30th April.Round 9 - Team News Paul Cullen has named a 19-man squad to face Huddersfield Giants on Sunday. 19. Gary Hulse 25. Richard Varkulis 3. Brent Grose 4. Ben Westwood 20. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers 7. Nat Wood 10. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 14. Mark Gleeson 22. Danny Lima 11. Darren Burns 23. Mike Wainwright 13. Mike Forshaw 18. Paul Noone 12. Ian Sibbit 15. Jerome Guisset 16. Paul Wood 17. Warren Stevens INJURIES: 1. Daryl Cardiss - ankle injury sustained against Salford City Reds in Round 8 (24/04/04) 2. John Wilshere - fractured cheekbone sustained in Round 4 v London Broncos (04/04/04) 5. Graham Appo - hamstring injury sustained in Round 2 v Hull, tweaked in Round 4 v London Broncos - rested as precaution 8. Chris Leikvoll - calf injury sustained in training prior to the Powergen Challenge Cup Round 5 v Oldham (14/03/04) U21s DUTY 26. Jamie Durbin 24. Nick Owen 21. Matt Sturm

Fixture Amendment Round 14: Warrington Wolves v London Broncos Saturday 12th June 2004, kick off 6:05pm (SKY FIXTURE) Warrington Wolves fixture against London Broncos has now been changed to Saturday 12th June from Sunday 13th June and is now a Sky fixture.

29th April.Three players come back from injury in time to face Huddersfield Giants at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday. Paul Wood, Darryl Cardiss and lan Sibbit are expected to shake off injuries and make themselves available for Wolves' sixth game in 24 days but head coach Paul Cullen may yet stick with the players who did so well in Tuesday night's excilerating draw with world champions Bradford Bulls. Much will depend on how quickly players can recover from the beating their bodies took against Bradford's big guns in a match which followed the of victory at Salford on Saturday. Cullen said: "Guys got hits on previous injuries. Where one would expect that that might be a one or two-day turn around, some may be three and four simply because of the volume of work going through their bodies at the moment. "We will hopefully have bodies back who didn't play on Tuesday night and we may be able to spin the team round once more. "Paul Wood missed the Bradford game on two accounts. He twisted a knee in the win at Salford on Saturday but also it was his father's funeral on Tuesday. "And hopefully we'll have lan Sibbit (shin injury) and Daryl Cardiss (twisted ankle) available again for this weekend but they will have to force themselves back into the side. They have been in rehab this week."

WARRINGTON Wolves have made an official complaint to the Rugby Football League about Bradford Bulls fielding 14 players for a spell in Tuesday's game. Club chiefs were awaiting a response as Warrington Guardian went to press. Head coach Paul Cullen said: "It's wise at this time to allow the RFL to conduct their own full and proper inquiry." Bradford's Aaron Smith was ordered off the field in the sixth minute by referee Richard Silverwood as he had blood pouring from a head wound. Jamie Langley was sent on the field as his replacement but Smith returned from the sidelines and took up a defensive position on the wing as Wolves attacked. Smith and Langley were then involved in Bradford's next attacking set before the mistake was spotted and Smith finally left the field. The Bulls had an extra man for approximately one minute. Rugby Football League officials were unable to comment . I understand that Wolves complained about the situation to the fourth official on the touchlines, Steve Ganson, at the time of the incident, at half-time and after the final whistle, along with raising their concern with match commissioner lan Ollerton at the end of the game.

A SAFETY inspection will take place this week to decide if the capacity at Warrington Wolves' new Halliwell Jones Stadium should be cut. Crowd congestion was again a problem at the Challenge Cup semi-final between St Helens and Huddersfield on Sunday with between 150 and 200 fans unable to stand in the West Stand. The Rugby Football League sold 3,800 tickets for the stand but many fans were left standing by the touchline and had to move to spare seats in the East Stand as the terracing was too full. Club chiefs say it is time the capacity was reviewed. Barry Pollen, general manager at the club, said that an inspection would take place this week. He added: "We need to look at this again. "We want other events which will be sold out and we need to make sure the fans are put in the right place and that they are comfortable." Crowd congestion was also a problem at Warrington's home opener in February when hundreds of fans were left standing on the touchline and a number locked out altogether. source Warrington Guardian.

STAFF at Salford City Reds say they will investigate why a coach carrying Warrington Wolves fans was attacked following the game on Saturday night. The coach, carrying a regular . number of Warrington fans including pensioners and children, was attacked outside The Willows ground as fans made their way home following Warrington's win. Dave Tarry, chief executive at the Reds, said his security staff has found that the problems were coming from a group of trouble-makers living in one house and not Salford fans. He added: "We are aware of the people involved and our security people are looking into it. "I hope everyone involved in the incident is OK and we are doing all that we can to bring it to a conclusion." Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they did not attend to the incident. source Warrington Guardian.

27th April. Warrington have appealed to the RFL about Bradford having 14 men on the field at the 6 minute point, I can only think it was when Aaron Smith came back on after a blood bin.

