January 2004
30th January.Head Coach Paul Cullen has announced his squad to face Salford City Reds on Sunday 1st February, 2004. 24. Nick Owen 2. John Wilshere (D) 3. Brent Grose 4. Ben Westwood 20. Dean Gaskell 19. Gary Hulse 7. Nat Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll (D) 9. Jon Clarke 22. Danny Lima (D) 11. Darren Burns 18. Paul Noone 13. Mike Forshaw (D) 25. Richard Varkulis 26. Jamie Durbin 17. Warren Stevens 14. Mark Gleeson 10. Mark Hilton 21. Matt Sturm 23. Mike Wainwright INJURIES: 1. Daryl Cardiss - shoulder 5. Graham Appo - knee 6. Lee Briers - wrist 12. Ian Sibbit - knee 15. Jerome Guisset - sternum 16. Paul Wood - shoulder .
29th January. 2004/02043 Full Planning 08/01/2004 Planning Permission Not Required Applicant: Stratagic Director Proposal: Proposed relocation of Brian Bevan Statue from Wilderspool Causeway toWarrington Wolves RLFC. Location: Warrington Wolves, Winwick Road, Warrington, WA2 7NE . A bit of officialese which confirms that the Brian Bevan statue will be moved it is rumoured within the next two weeks and should be in its new resting place in time for the game via Wakefield on the 21st February.
WOLVES' new boys will be given their first taste of life in primrose and blue shirts this weekend. Head coach Paul Cullen is going to field 'as strong a team as possible' in the trial game against Salford City Reds at Wilderspool Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 3pm. And this means starting places for overseas recruits John Wilshere, Chris Leikvoll and Danny Lima plus 2003 Grand Final winner Mike Forshaw. There is unlikely to be any action for Lee Briers, Graham Appo, Paul Wood, Daryl Cardiss, Jerome Guisset or Ian Sibbit against Karl Harrison's newly promoted troops but Cullen will still be fielding a side from his 26 full-time Super League players. Papua New Guinean Wilshere, brought to the club from Australian outfit St George Illawarra, is expected to start on the right wing outside of centre Brent Grose. His fellow 2003 clubmate Leikvoll will partner Lima, who was captured from Manly, in a fierce-looking front row while Forshaw will line up in his accustomed loose forward slot.
Cullen's squad for the friendly: Nick Owen, John Wilshere, Brent Grose, Ben Westwood, Dean Gaskell, Gary Hulse, Nathan Wood, Chris Leikvoll, John Clarke, Danny Lima, Darren Burns, Paul Noone, Mike Forshaw, Mike Wainwright, Matt Sturm, Mark Hilton, Mark Gleeson, Warren Stevens, Jamie Durbin, Richard Varkulis.
The remaining Super League squad men, although having trained this week, are deemed to be not quite ready for a game this weekend due to recovery from injuries or because of carrying niggles. Appo's problem is a slight knee strain that Cullen said he is 'not over concerned about' but added that the game 'does not warrant any risk taking whatsoever.' Cullen is happy for his players to be getting a run out at this stage in preparation for the first game of the new Tetley's Super League season against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on February 21. He said: "A lot of the players have been in training for two to three months and now it is the right time for them to play. "Salford will offer us a good test and they will see this as a big test for them. "It is a game we are taking seriously and we have to make sure we're in good order. "The seven-day training camp in Lanzarote last week went well for us in that we achieved everything that we wanted to achieve. "The weather and the facilities allowed us to do so. "If we'd been at home during that seven-day period the weather was that bad that the pitches were flooded and the work we'd have been trying to do in those circumstances would have suffered on the back of it. "This week we have had all 26 players in training - there aren't many times in the past when I have been able to say that. "Those that don't play this weekend are not that far away from being fit to play. "We expect, barring any further injuries, to have all players available for selection for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats game."
