31st October.Briers Out Warrington Wolves Captain Lee Briers is due to undergo surgery to reconstruct his scaphoid of the left wrist, which he originally broke against London Broncos on Sunday 13th July. He is expected to be sidelined for a further four to six months after surgery, Lee missed the rest of the season after sustaining the injury. Lee played 35 minutes of the second half of the Round 18 game with the injury scoring his second try of the game and kicking 3 goals. Lee played 15 games in Tetley's Super League VIII and scored 7 tries, 64 goals and 4 drop goals with a total of 160 points. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "Unfortunately our worst fears have now been confirmed that Lee Briers requires surgery to reconstruct his schapoid four months after the original injury sustained against the London Broncos on Sunday 13th July 2003. Alarm bells have been ringing for weeks at Wilderspool after Lee himself expressed concerns about the pain and inability of the wrist. The recovery could be anything from 4-6 months from operation date, which will hopefully be within the next few days. We have been very surprised and concerned at Lee's inclusion in the Welsh squad in preparation for their match against Russia last week, Australia on Sunday and England A the following week. We have been informed that Lee has been weight training with the Welsh squad in preparation whilst his wrist is still broken. We are also greatly concerned that the medical protocol required for international duties has not been followed to the letter in this extreme case and we will be taking this matter up with the relevant authorities at the highest level."

30th October. Following a successful coaching programme in the Grappenhall Giants Cluster 260 school children attended Warrington Sports Club to take part in the first individual boys and girls festivals. Inconjunction with Arriva Sportsmatch funding the festival is the Wolves best ever attended Cluster festival. The Fair Play Winners were St.Thomas for the girls and Appleton Thorn for the Boys. Individual stars for the day were Tom Watkin from Grappenhall Heys and Jenny George from Stockton Heath.

29th October.Wood Calls for Support. Great Britain take on New Zealand 'A' at Headingley Stadium, Leeds on Wednesday 29th October (kick off 8pm), as part of the build up to the Think! Road Safety Test Series against Australia. The game will see Warrington forward Paul Wood complete his remarkable rise to prominence when he makes his Great Britain debut. Wood was David Waite's shock selection for his squad to face Australia in November's Think! Ashes Series, and is set to start against the touring NewZealand 'A' side at Headingley at prop. "I was massively surprised to get the call up into the GB squad", admitted Wood from Great Britain's La Manga training base. "Since I've been out in Spain I've just about managed to get my head around the shock. "We are working well together during training and I'm really enjoying being part of a set up with so many quality players." Wood is urging fans to turn out in force at Headingley to cheer on David Waite's side in their final warm-up game before the Ashes Series starts. "Playing at Headingley is something I'm very excited about, the crowd there are very passionate and I'm sure they'll get behind us." "I'm very ambitious, and like all players I want to play for Great Britain. Wednesday night is my chance to prove that I'm in the Great Britain squad on merit and that I'm good enough to play at this level." Tickets for the game are on sale now and available on 0113 278 6181, with prices starting from £12 (£6 concession).

26th October. Warrington 28 New Zealand "A"26. attn 3,409. Tries Warrington: Govin, Warburton, Owen, Grundy, Durbin :Goals Owen 4. Tries New Zealand A: Apu'ula, Sione, Limmer, Fisiiahi 2. :Goals Buckingham 4. Teams Warrington, 1 Nick Owen , 2 Richard Varkulis, 3 Steve Warburton, 4 Ben Westwood, 5 Phil Berry, 6 Gary Hulse, 7 Jamie Durbin ,8 Warren Stevens, 9 Shane Williams, 10 Danny Heaton, 11 Darren Burns (C), !2 Paul Noone, 13 Mike Govin, Subs (all used) 14 Dave Pennington, 15 Dave Saxton 16 Tommy Grundy, 17 Mlke Govin . New Zealand A, 1 Luise Sione, 2 Tame Tupou, 3 Vila Apu'ula, 4 Ricky Henry, 5 Paul Fisiiahi, 6 Aoterangi Herangi, 7 Steve Buckingham, 8 George Tuakura, 9 Shane Beyers (C) 10 Sinave Faitala, 11 Jesse Royal, 12 Lance Poka, 13 Karl Edmonson Subs (all used) 14Jonny Limmer 15 Hami Lauaki 16 Wayne McDade 17 Taylor Pelenise.