27th April. Warrington 22 Bradford 22, A contender for game of the season from the moment Gary Hulse spilled the ball to gift Bradford a try thoughts of the Wigan game must have gone through a few Warrington minds,but fear not atry for Briesr after 18 minutes converted by Briers brought Wire level, Varkulis added another after 21 Briers failed with the kick and Wire were 14-6 in front, on 43 minutes Grose squeezed in at the corner Briesr failed again with a difficult kick and Wire were 18-6 in front. Bradford got their act together and two tries from Withers both converted by Deacon brought the scores level. Good work by winger Gaskell took him in at the corner which gave Briers another difficult kick which he failed to take, with 3 minutes to go Bradford got a dubious penalty which took them near the sticks , the ball was swung out to Vainilkolo who went over near the corner, Deacon missed the kick , and then Withers failed with a drop goal attempt on the hooter, a draw was nearly the right result ."Bradford deserve full credit for coming back into a match they had no right to," said Warrington coach Paul Cullen."We totally dominated the first half and controlled most of the second. "Because they are the world champions, when we gave them ball and field position, they exploited it to the full." Bradford coach Brian Noble said: "If you had asked me after half-time, a point was a great result for us. "I thought Warrington were super." Wire: Hulse, Varkulis, Grose, Westwood, Gaskell, Briers, N. Wood, Lima, Clarke, Hilton, Noone, Wainwright, Forshaw. Replacements: Gleeson, Guisset, Stevens, Burns. Tries: Warrington, Briers, Varkulis, Grose 2, Gaskell. goals Briers 1. Tries Bradford, Withers 2, Vainikolo, goals Deacon 3.HT 14-6 Attn 8,111 .

 

26th April. Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has announced his squad to face current Super League Champions Bradford Bulls tomorrow night: 3. Brent Grose 25. Richard Varkulis 4. Ben Westwood 18. Paul Noone 20. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers 19. Gary Hulse 7. Nat Wood 22. Danny Lima 17. Warren Stevens 9. Jon Clarke 14. Mark Gleeson 8. Mark Hilton 15. Jerome Guisset 11. Darren Burns 23. Mike Wainwright 13. Mike Forshaw 21. Matt Sturm INJURIES: 1. Daryl Cardiss - ankle injury sustained against Salford City Reds in Round 8 (24/04/04) 2. John Wilshere - fractured cheekbone sustained in Round 4 v London Broncos (04/04/04) 5. Graham Appo - hamstring injury sustained in Round 2 v Hull, tweaked in Round 4 v London Broncos - rested as precaution 8. Chris Leikvoll - calf injury sustained in training prior to the Powergen Challenge Cup Round 5 v Oldham (14/03/04) 16. Paul Wood - knee injury sustained against Salford City Reds in Round 8 (24/04/04)

Feedback from Fans The RFL are looking to the fans for their opinions of Rugby League, with the added incentive of tickets to the Powergen Challenge Cup final. The research will form part of an overall study into how the sport is marketed and perceived by fans. The questionnaire only takes a few minutes of your time, but could be worth a trip to Cardiff! Link:

 

24th April. Salford 18 Warrington 37. A try after 15 minutes by Burns got Wire moving in the right direction, converted by Briers put the Wire 6-0 aheadnNathan Wood added another try after 27 minutes ,Briers second goal made it 12-0 to Wire, almost immediately sloppy tackling and some good running by Andy Johnson resulted in a try for Salford the conversion by Charles bringing Salford nearer at 12-6. That man Briers did it for The Wire in the last minute of the first going the length of th field after intercepting the ball near his own line , he kicked the conversion from the touch line to make it 3 kicks from 3 and the score 18-6 to Warrington at half time. Salford had obviously had a good talking to by Karl Harrison at half time as they came out and scored two quick tries fromBeverley and Fitzpatrick who intercepted near his own line and scored a good try, two goals from Charles brought the scores level. Warington hit back after 63 minites when Paul Wood went over goaled by Briers, a drop goal by Briers took Wire to 25 -18 then a Gleeson try and Briers goal made it 31-18 , unselfish play by Gary Hulse gave Varkulis a try on 78 minutes Noone added the two points. Tries Warrington: Burns, N Wood, Briers, P Wood, Gleeson, Varkulis Goals: Briers (5), Noone Drops: Briers Tries Salford: Tries: Fitzpatrick, Johnson, Beverley Goals: Charles (3) Attn 3624.

Team News Coach Paul Cullen has named an 18-man squad to face Salford on Saturday night: 1. Daryl Cardiss 25. Richard Varkulis 11. Darren Burns 12. Ian Sibbit 4. Ben Westwood 20. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers 19. Gary Hulse 7. Nat Wood 16. Paul Wood 22. Danny Lima 14. Mark Gleeson 9. Jon Clarke 15. Jerome Guisset 17. Warren Stevens 23. Mike Wainwright 18. Paul Noone 13. Mike Forshaw INJURIES: 2. John Wilshere - fractured cheekbone sustained in Round 4 v London Broncos (04/04/04) 3. Brent Grose - ankle injury sustained in Round 5 v Widnes Vikings (09/04/04) 5. Graham Appo - hamstring injury sustained in Round 2 v Hull, tweaked in Round 4 v London Broncos - rested as precaution 8. Chris Leikvoll - calf injury sustained in training prior to the Powergen Challenge Cup Round 5 v Oldham (14/03/04) 10. Mark Hilton - dead leg sustained in the Powergen Challenge Cup Semi Final v Wigan (18/04/04)

