home after signing a two-year contract with Warrington Wolves. And fans' favourite Graham Appo will continue to do his best to make the 25-year-old feel at home as quickly as possible by living with him. Versatile back Wilshere, with pace to burn, has flittered from club to club in his Rugby League career down under. He has only previously put pen to paper on one-year deals but he told the Guardian from his Australia home that he believes now is the time to put some stability in his life. Wilshere is determined to make the most of his opportunity to ply his trade on English soil and he wants to make a name for himself as a top-notch Super League performer. The Papua New Guinea international said: "I feel good about my decision to come over to England and I am relishing the challenge. I have signed a two-year contract but I am hoping to stay even longer if I can. "My aim at Warrington is to make a bigger impact than I have at my other clubs. I want to establish myself as a really good Super League player and will be giving 100 per cent in every game." Wilshere, who has joined the Wolves from St George Illawarra following spells at Perth Reds, Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm, added: "Warrington coach Paul Cullen has given me a great opportunity by signing me for the Wolves .
The Wire have made improvements to players contracts this week. They have improved the contracts of three players while two others who have rejected terms have joined Leigh. Scrum half Jamie Durbin and full back or winger Nick Owen have had their contracts improved to fit them in with full-time training. Forward Steve Pickersgill has agreed and signed a new two-year deal as his contract had run out. All three players did well at under 18s and under 21s level for Wolves last season and the club have high hopes of them progressing to Super League level. Meanwhile, back rower Tommy Grundy and stand off Mike Govin were released after failing to agree terms with Wolves and will be appearing for Darren Abram's Leigh side in National League One. Wolves chief Paul Cullen offered Lancashire Under 18s Academy players Grundy and Govin part-time deals but they were keen for full time action and decided to move on. Wolves decided not to request transfer fees for them so that they could continue their career development. Last year Steve Maden, Paul Allcock and Jon Hill were among the young players who left the club.
More on the Youngsters.
Jamie Durbin, 19 given a three year contract . Jamie signed for the Wolves when he was 12 from Halton Hornets ARLFC, Widnes and has played for the Wolves in the Junior and Senior Academy. This season Jamie has made 17 appearances for the Senior Academy scoring 3 tries and 2 Drop Goals. He made his debut for the first team in a pre-season friendly against his home town team Widnes in the WIRE FM Boxing Day Challenge (26/12/02) scoring a try. Jamie was also selected as the August 2003 edition RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD'S Young Player to watch. Jamie featured at scrum half in the New Zealand 'A' tour game in October 2003. Position: Scrum Half DOB: 07.09.84 Height: 1.68m Weight: 65kg Junior Club: Halton Hornets ARLFC Jamie commented on going full time, "I have really enjoyed my time at Warrington Wolves and have worked well under the current coaching staff, so much so I want to carry on my career here. I am aiming to break into the first team squad with a view to becoming a regular."
Steve Pickersgill, 18 second row/forward. Steve has signed with the Wolves under an educational apprenticeship inconjunction with Warrington Borough Council. Rugby League runs in the family, his father; Roy played for Warrington in the 1970s and his brother John Pickersgill plays with the Warrington's U21s. 'Pick' is sponsored by Squadbuilder - fans organisation in which they pay his wages by contributing £5.00 a month. Steve has played mainly for the U18's this season, but has lined up next to his brother in the U21s scoring 3 tries from 6 appearances. Position: Second Row DOB: 28.11.85 Height: 1.90m Weight: 90kg Junior Club: Crosfields ARLFC, Warrington
Nick Owen, 19, fullback signed from Woolston Rovers in 2001 and has worked his way up through the ranks featuring in 2001/2002 in the Junior Academy before moving into the Senior Academy last season, this season he has made 14 appearances, scoring 2 tries and kicking 63 goals and 1 Drop Goal. Nick made his first team debut for the Wolves in the WIRE FM Boxing Day Challenge (26/12/02) scoring a try and being chosen as the Man of the Match. Nick played fullback in the New Zealand 'A' tour match in October 2003. Position: Fullback DOB: 16.10.84 Height: 1.80m Weight: 84kg Junior Club: Woolston Rovers ARLFC Nick Owen, is a Warringtonian and it is very important for him to play his home town team, "I am pushing for a first team place, whether it is coming off the bench or starting, my main aim this season is to make and impact and be noticed. I have never considered going to another club as Warrington is my home town team and everyone always wants to play for their town team and I've achieved it." Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "We are balancing the short term immediate needs of a progressive Senior squad with the long term production of our own young talent. Owen and Durbin are working full time within the Senior squad already and we expect Pickersgill to be breaking into that environment very shortly."
Full-time squad as it currently stands: Daryl Cardiss, John Wilshere, Graham Appo, Nick Owen (from Academy u21s), Ben Westwood, Dean Gaskell, Brent Grose, lan Sibbit, Richard Varkulis, Lee Briers, Gary Hulse, Nathan Wood, Jamie Durbin, Mark Hilton, Chris Leikvoll, Danny Lima, Warren Stevens, Jerome Guisset, Matt Sturm, Jon Clarke, Mark Gleeson, Darren Burns, Mike Forshaw, Paul Noone. Players in negotiations: Paul Wood, Mike Wainwright.