 

23rd October. Forshaw Strengthens the Wolves Pack Warrington Wolves have signed Mike Forshaw from Grand Final winning side Bradford Bulls on a one-year deal. Mike is a back-row forward who joined the Bulls from Saracens Rugby Union club in April 1997 after a career with Wigan, Wakefield and Leeds. Renowned for his phenomenal work rate and consistency. Forshaw toured with Gt. Britain Lions to the Southern Hemisphere in 1999. He was in outstanding form for the Bulls last term and was brought out of International retirement to face New Zealand in last Autumn's Test Series. He played in all three games impressing everyone with his work rate an never say die attitude. Mike has made 28+1 appearances scoring 4 tries in the 2003 season for Bradford Bulls, making 31 appearances in 2002 and scoring 5 tries. Forshaw also featured in the winning Grand Final side of 2003. Mike made the decision to come to Warrington mid-season, "I made the decision mid season, I looked at Bradford and thought that maybe one more year would be a year to long at the same club. I had a think about things and when I found out that Warrington were keen I was interested to talk with Paul. My decision was based on the fact that Warrington is close to home (coming from Wigan), they are moving into a new stadium and they have some very impressive, up and coming youngsters." Mike on coming to a new club at this stage in his career, "I'm excited at the prospect of joining a new club and I don't think there was a better time for me to leave Bradford on a high after winning the Grand Final." On what he has to offer Warrington, "I have experience to offer Warrington and with a lot of young players I can teach them good habits on and off the field." On the GB squad and Paul Wood's selection, "I'm looking forward to the upcoming Ashes Series and I'm looking forward to working alongside Paul. I haven't seen much of him except when we have played Warrington and they have featured on Sky, he looks like a solid defender who has a lot of promise." Head Coach Paul Cullen commented on his latest signing, "His experience, his fitness and his enthusiasm are ingredients we require as a team to further our position from sixth in Super League. The players and the coaching staff are excited by this capture." Position: Loose forward DOB: 05/01/70 Height: 6ft Weight: 14st 13lb

Warrington Service Area Once again, the vice presidents have organised a dinner dance to celebrate the end of the season to be held at the Fir Grove Hotel on Saturday the 15th November. Tickets are £25.00 per person to include a three course dinner and the sound of the fantastic show band "one night stand". The seasons top three players will receive their awards on this evening and the head coach and several players will be in attendance. Dress needs to be smart casual and every one is welcome. Tickets are available by contacting Tom Reynolds on 01925 419676 daytime or 01925 263335 evenings.

22nd October.Wood Called Up Paul Wood received a surprise call up for the GB squad against Australia in the upcoming Ashes Series in November. Wood is a hardworking prop or second row forward, who has made his mark in the first team this season. Paul is a determined and spirited player; this spirit has been epitomised by his tackling ability. A superb one-on-one defender who has honed his attacking skills and has been a consistent and has been recognised for his abilities in the OPTA stats this season. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR CALL UP, WAS IT A SURPRISE? I couldn't believe it and its still sinking in. I was hoping to get selected for England A, like I did last year and I was determined to make it into the playing 17 this time round. But, to make it into the GB squad was unimaginable. When David Waite phoned me I thought it was one of my mates prank calling me. Hope I wasn't too rude! WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO GAIN FROM THE EXPERIENCE? I am looking forward to being coached by David Waite and to working alongside Andy Farrell, Barrie McDermott, Paul Sculthorpe, who are all big names in the sport. I am hoping to come away from the Ashes Series with a lot of experience and good advice from the coaching staff and players. If I make it into the playing 17, it will be a bonus and a dream come true. I can't wait.