22nd April. Wire are so determined to beat Salford in front of the TV cameras on Saturday that captain Lee Briers will be playing despite having a broken finger. Wolves lost their two Easter Super League matches in which Briers did not play and the side have to play well and take winning points off Salford on Saturday, champions Bradford on Tuesday and then Huddersfield Giants the following Sunday. Head coach, Paul Cullen needs his stalwart leader on the field to help kickstart the team's response after crashing out of the Challenge Cup semi-finals in unhappy fashion. Briers went into the cup defeat on Sunday with a fracture to a finger on his left hand and took another knock on it during the game. Cullen said: "Lee has been for an x-ray this week and it showed what we expected. He went into the game with a broken finger and hit the broken finger again, it's as simple as that. We expect him to be available for the Salford game." He went on to say that it was the right decision to play Briers against Wigan - and to leave out the other big guns who were not fit enough - and that to continue to play Briers is important for the team. Cullen said: "I've no regrets about Lee playing against Wigan. He's very brave, he's very honest and he played to the best of his ability although there is more to come from him and the team. We operate better shape and better structure when he is on the field. "As a team we need more continuity. We don't make too much of the injuries we have but we're a far better side when we can keep similar bodies and certainly the same half backs on the field for considerable time. We operate a no risk policy up to a point is one that medically we find acceptable and so does the player. How long we continue to do that depends on how we're going." The Wolves' chief expects Graham Appo (hamstring), Brent Grose (twisted ankle), Chris Leikvoll (calf strain) and Paul Wood (personal problem) to return either at The Willows on Saturday, kick-off 6pm, or on Tuesday against Bradford at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick-off 8pm. But as well as physical fitness considerations Cullen will be judging his players on how they have responded to Sunday's cup disappointment before selecting his squad. The only definite absentees for the two games are prop Mark Hilton, with a dead leg, and winger John Wilshere, with his long standing fractured cheekbone problem while Darren Burns is a doubt with an ankle twist. Cullen said: "I'm quite adament that we need the big guns back on to win some of these big games that we have coming up. "But the season doesn't depend on one game and if we push players too much and the injuries go again then we're in grave danger of blowing the season and we can't allow that to happen. "We're not chasing instant glory although it would be very nice. If it doesn't happen, we've simply got to tough it out. The key is that the players have a long season ahead and that has to be judged more than any short term gain." Wolves will face a Satford side that have lost their last two games heavily against St Helens and Leeds but prior to that pushed teams like Wigan and Bradford to the wire. Cullen said: "The danger sign approaching the Salford match is spelt W, I, D, N, E, S. And that's enough said because Widnes came to Warrington on Good Friday in awful form and came through with an eight-point win." Wolves' in form forward Mike Wainwright is looking forward to his first return to the Willows since leaving Salford in 2002. He said: "Nothing but two points will do. The game is a little extra special for me because I've got a lot of friends there. "Andy Coley, Malcolm Alker and Paul Highton were there for the three years I was there and we were close. Andy's from Warrington and we travelled together. "It is a little different when you play against mates and it generally brings out best performances in players." Centre Grose is hoping to figure against Salford. He said: "The two games this week are going to be a huge test of our character but I'm sure we will come back strong from the cup defeat. We've a great team spirit here and it's time to prove it."

 

End of an Era: Wilderspool 1898-2003 Warrington Wolves have launched a book celebrating the 105 years of Warrington Rugby League club at Wilderspool, written by Neil Dowson and Andy Topham. The book takes a look through the rich tapestry of the Rugby Club from its earliest beginnings through to the campaign for the new state of the art Halliwell Jones Stadium. With the foreword provided by Paul Cullen, the book has an in depth year by year account of the happenings of the club is backed up with statistics of individual and club records as well as all teams Warrington has played against. As a tribute to fans the names of all season ticket holders for the final year at Wilderspool are listed in the book. A great read for those interested in the history of the towns famous and great Rugby League Club. The book took many months to write, with hours of research and proof reading. The authors Neil and Andrew would like to thank Ernie Day, Craig Garner, Gary Slater and Stan Lewandowski for their efforts and kind use of research without which the book would never have been possible. Many thanks also go to Warrington Guardian and Warrington Museum for the many photographs used throughout the book. The book is available for free to all adult season ticket holders (including OAP and students) in exchange for voucher 21 and will be on general sale for £10 at the Wolfware Shop.

19th April. The injury misery continues for Lee Briers ,he further aggravated the hand injury which has kept him out of recent games. He is due for more X Rays to consider the problem.

18th April. Wigan 30 Warrington 18. What started as a day of hope for Warrington ended as The Wire gifted Wigan 18 points, Warrington dominated the game for long periods and Wigan never looked like scoring a try off their own back as Wire made some unbelievable errors which resulted in Dallas getting a hat trick of tries. It was close most of the game untill Wigan managed to score two tries one of which they actually managed to put together without a Warrington error. Tries Warrington : Westwood, Forshaw, Burns, Goals: Briers 3. Tries Wigan : Dallas 3, Wild, Radlinski, HT 12-2 Attn 11,175.