A CAMPAIGN for a supporters' bar at the Warrington Wolves' new stadium is gaining momentum. At the moment no plans for a bar of any kind are included for supporters at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, and the issue has caused anger among many loyal fans of the club. Complaints from fans who currently use the Touchdown Club at Wilderspool, especially on match days, and fear that they will now have nowhere similar to go. Clr Mike Hannon, a keen fan of the Wolves, has written to the club and its chairman Lord Hoyle to ask for some action. He said: "I strongly believe that a dedicated Supporters Club lounge would be economically viable. "The supporters want the benefit of a lounge facility whereby they can chat and put the world of rugby league to rights, and indeed politics. Where would we be without the bar room debate? "The supporters are presently looking for a facility away from the ground, which I believe is a poor reflection on the club. "This dedicated band of supporters have been through the good and bad times, and they turned out on that memorable night at the Town Hall for the planning approval of the new ground. "I therefore feel it is a matter of right that they have such a facility." Club insiders say that the area originally earmarked for a supporters' bar within the new stadium has been sold for corporate use, in order to generate extra money. Fans also fear that the loss of a supporters' bar would limit the chance to meet and speak to the players - which is seen as the lifeblood of a community club. Club officials say that they are currently looking at the issue, but could not comment further .
23rd January.Warrington Wolves arrived back yesterday evening after a week's warm winter training at Club La Santa in Lanzarote and are now preparing for their friendly fixture against Salford City Reds on Sunday 1st February, 2004 at Wilderspool Stadium, kick off 3.00pm. This will be the first time the Wolves have faced Salford since their relegation in 2002. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented on their training camp, "We have returned from a fantastic facility in better a shape than we were at this point last year. The conditions allowed us to introduce our four new players: Chris Leikvoll, John Wilshere, Danny Lima and Mike Forshaw and those who were unavailable for last year's camp: Daryl Cardiss, Nat Wood, Mark Hilton, Matt Sturm, Richard Varkulis and Jerome Guisset. The work was thorough, intense and the climate allowed us to do everything planned for this part of our preparation." Ian Sibbit (knee) and Mike Wainwright (personal) did not take part in the trip, but both are expected to be available for the Salford game.
22nd January. Wolves have recruited for the 2004 season far better than any other Super League side says their half back Nathan Wood. Wolves' vice captain considers Mike Forshaw, Chris Leikvoll, Danny Lima and John Wilshere to be top quality signings and he is relishing the prospect of playing alongside them. Wood has been mightily impressed with the quartet in training and he is convinced that they will make Wolves a force to be reckoned with in 2004. He expects Wolves to better the sixth-placed finish they achieved last time out and he is also demanding an improved season from himself as an individual. If Wood fulfils his personal goal for 2004 it will be no mean feat. He put in numerous man of the match performances last season on his way to picking up the Warrington Guardian player of the year title but he refuses to rest on his laurels. He knows that Graham Appo and Lee Briers will be waiting in the wings to pinch his preferred half back slot if he fails to produce the goods in 2004.He expects Wolves to better the sixth-placed finish they achieved last time out and he is also demanding an improved season from himself as an individual. If Wood fulfils his personal goal for 2004 it will be no mean feat. He put in numerous man of the match performances last season on his way to picking up the Warrington Guardian player of the year title but he refuses to rest on his laurels. He knows that Graham Appo and Lee Briers will be waiting in the wings to pinch his preferred half back slot if he fails to produce the goods in 2004. Wood has enjoyed fruitful half back partnerships with both player and he is intrigued by how heal coach Paul Cullen will fit them all into the same side. Wood said: "Graham did exceptionally well at half back when Lee was out injured last season. "It was no surprise to me how well he played because I know what he is capable of and Lee and myself will have to do the business if we want to be the first choice half backs. "But to be honest I don't care where I play as long as I play I'll be happy with whatever Paul Cullen decides. "He can put me out on the wing if he likes but I'd cut inside a lot." Wood is the practical joke king in Wolves' camp and he is renowned for giving new players oddball initiations. He greeted Brent Grose to his new club at the start of last season by breaking into his home and giving him the fright of his life while wearing a monster mask. Wood has not ruled out playing similar pranks on Wolves' 2004 signings but he is keeping his cards close to his chest. The 29-year-old, who is 30 on Saturday, said: "My pranks are usually spur of the moment things. Danny Lima played with me for a few years at Sydney Roosters so he knows what to expect. "He has been treading very carefully around me but the other new players don't know what they have let themselves in for yet. "On a more serious note, I think that the new signings we have made are fantastic.