20th October.Wolves Take Over Warrington Wolves took possession of their new home 'The Halliwell Jones Stadium' this morning. The Wolves started their campaign for a new stadium back in July 1999 and it has taken four long years to get to this stage, with the following events taking place. *29th July 1999 Wolves start campaign for new stadium *15th August 2000 Wolves and Tesco's joint venture announced *23rd August 2000 Council say yes, but refer the development to a public inquiry *11th January 2001 Wolves notified that they have been granted a public inquiry *Pre-inquiry meeting took place on Monday 19th March 2001 at the Town Hall, Warrington. *The Planning Inquiry took place from Tuesday 15th to Thursday 24th May 2001 at the Parr Hall, Warrington. *Thursday 5th December 2002 the Warrington Borough Council Development Control Committee to unanimously approve the 'Reserved atters Applications' for a Tesco Store, Rugby Stadium and a Petrol illing Station with associated car and coach parking on the former etley Walker Brewery Site, Winwick Road. *Government announced Planning Inspectors approval on the 19th December 2002 *Broke ground at the Winwick Road site in January 2003 *Naming rights of the stadium announced on the 24th September 2003 The Halliwell Jones Stadium. *Heathcotes Catering contract for The Halliwell Jones Stadium announced 3rd October 2003 *BARR Construction hand over first week of October 2003 *Sunday 22nd February 2004 Wolves first home fixture of Tetley's Super League IX Wolves Chief Executive, Andy Gatcliffe commented, "Today is a significant day in the history of the Club, having taken handover of our new stadium from the contractor. We are excited and elated at the prospect of the Tetley's Super League IX season in such a fantastic state-of-the-art stadium. Our grateful thanks go out to Warrington Borough Council, Tesco and Carlsberg Tetley and especially to our fantastic fans who continue to astound us, with record season ticket sales in the making!"

9th October. After a first season in Super League Dean Gaskell has been called into the Ireland squad by coach Daryl Powell which will play in the European Nations Cup later this month. For Gaskell, who has signed a new two-year contract with Wolves, Ireland selection is just rewards for all the hard work he has put into becoming a first team regular. Whilst the rest of the Wolves squad will be enjoying an after season break the training will be continuing for dean. He said: "Our first match is on October 26 versus Scotland in Glasgow and then we play France in Ireland. I'm looking forward to it. "My Ireland link goes way back in the family on my mum's side. My grandparents were from Ireland and Wigan's Mick Cassidy, who is my cousin, has played for Ireland." Gaskell said he expects to have a short break after his Ireland duties are over and then it will be down to the business of pre-season training and preparing for next term in The Halli-well Jones Stadium. He added: "I love training. You get out of it what you put in and I think if you don't give 100 per cent, you're cheating yourself.

Richard Varkulis is to have talks with head coach Paul Cullen soon to discuss his future with the club. Varkulis,changed to a centre from the pack, and made 18th man for The Wires Super League side on a number of occasions this year. Cullen said: "I've told Richard I'll sit down with him and discuss his contract. We've yet to do that. "He came to us on a part-time amateur contract from Leigh Miners and he is still going through degree studies. We're looking to assist him to combine furthering his education and playing Rugby League professionally."

Gary Hulse has signed a further one-year contract withe The Wire The former Crosfields amateur can play half back or hooker and has been a regular off the bench for Wolves during 2003.

Hooker Jon Clarke has withdrawn from Gary Chambers' Cumbria squad to play against New Zealand A later this month due to his broken thumb. Wolves have also confirmed that scrum half Jamie Durbln is on a long term contract with the club. Head coach Paul Cullen said: "Jamle's contract was enhanced this year and will be further enhanced as and when he progresses through the structure.

Paul Cullen is still on the look out for a big prop forward Australian signing Chris Leikvoll, Mark Hilton, Paul Wood and Warren Stevens, are all in the frame for next year's first choice front row spots but head coach Paul Cullen is looking for one more big player. He said: "I'm looking for a hard-hitting prop. I generally feel that Wigan succeeded in the domination up front and it is an area we must put right. "Craig Smith, Quentin Pongia and Terry O'Connor were charged with out-muscling the Warrington pack. We stood our ground for most of the game but they had three very dominant and aggressive figures. ''We must match that and better it to get past the position we've reached this year. Whether we find a hard-hitting prop or not remains to be seen." No Names have been mentioned although speculation has been widely sparked about Bradford Bulls' Mike Forshaw and Papua New Guinean John Wilshere.

Cullen said at a Press conference that a player already on board a loose forward is a current Super League player who will be announced when his season is over, suggesting that he is still involved in the play-offs. And he said that a winger of international status, who can also play centre or full back, is currently at an NRL club in Australia and he is waiting for the signing criteria of players from certain Pacific Islands to be confirmed by the Rugby Football League.