17th April.Wolves Have Injury Doubts Warrington Wolves have serious injury concerns during their final preparation sessions for the Powergen Challenge Cup Semi Final against Wigan Warriors on Sunday 18th April at The Halton Stadium, Widnes. The concerns are that Club Captain Lee Briers (hand), Brent Grose (ankle), Paul Wood (personal), Chris Leikvoll (calf) and Graham Appo (hamstring) have failed to respond from their injuries in time for the final team selection. This is in addition to John Wilshere (fractured cheekbone) who has already been ruled out of contention. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "To take on Wigan without six of our starting thirteen presents an immense challenge."

16th April.Warrington have been given another 100 tickets by the RFL for the Challenge Cup Semi-Final at The Halton Stadium this Sunday. Call in at Wolfware to get your tickets - North and West available.

Team News - Semi-Final Head Coach Paul Cullen has named a squad of 22 to face Wigan Warriors on Sunday. 1. Darryl Cardiss 20. Dean Gaskell . Brent Grose 18. Paul Noone 12. Ian Sibbit 25. Richard Varkulis 4. Ben Westwood 5. Graham Appo 6. Lee Briers 19. Gary Hulse 7. Nat Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 14. Mark Gleeson 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton 16. Paul Wood 17. Warren Stevens 11. Darren Burns 21. Matt Sturm 22. Danny Lima 23. Mike Wainwright 13. Mike Forshaw INJURIES: 2. John Wilshere - fractured cheekbone sustained in Round 4 v London Broncos (04/04/04).

15th April. NATHAN Wood is hoping to put right his error on Easter Monday when a penalty kick he took failed to find touch and the subsequent play gave Wigan a match winning score. The Australian half back had a good game against Wigan Warriors but the player felt as though he had let his teammates down when he failed to find touch with a 76th "minute penalty kick. It opened the door for Wigan to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and Wood is determined to atone for the error against the same opposition on Sunday. He has told his family and friends back home in Australia that he will be coming home with a Challenge Cup winner's medal at the end of the year and the general consensus in Wolves' camp is that there is nothing to fear in facing Wigan in what is the club's third semifinal appearance in five years. Vice-captain Wood said: "I owe the boys and I've got something to prove. I need to make up for costing us two massive Super League points. "So hopefully I will go out there and win the semi-final for us. "It is going to be a huge occasion for the club and we need to out-enthuse Wigan. We need to keep our shape and structure for the full 80 minutes and we also need to be more disciplined as individuals. "If we do that then we will win. Wigan are a good side but so are we."

Mike Forshaw is the only Wolves' player to have experienced Challenge Cup glory. The 34-year-old loose forward, who started his playing career at Wigan, won the cup twice with Bradford Bulls and he is aiming for a tremendous treble. He said: "To win the Challenge Cup is very special and it's something that I am glad I have achieved. "But I'd love to do it again this season with Warrington and I think we have a great chance. "Wigan will probably start as favourites at the weekend but I don't think it will be a one-horse race. "We proved that we can compete with them on Easter Monday and I am confident for the semi-final."

WOLVES will have some of their big names back for Sunday's Powergen Challenge Cup semi-finals clash with Wigan at the Halton Stadium, kick-off 3.45pm. Wolves' head coach Paul Cullen said that 'four or five' players which did not feature against Wigan on Easter Monday will play this time. Skipper Lee Briers is confident of returning, as are centre Brent Grose, utility back Graham Appo, back rower lan Sibbit and props Chris Leikvoll and Paul Wood. Cullen said: "We will have a fit, sharp, focused and determined squad of 17 players and they will be buoyed by the performance that the team put in on Easter Monday." Briers has not played since the quarter-finals win at Whitehaven on March 28 due to a 'fingers bent backwards' injury. As for the others, Grose twisted an ankle against Widnes on Good Friday, Appo's niggling hamstring tightened in his last outing at London on April 4, Leikvoll has not played since March 7 while Sibbit and Paul Wood missed Monday's game with minor knocks. Wigan Hooker Terry Newton is due to return to the side but Great Britain backs Brian Carney and David Hodgson are sidelined. Wigan skipper Andy Farrell's will be available after receiving a £500 fine which was the outcome of his RFL disciplinary hearing last night, Wednesday. Star Australian winger Brett Dallas is a doubt after being knocked out in a challenge with Wolves' Richard Varkulis on Monday. Cullen said: "We were a fraction short in"our Easter Monday game and that's all it is. The confidence that our players can take from their performance is invaluable. The shape and structure that we operated will stand us in great stead."