We made by far the best signings of all the Super League clubs."We may have lacked a little bit of size last year and the two front rowers that we've brought in certainly make up for that. "Danny and Chris Leikvoll have also got a lot of NRL experience under their belts and it will be good to have two forwards who don't have to be told things twice. "That will give Graham Appo, Lee Briers and myself more time to do our stuff. "As for Mike Forshaw, he will bring toughness and dedication that we may not have had previously and John Wilshere will provide us with the flair that we need out wide." Wood told the Guardian that Wolves' new boys have added extra spice to the club's training sessions. That has had a knock on effect on the players retained from the 2003 squad and Wood said: "I've noticed a huge change in pre-season training from this year to last. "We are a lot more drilled in what we are doing and it shows. A lot of players have matured in the way they apply themselves in training and that is pleasing to see." * Voting has finished in Warrington Sports Personality Wolves player of 2003. Winner will be revealed on January 30. Source Warrington Guardian.
SCHOOLS wishing to enter Warrington Wolves' Coca Cola (Miller) Sevens competition should note that the deadline for entries is tomorrow, Friday. Contact Dave Prince at Wilder-spool Stadium on 635338 to book in. The last 16 stage of the competition will be played at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Rugby League followers in Warrington amongst others are invited to contribute to the future of the sport. A major independent review of the roles of the various organisations involved in the development of Rugby League is about to begin. The entire exercise will involve the canvassing of views of as many people as possible involved in the sport, including representatives of grass roots Rugby League clubs, referee and match official societies and amateur league administrators. Meetings are to take place across the country where grass roots representatives and stakeholders will have the opportunity to discuss the areas they feel are of greatest importance to the future of the game and suggest ways in which the sport might improve. The nearest meeting, which will be open to all, will take place at Leigh Miners-Rangers Amateur Rugby League Club on January 30 at 7pm. The aim of the review is to establish a clear focus and role for BARLA within the unified structure of the Rugby Football League. It is intended that the project will result in the production of an organisation strategy and plan. A spokesperson for the review team said: "It is vital that we obtain the views of as many people as possible who are passionate about Rugby League as to the best future direction for the sport, specially as it relates to the growth and sustainability of the amateur game. "We very much look forward to meeting a wide range of people interested in the future health of Rugby League and to hearing their views. These will form an integral and important part of the planning process for both BARLA and the RFL in this organisational review."
15th January. Wolves coach Paul Cullen is not ruling out more signings this year. He has named a squad of 26 players for Super League IX after bringing in four fresh faces but he is prepared to swoop again if particular players suddenly become available. Cullen said: "I am very happy with my squad and I genuinely think we are in a far stronger position this year than we were 12 months ago. "Our front row is stronger both physically and in terms of experience. "I can't foresee us being pushed out of games like we were last year but I would like to think that the door is not absolutely shut to more new signings. "If someone came along who could strengthen our squad even further then we would be in the position to sign him." Cullen's aim for 2004 is simply for Wolves to better their 2003 performances in the Challenge Cup and in Tetley's Super League. .