Paul Cullens Squad by positions: Full backs: Cardiss, Wiishere, Appo, Owen; wingers, Wilshere, Westwood, Gaskell, Appo, Grose, Cardiss, Owen, Varkulis; centres, Grose, Sibbit, Westwood, Wilshere, Appo, Varkulis; stand offs, Briers, Appo, Hulse; scrum halfs, N Wood, Briers, Hulse, Durbin; props, Hilton, Leikvoll, Lima, Stevens, Guisset, Sturm; hookers, Clarke, Gleeson, N. Wood, Hulse; back rowers, Burns, Forshaw, Noone, Sibbit, Guisset, Sturm, Clarke, Varkulis. Players in negotiations: P Wood, prop or back row; Wainwright, back row.
8th December.WIRE FM BOXING DAY CHALLENGE Warington Wolves confirm that the Wire FM Boxing Day Challenge will take place this year at Wilderspool. Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings Friday 26th December 2003 Kick Off 3.00pm Ticket Prices: Brian Bevan Stand Adult: £12.00 Concession: £6.00 Ground Adult: £10.00 Concession: £5.00 Pay on Turnstile.
Warrington Wolves have won the Super League marketing award for the third year running, the community programme run by the club is the biggest in the North West.They even managed to win the gorilla award for the tongue in cheek poster advertising a recent game against Widnes Poster here which depicted a 3 eyed fish and industrial chimneys. They also won best mascot in Wolfie and Gina Goldrich was voted best media and public relations person.
6 th December.WARRINGTON Wolves' new recruit Mike Forshaw will not be training with the Wire squad until December 22. He is being allowerd time off after his efforts for Great Britain in the Test series with Australia but the 33-year-old is looking forward to his new start with Wolves. After winning three trophy's with Bradford this year followed by internationals with Great Britain, Warrington fans will be hoping that Mike is as eager for success has he has been with BradfordHowever .this is not the case, Forshaw said: "If anything, there's probably a little bit of pressure off me next year at Warrington. The bonus side to that is maybe I'll enjoy playing a little bit more next year and when you're enjoying it, you play your best rugby. "I've not given up on playing in finals. My opinion of next year with Warrington is that we can start off by having a good crack at the Challenge Cup. "Warrington went out to Bradford in the fourth round this year but maybe next season could be the year of the wolf in the Challenge Cup.".Mike consoders that he has a lot to offer The Wire, he said: "I always give 100 per cent, I'm quite a fit player and I've got a lot of experience. "The challenge for me at Warrington is that maybe I can help bring on some of the good young players at the club and take a bit of pressure off Paul Cullen. "I've a lot of experience and technically I'm switched on about the game. If I make a little bit of difference in that respect let's hope it can make a big difference by the end of next year."
4 th December. Varkulis Makes the Grade Warrington Wolves have signed their U21s centre Richard Varkulis, 20 on a full time contract for one year. Richard made an impact on the U21s this season when he scored 30 tries in 24 games. Richard signed from Leigh Miners ARLFC, but has also played for Leigh Academy in 2000. He also played for BARLA Great Britain Young Lions in 2001. Varkulis made his first grade debut for the Wolves against New Zealand 'A' on October 26th. Richard Varkulis was delighted to sign a full time contract after finishing his Sports Science course at Liverpool John Moores University, "I like the set up at the Wolves and the coaching staff are great, they have offered me a full time contract and are investing in me, which I intend to pay them back by giving my all. The club is going places and I want to be part of it. I intend to train hard and break into the first team and then establish myself as a first team regular." Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "Richard has signed a one year deal, full time contract, he has the potential to offer a very powerful and dynamic element to our squad and we will offer him every facility to fulfil that."
Lee Briers will find out if he will be able to start the Rugby Super League against Wakefield at the clubs training camp in Lanzarote, It is a month since Lee had another operation on his broken Scaphoid, since then it has all been about recovery.Paul Cullen said: "There was a slight concern about infection both in his wrist and hip (from where he had a graft) but a course of antibiotics are seeing to that. "He has not been able to do any rehabilitation whatsoever in the period because the stitches are still in the hip and wrist and it is all being assessed on a weekly basis and he is progressing through it. Lee's current rest time followed three months on the sidelines trying to recover from the initial injury he gained in the home defeat of London Broncos in July and he is now missing out on pre-season training and the conditioning work for the year ahead. " Cullen added: "What we intend to do is to get Lee fit enough to travel to Lanzarote in January and do conditioning work with him at that point." "It is not an impossibility for Lee to start the season. "He won't be rushed and he won't be risked in any way but we haven't ruled him out. "We've got to give him some achievable and realistic goals to help him through what is a difficult period for him."
The club's overseas players will arrive in Britain between Christmas and New Year to enable them to settle in before the Lanzarote trip although they will all miss Wolves' friendly with Widnes Vikings at Wilderspool Stadium on Boxing Day.
A match in aid of Mark Hilton's Testimonial year is being arranged for January 4 and that will be the first chance for Wolves fans to catch a glimpse of any new players that may be selected. Cullen's last chance to give players field time before the start of the 2004 term will be in the friendly against promoted Salford City Reds on February 1.
Other injury concerns include full -back Daryl Cardiss who is recovering well from a shoulder operation - and he should be back in mainstream training soon but Matt Sturm has been sidelined with an ankle injury.