WARRINGTON Wolves face their biggest game in years on Sunday and the whole town is getting behind their bid for cup success. The club, which was facing relegation from the Super League just 18 months ago, stands just 80 minutes from glory and an appearance in the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff when they face arch-rivals Wigan at the Halton Stadium. And club chairman Lord Hoyle said a win and a first Challenge Cup final appearance since 1990 would be a big boost for the town. He added: "I ask the best crowd in Super League to give the team support throughout the game and get right behind them. "When we took over this club we were determined to build it up and this is our best chance for years. "We know the crowd will get behind the players and the lads will respond." Coach Paul Cullen said the fans deserve a big day out to reward their loyalty. He added: "There's no club in any sport whose community has contributed so much to the remarkable and rapid improvement of a sporting side. "This stadium is only here because the people of Warring-ton demanded it and those that run our community need to take full credit for listening to the people who pay council tax." Source Warrington Guardian

Paul Wood is looking forward to the prospect of playing in his first Challenge Cup semi-final and he believes that his hometown club are there for the beating. History shows that Wolves. have a bad record against Wigan Warriors but the pendulum is swinging according to Wolves' current Great Britain international. He says: "There are a lot of Wiganers in our squad and we are all looking forward to the semi-final. Everyone will be fired up for it and we are confident of coming away with a win. "Wigan have had a lot of joy against us in the past but there is nothing for us to fear these days. "They have a lot of quality players but so have we. We are as fit, tough and talented as they are and we have made a better start to the season. "We are full of confidence at the moment while Wigan are far from firing on all cylinders. "There seems to be something lacking in the Wigan squad. I can't quite put my finger on what it is but we intend to take full advantage."

14th April. Wire are expecting to welcome back six players who were absent from the Wigan game at the JJB last weekend, including Lee Briers who has been absent since getting injured at Whitehaven.

12th April.Wigan 26 Warrington 24. A try after 14 minutes for Wigan by Aspinwall got the game of to a some would say predictable start considering Wires defeat by Widnes on Good Friday, however Gary Hulse and Dean Gaskell knocked any thoughts of complacency from the Wigan side plus two goals from Paul Noone gave Wire a 4-12 advantage at half time. After the restart Dallas went over for Wigan Farrell missed the conversion, 3 penalties for Wigan kept them in touch then Dallas went over Farrell converted to put Wigan 20-12 in front, Wire fought back with a try by Richard Varkulis goaled by Noone score 20-18, Jon Clarke put the Wire in front Paul Noone Converts to put the Super Blues in front with only 9 minutes left. On 76 minutes a try by Danny Tickle put Wigan level Farrell goals to put Wigan 2 ahead.Warrington :Tries Jon Clarke Richard Varkulis Dean Gaskell Gary Hulse .Goals:Paul Noone 4.Wigan : Tries:Brett Dallas 2 Martin Aspinwall Danny Tickle.Goals: Andrew Farrell 5 .Attd 13,862. However, Warrington coach Paul Cullen refused to criticise his side. "We can take a massive psychological boost from this performance and we can take great heart from how we operated," he said. "The reason we lost is that we came up with four crucial errors and that was the difference between the sides."

Warrington.Cardiss, Gaskell, Noone, Westwood, Varkulis, N. Wood, Clarke, Lima, Hulse, Hilton, Guisset, Burns, Wainwright. Replacements: Sturm, Stevens, Forshaw, Gleeson. .Wigan, Radlinski, Aspinwall, Wild, Brown, Dallas, O'Loughlin, Orr, O'Connor, M. Smith, C. Smith, Cassidy, Hock, Farrell. Replacements: Pongia, Tickle, Sculthorpe, Lam.

10th April. Coach Paul Cullen could not contain his anger after his side's feeble display. "We deserved what we got - there wasn't a positive in sight," said Cullen. "Too many players took short cuts and some of our plays appeared to be an attempt to bore Widnes to death and it didn't work. "Widnes were more intent on winning the game while we sat back and waited for it to happen."

9thApril. Warrington 16 Widnes 24. A spirited performance by Widnes belied any past form as Warrington were always chasing the game after Widnes went 12-6 in front, two tries from Jerome Guisset and one from Lima were not enough to beat a fired up Chemics team. The Wire will have to greatly improve for Mondays game at the JJB against a Wigan side who held high flying Saints to a draw earlier today. Warrington: Cardiss, Noone, Grose, Westwood, Sibbit, Hulse, N. Wood, P. Wood, Clarke, Hilton, Guisset, Wainwright, Forshaw. Replacements: Gleeson, Varkulis, Stevens, Lima. Widnes: Rowlands, Royle, Hughes, Moule, Giles, J. O'Neill, S. Myler, Relf, Millard, Mills, Hay, Wozniak, Finnigan. Replacements: Atcheson, McCurrie, Bird, J. O'Neill. Ht. 12-12 .Warrinton :Tries Lima Guisset 2 Goals P.Wood 2. Widnes Tries: Millard Royle Giles Finnigan .Goals Jules O'Neill 4.attn 11,413.

8th April.Team News - Rounds 5 & 6 Coach Paul Cullen has named a 19-man squad for the Easter fixtures against Widnes Vikings on Friday and Wigan Warriors on Monday. 1.Daryl Cardiss 2. Brent Grose 18. Paul Noone 12. Ian Sibbit 4. Ben Westwood 25. Richard Varkulis 6. Lee Briers 7. Nat Wood 19. Gary Hulse 10. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 14. Mark Gleeson 16. Paul Wood 15. Jerome Guisset 11. Darren Burns 23. Mike Wainwright 13. Mike Forshaw 17. Warren Stevens 22. Danny Lima INJURIES: 2. John Wilshere fracture cheekbone sustained in Round 4 v London Broncos, expected to be out for 6-8 weeks 5. Graham Appo - hamstring injury sustained in Round 2 v Hull, tweaked in Round 4 v London Broncos rested as precaution 8. Chris Leikvoll - calf injury sustained in training prior to the Powergen Challenge Cup Round 5 v Oldham 20. Dean Gaskell thigh strain sustained in training

Five Warrington players have signed new deals which will keep them at the club up to in some cases to 2006, there is a new feeling of confidence at the club especially when one looks back to the late nineties when the club was in dire straits, testimony in part to Paul Cullen and the new regime at the club and also to players who are happy at the club and wish to make a proper contribution, and last but not least a 5,000 strong hard core of fans who have been through the mire with the club and at last can hopefully look forward to some happier times.