The Wolves second shipment of Tetley's Super League IX home shirt will be on sale from Monday 19th January 2004 at Wolfware. All sizes available Small boys - XXXXL, retailing at £32.00 for children and £42.00 for adult sizes. Wolfware Opening Hours: Monday Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm. Telephone: 01925 235005
Wolves' future is looking bright as young players are showing great desire to make a name for themselves with the club. And it is Paul Wood who is leading the way. Wood has told the Guardian that he wants to spend his entire career with Wolves and he is now convinced that rising talent like Jamie Durbin, Nick Owen and Richard Varkulis are ready and hungry for Super League foothall. Another good sign of young players' interest in plying their trade with Wolves is the growing numbers joining the club after being released from the likes of Wigan and St Helens due to salary cap reasons. Liam McGovern, Mark Roberts and Kevin Pic-ton are the latest to be training with the club. But the example shining brightest of all is Great Britain forward Wood, who has given a further boost to Wolves this week fresh from his delight in signing a new two-year contract. The 21-year-old Wiganer said: "I want to stay with Warrington, hopefully, for the rest of my career. "I like everything about Warrington and I'm settled at the club. "It's not far from where I live. I enjoy the company of my teammates. There is a great team spirit. Paul Cullen is one of the best coaches in Super League and so I feel staying with Wolves will improve my game. "I like the fans, the new stadium, there's a great buzz. I really do think Warrington fans are the best in Super League. They create a lot of noise and are always behind the team." Wood gained his first GB call-up at the end of last season but a shoulder injury playing for his country against New Zealand A appeared to put paid to an appearance against Australia in the winter Test series. He has had a shoulder operation in the close season but will be fit in t time for the start of the new season, when, due to strong team building, there will be extra competition for his jersey this year. Wood said: "All I want to do this year is play well for Warrington. That will be my whole concentration and if I do play well then there shouldn't be a reason for not getting another call-up. "I must be consistent all year though. Hopefully I'll keep away from injury this year. If I do that my form then has to be good because if there's a dip in performance then there's players who can step in and fill the position. "One of the good things about training is that everyone's talking about competition and where players are going to play. It's never been like that before at Warrington in my time. "There's quality players all through the squad and that's a good thing. "We've got 26 full time players and there's some good young talent coming through in the likes of Durbin, Varkulis and Owen. "They'll be ready for SL this year. They've been on the fringe of getting in the squad over the past two years. This year they'll definitely be buzzing. "They'll want to get in on the action. They've trained well and I think they've done okay in the warm-up games too so they're ready for the step up."
WILDERSPOOL Stadium's life will continue as a Rugby League venue for at least one more season. Warrington Wolves' first team may only have two more friendlies to play there but Wilderspool will continue to be home for under 18s and under 21s Academy matches this year. Crosfields will play their Challenge Cup third round home tie at Wilderspool and it is expected that Warrington Woolston Rovers will play their second season of National League Three action at the 106-year-old ground too. At this stage, it is Impossible to say who will be playing In the last match at Wilderspool and when it will be played. The new Halllwell Jones Stadium will be the venue for Wotvas' 14 home Super League games and any home Challenge Cup matches but the Guardian understands a settling in period is needed for the turf, hence a restriction on the number of games to take olace there in 2004.
The official last first class match at Wllderspool between Wolves and New Zealand A took place In October, 2003, but Paul Cullen's Super League squad have two trial matches still to take place there. Wolves will entertain Salford City Reds on Sunday, February 1, kick-off 3pm, In a match In which Cullen plans to field his new slgnings Mike Forshaw, Danny Lima, Chris Lelkvoll and John Wilshere. Then on Saturday, February 7, Wolves will face Cambridge University at Wllderspool, kick-off 2pm. This match will be played as Lee Penny's Testimonial game. Penny, who was released by Wolves at the end of last season, did not have a Testimonial game in his time at Wolves. The following day, Arriva National Conference amateurs Crosflelds will meet professional Cumbrian outfit Workington Town at Wllderspool In a Powergen Challenge Cup third round tie which will kick off at 2pm. Favourite Discussions are due to take place shortly as to where Warrington Woolston Rovers will be playing their summer home games this year but Wilderspool was their base last term when they stormed to Grand Final glory and it Is understood to be the favourite choice again. Wolves' Academy fixtures for 2004 have not been announced as yet. It is thought a few under 18s Academy ties may be played as curtain-raisers to Super League matches at the Halliwell Jones Stadium but Wilderspool will be the host in the main.
13th January.Wolves' Top £1/2 Million Pound As they prepare for their first game at the new Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington Wolves are celebrating record season ticket sales. The feel good factor caused by last season's Top 6 finish allied to their long awaited move has resulted in a phenomenal increase in season ticket numbers of 43% over Super League VIII. The Wolves have sold over 4,300 season tickets, which has generated revenue of over £500,000. Community and Marketing 'guru' Sean Mellor howled, "After signing off at Wilderspool in considerable style, the momentum of the Club and the excitement generated by our best ever Super League season has continued. The level of season ticket sales and the speed with which our first batch of Super League IX principal shirts have been snapped up, provides a fair reflection of the current wave of Wolfmania. "The Halliwell Jones Stadium with its excellent modern facilities should provide a catalyst to help take the Wolves to a new level. With the home opener against the Wildcats less than six weeks away we are confident of a bumper crowd to herald this new era for the Club. Tickets for that game are already on sale and moving well."