6th October. Graham Appo has been voted the 'Rugby Leaguer & League Express' Super League Player of the Month for September. Appo was nominated for the award in last Monday's newspaper, alongside Craig Smith (Wigan), Richard Home (Hull), Scan Long (St Helens) and Willie Poching (Leeds Rhinos). He is the third winner of the award, following in the footsteps of Brandon Costin (Huddersfield Giants - July) and Jamie Rooney (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats - August).

3rd October . Heathcote's at The Halliwell Jones As the excitement within the borough continues to build in relation to our new state-of-the-art stadium on Winwick Road and following last weeks announcement that the stadium us now to be called 'The Halliwell Jones Stadium', the Club is now pleased to announce the signing of another high profile quality partner, commented Andy Gatcliffe, Chief Executive. Paul Heathcote's outside and contract catering company have signed a ten-year contract with the club to provide stadium catering on both matchday and non-matchdays. Business partner and MD of Heathcotes Outside, Gary Bates said, "The Halliwell Jones Stadium is a landmark venue for both rugby league hospitality and non matchday events. Heathcotes Outside will never "cry wolf" when it comes to quality catering and event management provided within the stadium. The whole team are looking forward to working with the club in this very exciting new partnership."

More on player contracts.

GRAHAM APPO 2 years - Contract length: November 2005 Graham Appo: "The club is definitely going places and I want to be part of that. I am enjoying my football and we have a good team going under Cull and that is my reasoning behind signing a two year deal."

Paul Cullen: "His form and versatility have been a revelation there is not another winger in Super League who could have done what he has at stand off."

BRENT GROSE 2 years - Contract length: November 2005 Brent Grose: "The future is good at Warrington and we are on the verge of being a consistent top team and I want to be part of it." Paul Cullen:"Brent Grose has proven to be the find of the season from playing on the wing at Souths to centre at the Wolves he has earned a reputation for one of the classiest three-quarters in Super League."

NAT WOOD 2 years - Contract length: November 2005 Nat Wood:"Because I am very happy at Warrington and we are the most improved side of the year and I think there is definitely room for more next season. We are a club with potential and I want to be part of it." Paul Cullen:"As tough and as smart as they come, his leadership eases the burden on Lee Briers and his ambition can take us to a Grand Final."

DARREN BURNS 1 year - Contract length: November 2004 Darren Burns: "I enjoy it here, big turn around compared to last year, the club is going places with the new stadium, better again next year. I want to be at a club that is winning games and going somewhere. You enjoy your football when your winning and I am enjoying my footie at Warrington."

Paul Cullen: "A genuine playmaker whose versatility in the backrow is a valuable asset."

MARK GLEESON 2 Year - Contract length: November 2005 Mark Gleeson:"I am delighted to be part of something big under Cull anything is possible."

Paul Cullen:"Mark will mature in to one of the smartest dummy half runners in this competition, he has the potential for international honours."

WARREN STEVENS 2 year - Contract length: November 2005 Warren Stevens:"I have a lot of faith in Paul and have worked with him along time now, I have enjoyed the last season here and can't wait for next season in the new ground. It is going to be awesome."

Paul Cullen:"Warren has the potential to be one of the most talented ball players and offloaders in any front row at any club, as he matures we expect him to stake his claim of one of our first choice props."

PAUL NOONE 2 year - Contract length: November 2005 Paul Noone: "I have been at the club for 8 years now, as I signed when I was 14 and I have enjoyed my time here and want it to continue. Cull was my A team coach and I have learnt a lot from him and I respect his coaching. I think that we are going places and can get a lot further than the Elimination Play-Offs next season. The club is definitely going places with the new stadium and I want to be part of that."

Paul Cullen:"Paul has been great value this season in either the three quarters or the back row. He is as professional as any player that I have ever worked with and very ambitious. These are qualities that will serve him well.

GARY HULSE 1 Year - Contract length: November 2004 Gary Hulse: "Because it is a club is going somewhere and I want to be on board."

Paul Cullen:"Gary has earned a new contract on merit and his ability to make impact at either dummy half or halfback, which gives me the options I will need to further our position next season."