Mike Wainwright, aged 29, one-year extension will him at the club until November 2005: "I'm very happy at Warrington and I'll stay at the club as long as they want me to stay. My new deal will take me up to my Testimonial year and that is a milestone I am looking forward to reaching. I feel as though I'm playing well and enjoying my rugby and I've got a fair few years left in me yet."

Jon Clarke, aged 25, two-year extension to at leastNovember 2006: "I had no hesitation in signing the new contract. In fact, I'd be more than happy to see out my career at Warrington. I feel as though I'm playing the best rugby of my career and I am playing for the best team I have ever played for. The team spirit is unbelievable. All of the players are willing to die for each other and I'm delighted to be extending my stay."

Mark Hllton, aged 29, two-year extension taking him through to November 2006: "I have always wanted to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Paul Cullen and Gary Chambers by being a one-club player. It means a lot to me to be associated with only one club and I couldn't have chosen a better club than Warrington. And I'm convinced that there are good times ahead. Success is just round the corner and I want to be a part of it."

Paul Wood, aged 22, two-year extension to keep Mm at the club until November 2007: "I jumped at the chance to sign a new deal. I have no interest in playing for a different club and I would be happy to play for Warrington for the rest of my career. I love everything about the club and I can see us winning a few trophies in the next few years. I think we will be a top three or four club next year and possibly even this year."

Ben Westwood, aged 22, three-year extension keeping him on board until November 2007: "I'm moving over to Warrington from Wakefield and so a long-term contract works for me. I'm enjoying my career with Warrington, the lads are great, the supporters are superb and the club is moving forward, which it wasn't doing when I first arrived in 2002. Paul Cullen has changed things round and he has given the players belief in themselves."

Jon Clarke celebrated his 25th birthday scoring his first try of the season in the win at London is very excited about the next 10 days. He is yearning to lead Wolves' stampede against his first professional club Wigan in Easter Monday's Super League battle and against them in the Powergen Challenge Cup semifinals on April 18. However, the hooker is looking forward to Good Friday's 'derby' with Widnes and he has no doubts that each team's results so far this season will have no part to play in the way the game pans out, Jon said "It's a massive Easter programme and exciting times for the club. Playing Wigan twice inside six days is massive but we cannot look any further ahead than the Widnes match,"It's a big 'derby' at our place and there will be a huge crowd for a great occasion. "Widnes are a desperate team, having not won a league game yet this year, and they always want to put one over on us, so they will take to the field with all guns blazing. "I don't think table positions count for anything come kick-off time in a Warrington versus Widnes 'derby'. Usually 'derby' games are about who wants the win the most on the day. "We are under no illusions that Widnes will be fired up and they will throw everything at us in the opening 20 minutes. We'll have to match that and give them more back. I'm sure we'll do that and come away with the victory." Clarke added "Clarke said: "I broke my thumb in the first minute of the previous game against Wakefield at Wilderspool. I tried to convince Paul Cullen in training all week that I was fit to' face Wigan at the JJB Stadium but he had tq^ make the professional decision and did not pick me, which, looking back, was the right decision. "I was distraught to only be running on and off the field with the cone for the kick-offs, and I'm really looking forward to making amends for missing out on that occasion by helping the team to two victories over Wigan this time." Wolves signed Clarke from London three years ago and he did enjoy scoring against them on his birthday. But he added: "The most important thing was winning the two points. It wasn't the prettiest of games or the best of spectacles but we got the two points we desperately wanted to win and that's all that matters."

Warrington Wolves fans were left queuing for five hours in the rain in the rush to snap up tickets for the Challenge Cup semi-final. But those who missed out could be given a second chance as Wigan have failed to sell their allocation for the April 18 clash. Just 4,900 tickets were given to the Wolves for the game at Widnes' 12,000 capacity Halton Stadium and they were all gone by the end of Monday. And there was yet more anger on Tuesday morning when it emerged that the Rugby Football League (RFL) was selling tickets from its Leeds base. There are likely to be more tickets available throughout the week, call the club on 248888 or visit their web-site www.warringtonwolves.org for updates. Euro MP Brian Simpson was so anxious about the choice of Widnes to host the game that he wrote to the RFL to demand an explanation. Andy Gatcliffe, chief executive of the Wolves, said that he supported the decision to stage the game at Widnes. He added: "There are fors and againsts for all the stadiums that could have been used. "But we have found the best solution and it will be a great atmosphere with a full stadium and it will be a great occasion for the game. "Our fans are the best in Super League but we have made the best decision for the club." And that view was supported by the RFL which not only made the decision to host Warrington's game at Widnes, but also agreed to stage the other semi-final between Huddersfield and St Helens at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. A spokesman said: "Halton is a sound venue for that game although we accept that it is not the perfect fit. "Semi-finals over the years have not been well attended so this is the right profile of stadium. "Broadcast partners prefer stadiums to be full and games that are in high demand. It is a strong image to present for the game." In recent years semi-finals have been held at Leeds' Headingley ground which holds 21,000 and Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium which has a capacity of 24,000. •