Tickets for Saturday 21st February Now On Sale Fans can now buy their tickets online at www.warringtonwolves.com for the first game in The Halliwell Jones Stadium the Tetley's Super League IX fixture against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Saturday 21st February 2004, kick off 6.05pm, this game will be televised on SKY.Tickets are also available from Wolfware and the Ticket Hotline 01925 235005. Matchday ticket prices are: Ground: Adult £13.00, Concession £7.00 North Stand*: Adult £18.00, Concession £10.00 East Stand: Adult £15.00, Concession £8.00 (unreserved) Please note when booking online there is a 4% booking fee on tickets, prices will be as follows: Ground: Adult £13.50, Concession £7.25 North Stand*: Adult £18.50, Concession £10.50 East Stand: Adult £15.50, Concession £8.25 (unreserved) *Seating is only available from approximately the 20metre line to the pitch end, due to season ticket holders seating arrangements.
The Wolves will take on Cambridge University on 7th February at Wilderspool in a testimonial game for Lee Penny.
9th January. Sibbit to Miss Out on Lanzarote Warrington Wolves centre Ian Sibbit will miss out on the Club's warm winter training in Lanazarote, 15th-22nd January 2004 due to him suffering from a twisted knee. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented,"Ian will not be travelling to Lanzarote with the first team for our warm winter training due to him twisting his knee in training. Lanzarote is not a place for rehab players, as it is not a holiday it is serious training camp and we will be working on our skills."
Paul Wood and Mike Wainwright have signed new deals which will keep them at Warrington till at least 2006.Paul Cullen announced the re-signing of players Paul Wood and Mike Wainwright at a civic reception held for the players and club at the Town Hall this afternoon. Paul Wood, who has been signed for a further 2 years comments, "I am very happy at the Wolves, I am settled here and I feel that Paul Cullen is a good coach and that I have learnt a lot already from him and can definitely learn a lot more. Things are on the up at Warrington with the new stadium and the new signings, in particular Mike Forshaw. Last year was good, this year is going to be better and I think we have definitely got a great base to build on and I am looking forward to being part of it." Local boy Mike Wainwright has had a 1 year contract extension and commented, "After finishing Top 6 last year and with the new signings that Paul has brought in this season there was no contest of going anywhere else. I want to extend my contract with the Wolves and ideally finish my playing career at my home town team. Warrington is definitely a club who are going places with the new stadium and I feel that we will definitely be contenders for trophies and I want to be part of that." Coach Paul Cullen said of the two signings, "Paul is a rising star who's ability to play front row and second row with equal impact is of great value to the Wolves." "I am delighted that Mike wants to play out his career with his home town club, his vision is now being matched with the physical and mental toughness required that should bring international recognition."
8th January Briers Fit for the Season,Warrington Wolves Club Captain Lee Briers is aiming to be fit for the first game of the season, v. Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Saturday 21st February 2004, kick off 6.05pm. Lee Briers underwent surgery at the end of October to reconstruct his scaphoid of the left wrist, which he originally broke against London Broncos on Sunday 13th July. 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. Lee Briers commented, "The wrist is coming along well, I have resumed training and I am hoping to be passed as fit for the home opener, but you never want to commit yourself as a definite as anything can happen before the 21st February. It is something I am definitely aiming for, I would be very disappointed not to take part in such an historic game." Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "We are delighted with Lee's progress and we are expecting him back for the home opener."