DEAN GASKELL 2 Year - Contract length: November 2005 Dean Gaskell:"I love it here at the club, like everything about it. Nowhere else was an option for me, when Warrington made the offer I didn't even have to hesitate about signing. Paul Cullen brought a lot of honesty and a lot of hard work, all that comes out on the pitch through the players."

Paul Cullen:"This guy could become anything he wants to be. I thought Mark Hilton was the hardest trainer I have ever worked with until Dean Gaskell came along. He has forced his way into the first team and refuses to be displaced."

PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT:

Ben Westwood November 2004

Lee Briers November 2005

Jon Clarke November 2004

Mark Hilton November 2004

Ian Sibbit November 2004

Jerome Guisset November 2004

Matt Sturm November 2004

Daryl Cardiss November 2004

Jamie Durbin November 2004

Paul on Sid Domic, "The overseas reduction has forced Sid's departure and he will leave a massive void to be filled. An absolute gentleman and competitor we are very sorry to see him go."

2nd October. Wolves' 2004 squad begins to take shape today, with Paul Cullen releasing news of the players he has re-signed for next year and beyond. Australians Graham Appo, Nathan Wood and Brent Grose will be playing at the new stadium for at least the next two years but longest serving player Lee Penny, winger Rob Smyth, 2002 player of the year Sid Domic and loaned out winger Kevin Crouthers are moving on after not being offered new deals. Protracted negotiations are still ongoing with Mike Wainwright, Paul Wood and Gary Hulse.see below

WARRINGTON Wolves' season tickets for Tetley's Super League IX in The Halliwell Jones Stadium went on sale this week with an early bird deal while turnstile prices will rise by an average £1 for 2004 games. At the turnstiles, seats will cost £18 and £15 next season for adults while it will be £13 to stand on the terraces. This compares to £17 and £13 in the campaign that has just finished at Wilderspool Stadium. This increase is in line with previous seasonal climbs. Season tickets will go on general sale from October 14 with existing season ticket holders having priority on next year's tickets at the new ground from now until October 13. Season prices for the new stadium start from £150 seating and £130 standing, with concessions and students prices from £80 and £70 respectively. Wolf Pack junior season ticket prices will remain at £35 seating and £30 standing. This guarantees entry into all 14 home , games and the away games too. Fans who take advantage of the early bird deal before December 1 can benefit. Adult season ticket holders will receive a Wilderspool commemorative book free and four Wolves' Super League games free, saving , almost £40 on adult seated season tickets. Every child that signs up for the Wolf Pack season ticket will receive a free Wolfie baseball cap. For those fans wishing to renew their season ticket by way of direct debit payment plan, they must fill in the forms available from the club shop and return them by October 13. For more information and for seating plans call in or contact the club's shop Wolfware on 01925 235005.

TICKETS to see Warrington Wolves play New Zealand A in the final 'first 1 class' match at Wilderspool Stadiurn on October 26 are on sale at the club's shop. Pre-season fixtures being lined up ; against Widnes Vikings and Leigh Centurions will also be played at l Wilderspool. Wolves' Lee Briers has been named captain of the Welsh team to play the Australia at Bridgend on 1 November 2 and to lead his country 1 in the new European Nations Cup. Their first game will be against Russia at Aberavon on October 26. Lee Penny should be in the Scotland side against Ireland in Glasgow on the same day.

Warrington are still on the look out for players for next season. New players, alongside prop Chris Leikvoll from St. George Illawarra, will be signed in the near future. A hard-hitting prop, a loose forward and a winger are the targets. The club have also revealed details of an enhanced contract deal for Mark Gleeson that was settled during the Tetley's Super League VIII season but was not announced. He would have been out of contract at the end of this year but will now be on board until the end of 2005. The players who were out of contract and their new deals are: Appo, two years; Darren Burns, one year; Dean Gaskell, two years; Gleeson, two years; Brent Grose, two years; Warren Stevens, two years; Nathan Wood, two years, Paul Noone, two years. Super League players from 2003 who were already under contract, together with their remaining terms, are Mark Hilton, one year; Ben Westwood, one year, Jon Clarke, one year; Matt Sturm, one year; Jerome Guisset, one year; lan Sibbit, one year; Lee Briers, two years; Daryl Cardiss, one year; Jamie Durbin. Sid Domic, who was seeking a two-year contract that Wolves could not provide because of next year's quota cut from four to three players, will be joining Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for next season. Nick Fozzard turned down Wolves' offer and has signed for St. Helens. Wolves' squad for 2003 is currently made up of 17 players: Daryl Cardiss, Graham Appo, Dean Gaskell, Brent Grose, Ben West-wood, lan Sibbit, Lee Briers, Nathan Wood, Jamie Durbin, Mark Hilton, Warren Stevens, Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke, Mark Gleeson, Jerome Guisset, Darren Burns, Matt Sturm. Head coach Paul Cullen said: "We've replaced like for like. Leikvoll's for Fozzard, we've brought in Cardiss for Penny. Domic will be replaced by a loose forward and Smyth will be replaced by a winger. "In terms of Smyth and Penny, hopefully their recent injuries will not discolour their contribution to the club. It is their injury situations that has forced my hand but I would expect them back in force with whichever clubs they end up at next year. I thank them for their efforts and contribution."