7th April.Wilshere Out for 6-8 weeks John Wilshere, 25 the PNG international from St George-Illawarra has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks after fracturing his cheekbone in the opening minutes of Warrington's Round 4 fixture at London Broncos on Sunday 4th April. John is due to undergo surgery tomorrow. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "John has fractured his cheekbone in the first tackle of our game against the London Broncos and will be unavailable for 6 to 8 weeks. That provides a large percentage of the season for John to recover for and to contribute to." Lee Briers was rested against London Broncos due to, "Lee Briers was one of a number of players who was rested as we plan to rotate our squad through a very tough Easter Programme building up to the Semi Final against Wigan." Lee Briers is expected to play on Friday against Widnes. Graham Appo will be rested against Widnes on Friday after tweaking his hamstring against London, he is expected to feature in the Easter fixtures and will play in the Semi Final on Sunday 18th April. Chris Leikvoll, who is recovering from a calf injury, is also expected to return for the Semi Final, as is Dean Gaskell who has been suffering with a thigh injury both sustained in training.

Free Ticket?! FANCY GETTING A FREE TICKET FOR THE WOLVES GAME ON GOOD FRIDAY? ... AND HELP NLB TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BOOKS FOR BLIND PEOPLE? NLB (National Library for the Blind) is one of Warrington Wolves' charities this year and they need your help at the bucket collection on Good Friday at the Halliwell Jones stadium. You'd need to be at the stadium for 1 PM to pick up your bucket, permit and have a quick briefing from NLB staff. Or would you just like to help? If you can help please contact Sarah Home (NLB) on 0161 355 2023.

6th April.Semi-Final Tickets on General Sale Semi-final Tickets go on general sale tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9am til 5pm at the ticket office. A maximum of 2 tickets per person. There are a few left (approx 800) with another delivery of approx 600 expected mid-morning. There may be a possibility of some more later in the week if ticket sales elsewhere are not as expected.

Easter Fun Day With Warrington Wolves and Sport Warrington Thursday 15th april 2004 At Wilderspool Stadium 10am - 2pm Age 7+ Enjoy rugby skills nd Healthy living advice Cost - £3.00 All children will receive a Free 'wolves woofer horn' To guarantee your place, call Debbie Blackburn on (01925) 632746

Re-arranged Fixtures Please note the dates of the re-arranged fixtures for Tetley's Super League IX: Round 7: Warrington Wolves v Bradford Bulls Tuesday 27th April, 2004 Kick off: 8:00pm (This is now a SKY Fixture) Round 8: Salford City Reds v Warrington Wolves Saturday 24th April 2004 Kick off: 6.05pm (This is now a SKY Fixture)

4th April. London 24 Warrington 36. London found Warrington a different kettle of fish than Salford as The Wire went back into the top five with a well earned win against a London side still looking for a bit of consistancy, Jerome Guisset came off the bench to score two tries plus Paul Noone scored a further try and kicked five goals for the Wire. London Tries: Moran 2, Hart, Sykes.Goals : Sykes 4. Warrington: Tries Wainwright, Clarke, Forshaw, Guisset 2, Noone. Goals Noone 5. Drop Golas N.Wood, Hulse. Att: 3,162 Half Time 12-18

2nd April. Round 4 - Team News Paul Cullen has named a 19-man squad to travel to London for this weekends Round 4 game at Griffin Park. 1. Daryl Cardiss 2. John Wilshere 3. Brent Grose 4. Ben Westwood 12. Ian Sibbit 25. Richard Varkulis 6. Lee Briers 19. Gary Hulse 7. Nat Wood 16. Paul Wood 10. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 14. Mark Gleeson 17. Warren Stevens 22. Danny Lima 18. Paul Noone 15. Jerome Guisset 23. Mike Wainwright 13. Mike Forshaw INJURIES: 5. Graham Appo - hamstring injury sustained in Round 2 v Hull 8. Chris Leikvoll - calf injury sustained in training prior to the Powergen Challenge Cup Round 5 v Oldham 11. Darren Burns rib injury sustained in Round 3 v Castleford 20. Dean Gaskell thigh strain sustained in training.