Wolves' new signings have been settling in and all have given their thumbs up to the club's new stadium. Mike Forshaw Chris Leikvoll, Danny Lima and John Wilshere took their first look around the Halliwell Jones Stadium this week. Loose forward Forshaw, a Grand Final winner with Bradford Bulls last year, said: "I'm really impressed with the new stadium and I know the public can't wait to watch games here. I was doing a bit of shopping the other day and I was stopped by fans saying they are looking forward to seeing me play in the new stadium. "I've been back in training for the past few weeks following the break after the Great Britain Test series. It was a bit daunting at first to be a new club after Bradford but I soon settled in and now I can't wait for the new season to kick in." Papua New Guinean Wilshere is a quick winger or full back who has been signed on a two-year contract from St George Illawarra and he said: "It looks like it is going to be a really good venue for the club. "When I left Brisbane between Christmas and New Year it was 35 degrees, very hot and very humid. When I got to Manchester the cold cut through me. But to be honest I expected it to be much colder and so I'm coping well with the change."Settling in has been made easy for me by everyone. Knowing Chris Leikvoll from our time together at St George has been a help and Apps has been great. I'm living with Apps and he has been showing games here. I could tell from watching British soccer and Rugby League on television back in Australia that the atmosphere is great at games over here and it should be great in this venue. "But as a player I just consider it to be turf and it is turf no matter where you play. A player simply has to adapt to the conditions of the turf and the weather and I'm now looking forward to getting the first game under my belt." Lima is sharing with Brent Grose in Stockton Heath while he finds a home for his family, who will be flying over in April after the birth of their second child. Leikvoll, the club's other prop signing from NRL side St George, said: "I like this stadium. The crowd is really close to the pitch and the atmosphere should be fantastic,oa a two year Manlyfrom Manly , said: "This new stadium is an excellent facility and it's going to be great playing our home games here,I was disappointed not yo be playing against Leigh but I have a niggly calf injury and it was decided not to risk making it any worse.Source Warrington Guardian
AUSTRALIA'S loss is Super League's gain when it comes to Warrington Wolves' new recruits Chris Leikvoll and Danny Lima. That is the view of leggy speedster John Wilshere, who will be playing alongside the thunderous tacklers for the next two years. The Papua New Guinea international believes that huge Leikvoll and Lima's respective clubs should have moved heaven and earth to retain their services as he considers them to be two of the best in the business when it comes to making the hard yards. Wilshere has also heaped praise on the duo's tackling techniques and their ability to off-load out of a tackle and he feels sure that they will make a big impression on the English game. Wilshere, who played along-side Leikvoll at St George Illawarra last season and had the misfortune of coming up against Manly powerhouse Lima, said: "Chris is a really good player. His go-forward is awesome and he has a great pop-pass. "He has the knack of adding a second phase of play to the attack and I'm sure he'll be a favourite with the fans. "As for Danny Lima, he also has a good go-forward. He played really well last season and I'm very surprised that Manly allowed him to leave."Wilshere admits that his friendship with Leikvoll played a part in his decision to join Wolves' ranks. The 25-year-old said: "I am sure that the people of Warrington will make me feel at home but it still helps to know that there will be a friendly face here. "Chris signed for Wolves before I did and he advised me to follow his lead. ; "Paul Cullen '. impressed me with • his plans and promised to help me to improve my game , so I am delighted to have signed." Source Warrington Guardian.
7th January.Civic Announcement Warrington Wolves Head Coach Paul Cullen will make an announcement regarding the completion of his signings for this season's squad at the Civic Reception at the Town Hall on Saturday 10th January 2004 at 12noon. The Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Pauline Nelson, a self-confessed rugby league fanatic, will hold a special Civic Reception at Warrington Town Hall on Saturday 10th January 2004 to honour the town's rugby league team, Warrington Wolves RLFC, as they begin a new era at their new state-of-the-art Halliwell Jones Stadium. Wolves fans are also being invited to meet outside the front of the Town Hall (from 12 noon). This will also be the first opportunity to see the full squad, including all the new signings of Tetley's Super League IX together, with Nat Wood returning today, Wednesday. All the overseas players have now landed and begun pre-season training, which will involve a week's warm winter training in Lanzarote from the 15th-22nd January. It will also be the first chance for fans to see and hear from the new players who will form a major part of the Wolves' assault on the Super League IX title. The Mayor Cllr Nelson, Chairman of the Club Lord Hoyle, Paul Cullen and some of the players will speak to fans via loudspeaker from the steps of the Town Hall for around half an hour.