WOLVES' head coach Paul Cullen was well pleased with the effort of each of his 17 players for their part in a great performance at Wigan that was justnot quite good enough. After Saturday's exit from the play-offs, which ended Wires' 2003 season, Cullen said: "It was a big display from every single one of the Warrington players. "I thought we had the edge on tactics and I think we took Wigan to a point that they just about scraped through from. "Our offence caused them all sorts of problems and it was a thoroughly professional display. But it's a display we need to better to beat a side like Wigan in the future. "The game got away from us due to us putting the ball down on the floor three times on the first tackle. "That gave Wigan the lifeblood they were absolutely desperate for. "If we had completed on those sets, we'd have gone away with the game. When we presented that opportunity to Wigan, they took it. I think it was Wigan's best performance of the season and it needed to be to beat us. . "Am I proud of my players? Yes, but I don't think that is suffice to sum up the effort and quality of our display. We made an absolute mockery of the three quarters of a million pounds that separates the budgets of the two clubs." Wigan coach and former Wolves player Mike Gregory, who admitted he was concerned at half-time, said he believes Wolves will be challenging the top guns for years to come if they can keep their current squad together.

WOLVES' head coach has paid tribute to Warrington Borough Council for the role it has played in ensuring the club has a bright future. The club was in danger of going bust five years ago and wasin danger ona number of occasions but optimism has never been higher in recent times. The council, along with Greenalls and private investors, stepped in as a consortium to take over Warrington Wolves in 1998 and since then the stadium dream has become reality. And now the council has delayed a decision on whether a £240,000 loan needs to be repaid. Mr Cullen told the Warrington Guardian: "I've picked up on there having been a little bit of criticism as to whether or not a council should be involved in a sporting venture. "I think there is no clearer answer to that than what was witnessed at Wilderspool Stadium when the final league game that was played there against Wakefield. "The atmosphere and the circumstance of that occasion were unique. It was beyond anything that a Challenge Cup final or a Grand Final run can create. "And I think the people who had the foresight from Warring-ton Borough Council to get involved with Warrington Rugby League club at the time that they did, have been paid back a million times over by what was witnessed at Wilder-spool on that day." Council bosses were due to discuss the future of the loan this month, but that period has now been extended until the club enters the new stadium. A spokesman said: "We always said it was subject to review after the move. We will look at the overall viability of the club before making a decision. "We delayed the decision because we need to be able to see what income is generated at the new stadium."

FORMER Warrington Wolves star Tawera Nikau is learning to walk again after the horrific road crash which led to his right leg being amputated. Last Monday, Nikau, aged 36, was fitted with a new artificial limb as he continues his recovery from the July smash, New Zealand's Sunday Star Times has reported. The father-of-two is now looking forward to taking up running - once he he has become accustomed to his new status. Kiwi Nikau has recalled the moment when, following 17 operations, doctors gave him a stark choice about his future. Either his leg could be saved and he would face 12 months in hospital, more operations and only limited movement in his foot as a result, or his leg could be amputated. He told medics: "Cut the bugger off." This meant he could be reunited with his 15-year-old daughter Heaven-Leigh and son Tyme, aged 11, after another three months in hospital. Nikau, who left the Wolves in 2001 following two seasons at Wilderspool, has been fitted with a titanium pole limb and is also considering having a carbon fibre leg made for running.