Powergen Challenge Cup Semi Final Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves Sunday 18th April, kick off 3:45pm Halton Stadium, Widnes Warrington Wolves Semi Final fixture will be held at the Halton Stadium, Widnes on Sunday 18th April, and kick off 3:45pm. Tickets will go on sale from the TICKET OFFICE WINDOW at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Monday 5th April to SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY until 9.00pm: one ticket per season ticket holder only. Tickets will then go on general sale Tuesday 6th April 2004, from 9:00am. WE ARE AWAITING INFORMATION REGARDING WHETHER SEATING WILL BE RESERVED OR UNRERSERVED. PLEASE NOTE: 1. There will be no ticket orders taken via the phone for this fixture. 2. Ticket sales in person only 3. If living outside the Warrington area please send Voucher 16 must be sent via post to the Wolfware with the accompanying payment for a ticket : Please mark the Envelope: SEMI FINAL TICKET REQUEST Wolfware Warrington Wolves RFLC LTD The Halliwell Jones Stadium Winwick Road Warrington WA2 7NE 4. If wishing to upgrade a Wolfpack to an adult ticket for this fixture please present Voucher 16 and pay full price. Or if wanting to use an adult ticket to purchase a child's ticket please do the same and pay for a Concession price. 5. GENERAL SALE: Depending on initial uptake from Season Ticket Holder purchases on Monday tickets per person may be limited. Ticket prices are as follows: North/South Stand seating: Adult £18.00 Concession £10.00 West Stand: Adult £15.00 Concession: £8.00. The second semi final: Huddersfield v St Helens will be held on Sunday 25th April at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick off 3:15pm.

The Wolves fixture against Salford City Reds on Sunday 25th April has been re-arranged to Saturday 24th April at The Willows, kick off 6.05pm, this is a SKY Fixture. The Wolves home fixture against Bradford Bulls due to be played on Sunday 18th April is yet to be re-arranged, details will be announced shortly.

From our Southern correspondent: Arthur Pye, he reports that Dave Highton although he looked rusty last week against Salford has come off the injured list for London, however Rob Jackson is another out injured.

1st April. THERE will be a clamour for tickets to see Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in the Powergen Challenge Cup semi-finals. Widnes' 10,600 capacity Halton Stadium is the venue for the April 18 tie six days after Wolves' Easter Monday Super League game at Wigan. Such is the rejuvenation of support for Wolves it is not impossible to visualise primrose and blue fans alone filling the Halton Stadium for a mouthwatering battle that could lead to Warrington's first appearance in a Challenge Cup final for 14 years. But with the two clubs' combined average home attendances for last year being above 18,000, it would seem certain that some fans who want to be there will miss out and have to watch the BBC Sunday Grandstand live broadcast instead. The game will kick- off at 3.45pm. Wolves' scheduled to the second semi between St Helens and Huddersfield Giants on April 25, kick-off 3.15pm. Wolves' trip to Sal ford on the same day has been brought for- ward to April 24, kick- off 6.05pm for Sky coverage. Tickets for Wolves' semi-final against Wigan go on sale at The Halliwell Jones Stadium ticket office window on Monday and will be available to season ticket holders only (one per ticket holder) until 9pm. The ticket hotline is 248888. Then on Tues- day tickets will go on general sale. source Warrington Guardian.

Wolves will have to put the Challenge Semi final against Wigan on the back burner for a week or two and concentrate on winning Super League points against London Broncos at Griffin Park, Brentford, on Sunday, kick-off 3pm. Both sides have injury concerns and Wolves skipper Lee Briers, although named in Cullen's 20-man squad, may be rested as his fingers were knocked back in the win against Whitehaven while full back Daryl Cardiss and prop Warren Stevens tests for concussion before being declared fit. Darren Burns (ribs) may be fully fit to return this week but it seems more likely that he along with Graham Appo (hamstring), Chris Leikvoll (calf) and Dean Gaskell (thigh) will not be back on board until the Easter games. Wolves' squad to travel Saturday and stay overnight: Daryl Cardiss, John Wilshere, Brent Grose, Ben Westwood, lan Sibbit, Richard Varkulis, Lee Briers, Gary Hulse, Nathan Wood, Mark Hilton, Warren Stevens, Jon Clarke, Mark Gleeson, Paul Wood, Danny Lima, Paul Noone, Jerome Guisset, Mike Wainwright, Mike Forshaw, Darren Burns. London's only Super League victory so far came against Salford City Reds at the weekend. Injuries have not helped with Rob Purdham, Mat Toshack, Lee Sanderson, John Kirkpatrick, Jon Wells, Francis Stevenson, Nigel Roy and David Highton all missing out. They are hoping the loan of Leeds Rhinos 18-year-old Scott Murrell will turn their fortunes round. He scored the match-winning try against Salford on Sunday. Despite the injuries, London still have enough aces in their ranks to be a danger to all opposition including key Aussie stars Dennis Moran and captain Jim Dymock.

TALKS are continuing between Warrington Wolves and two Premiership clubs about the possibility of reserve team football matches being played at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. It was reported in the Warrington Guardian as far back as September 2002 that the club had been talking to Bolton Wanderers and other top-flight soccer teams. Andy Gateliffe, Warrington Wolves' chief executive, told the Warrington Guardian that the matter should be resolved within two weeks. He said: "Nothing has been finalised yet. We are in final discussions with two Premiership clubs and it's close to a conclusion." Mr Gateliffe would not name which teams the club was talking to, but added: "There will be a Premiership football reserve team playing at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, which is good news for the community." It is thought that the soccer will take centre stage in the winter and Super League in the summer, operating similarly to Widnes Vikings and Everton.

Peter O'Dea 2002