The Mayor, Cllr Nelson, said: "As a huge fan of rugby league and, in particular, the Wolves, I couldn't be more excited at the prospect of the new era that is about to begin. There is a great air of excitement and anticipation about the forthcoming season and I wanted to honour that by hosting this Civic Reception for the team. "The reception in the Town Hall is being held for the team itself, however, we couldn't do something like this without including the great fans of Warrington Wolves RLFC. They are the best and most passionate rugby league fans around! We hope they come along, help us all celebrate the new era that is about to begin and kick start the season like only the Wolves fans can!" The last time a Civic Reception was held to honour Warrington Rugby Football League Club was in 1990 when the team made the Challenge Cup Final against Wigan. Fans are invited to come along to the front of the Town Hall from around 11.45am and the Mayor, Paul Cullen and the team will appear on the steps of the Town Hall at 12 noon. The outdoor event should last for around half an hour. Unfortunately, there is no parking available for members of the public on the foyer, annexes or driveways of the Town Hall. However, Legh Street Car Park and the car park to the rear of Bank House will be available to paying customers as usual.
5th January.Warrington 34 Leigh 16. It was certainly Dean Gaskell's day at Wilderspool yesterday as the Wire winger ran in 3 tries, a total of 7 former Wire players were in the Leigh squad and seemed determined to let the Wire know it was a mistake to let them go. Further tries for Warrington were scored by Grose 2, Hulse 1, Owen kicked 5 goals.Attendance 3,000.
2nd January. A SPECIAL celebration is being held to mark a new era in the life of rugby league football in Warrington. The Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Pauline Nelson, a self-confessed rugby league fanatic, will hold a special Civic Reception at Warrington Town Hall on Saturday 10th January 2004 to honour the town's rugby league team, Warrington Wolves RLFC, as they begin a new era at their new state-of-the-art Halliwell Jones Stadium. Wolves fans are also being invited to meet outside the front of the Town Hall (from 12 noon) to hear Wolves Head Coach Paul Cullen and the players set out their stall for the Super League IX season and help kick start a new era of rugby league in the town. It will also be the first chance for fans to see and hear from the new players who will form a major part of the Wolves' assault on the Super League IX title. The Mayor Cllr Nelson, Chairman of the Club Lord Hoyle, Paul Cullen and some of the players will speak to fans via loudspeaker from the steps of the Town Hall for around half an hour. The team will then be invited inside the Town Hall for the civic reception being hosted by the Mayor. The Mayor, Cllr Nelson, said: "As a huge fan of rugby league and, in particular, the Wolves, I couldn't be more excited at the prospect of the new era that is about to begin. There is a great air of excitement and anticipation about the forthcoming season and I wanted to honour that by hosting this Civic Reception for the team. "The reception in the Town Hall is being held for the team itself, however, we couldn't do something like this without including the great fans of Warrington Wolves RLFC. They are the best and most passionate rugby league fans around! We hope they come along, help us all celebrate the new era that is about to begin and kick start the season like only the Wolves fans can!" The last time a Civic Reception was held to honour Warrington Rugby Football League Club was in 1990 when the team made the Challenge Cup Final against Wigan. Fans are invited to come along to the front of the Town Hall from around 11.45am and the Mayor, Paul Cullen and the team will appear on the steps of the Town Hall at 12 noon. The outdoor event should last for around half an hour. Unfortunately, there is no parking available for members of the public on the foyer, annexes or driveways of the Town Hall. However, Legh Street Car Park and the car park to the rear of Bank House will be available to paying customers as usual.
MARK HILTON'S TESTIMONIAL GAME WARRINGTON WOLVES V. LEIGH CENTURIONS SUNDAY 4TH JANUARY, 2004 - KICK OFF 3.00PM TEAM NEWS Warrington Wolves will take on local rivals Leigh Centurions in Mark Hilton's Testimonial game this Sunday. The Wolves see the return of Paul Noone (dead leg) and Gary Hulse (hamstring) who missed the Wire FM Boxing Day Challenge against Widnes through injury. Missing from this Sunday's fixture is French international Jerome Guisset who suffered from a recurrence of an injury to his sternum and will be rested through precaution. Returning to Warrington for the New Year pre-season training is Graham Appo, Brent Grose and Darren Burns who may feature in Sunday's game. Warrington also welcomes new signings Chris Leikvoll (St George), John Wilshere (St George), Danny Lima (Manly) and Mike Forshaw (Bradford) who have all started training with the club and may feature in Mark Hilton's game. However, if they do not take to the field playing on Sunday, they will be introduced to the crowd at half time.
Peter O'Dea 2004