October 2004
31st October. Martin Gleeson's comeback game in the Tri Nations v Australia last night was certainly a dream start for the player after his enfircedlayoff he scored GB's first try as the team were unlucky to go down 8-12 through a last minute try from Rooney.
Former Wires player Australian Greg Mackey made his first visit to The Halliwell Jones Stadium recently on a tour of England. Greg was impressed with the new facility, "The new stadium is great; it is refreshingly clean compared to Wilderspool." Greg Mackey was an influential figure in the Warrington side of the 90's, originally signing on a short term contract and playing only 9 games in 1989, he was snapped up by Hull and led them to a Championship win. Returning to Warrington in 1992 he became instrumental in Brian Johnson's push for the league during the 93/94 season alongside the likes of Jonathan Davies, Alan Bateman and Kelly Shelford. His leadership from scrum-half brought on players like Iestyn Harris, Paul Sculthorpe, Jon Roper and Mark Hilton who all played alongside "bluey" at the start of their careers. Greg also played alongside Paul Cullen, Paul Darbyshire and Gary Chambers, the Wolves current coaching department. Greg recalls Cull as a player: "Cull was extremely competitive and gave 100% when he put the primrose and blue jersey on. He did give away a few penalties with ill discipline, so it's strange to see him in a position of authority now! But I think it is great for Warrington that they have homegrown talent in charge of the team. The development of English rugby league at the moment is fantastic with players such as Karl Harrison, Jon Sharp and Paul Cullen taking that step up to Coaching." Debut: 3/9/1989 (v Wigan) Last game: 15/12/1995 (v Castleford) P: 119 Sub: 4 Tries:19 Goals:4 Drop Goals: 20 Points: 104. source Wolfweb
28th October. MARTIN Gleeson's hunger could be Great Britain's most lethal weapon in Saturday's Gillette Tri-Nations tournament battle with world champions Australia. The Warrington Wolves centre is fighting fit and raring to pull on the Great Britain jersey for the sixth time at the City of Manchester Stadium. He has trained with the GB squad every day this week since returning from a successful warm weather training camp in Spain on Saturday and today, Thursday, he is due to find out if he is in the 19 men to go into the final preparations. Gleeson said: "Although I've not been playing through suspension I have worked hard in training with Warrington and had fitness work with Great Britain. I'm in the best shape I've been in for a long time and I simply can not wait to get the first game since my suspension out of the way, if selected." The Wiganer joined Wolves for £200,000 from St Helens in July and his previous coach lan Millward said in May after Gleeson was sensational in helping to destroy Wolves in a Super League game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium that the former Huddersfield player was one that the Australians truly feared. Hopefully GB coach Brian Noble will hand Gleeson the chance to show everyone why. The 24-year-old is treating the Lions' big date as the first game of the new season and the past four months on the sidelines as his pre-season build-up. This means Gleeson will be as hungry as he can be for action and said: "You never have a problem with the first game of a season because you just want it so much. "And it just so happens that my first game of the season is for my country. Pulling on the Great Britain jersey is awesome. It's the ultimate and I consider it a big honour." GB will be coming face-to-face with an Australian side that has won one and drawn one of its two tournament games so far against New Zealand, the latest a 32-12 defeat of New Zealand at Loftus Road. Gleeson said: "I was on the flight home from Spain when the game was on but a friend taped it for me. I've watched it and not really learned anything new from it. Both are strong teams." If Gleeson is selected in hjs accustomed right centre slot he is likely to come up against another explosive runner in Willie Tonga, who was a try scorer in the left centre slot against New Zealand. He said: "Tonga has played well all year for Canterbury but it does not matter which team Australia select. They are awesome from one to 13." Some advantage of playing on home soil may have been lost in that none of the Great Britain players have played at the City of Manchester Stadium before. In fact, Manchester City's home ground, the former Commonwealth Games Stadium, has not hosted a Rugby League game before. Gleeson said: "I've not been to the staidium but my teammate Paul Sculthorpe has and he says it is a magnificent venue, They are expecting about 40,000 fans to I be there and most of them will be sup porting us. So, hopefully, they will be able to give us a lift in our bid to win." And among the throngs will be many Wolves supporters hoping to see Gleeson's first game as a Warrington player. Gleeson has five caps to his name but is yet to win against Australia. He made his international debut as a substitute in the one-off Test match versus Australia in 2002 but his full debut came in the first Test of the New Zealand tour of these shores on November 9, 2002. GB lost 16-30 at Ewood Park, Blackburn, where future Wolves player Henry Fa'afili first rose to prominence with a hat-trick of tries. Gleeson's first try for the Lions came in the drawn second Test of that series at Huddersfield and he scored again in the third Test defeat of the Kiwis at the JJB Stadium. Last year he was not selected for the first two Tests of the Ashes series with Australia but impressed when brought back for the third Test at Huddersfield to take his record so far to four Test starts, one substitute appearance and two tries registered.
WARRINGTON Wolves will be playing four pre-season friendly games at The Halliwell Jones Stadium and one of them will be a benefit match for their former player Mike Gregory. Wigan coach Gregory has been sidelined through poorly health since May and the proceeds from Wolves' clash with Salford City Reds on January 30, 2005, kick-off 3pm, will go to their ex-skipper and Great Britain international. On Boxing Day, December 26, Wolves will play host to arch-rivals Widnes Vikings, kick-off 3pm, and then on January 2, 2005, National League Cumbrian outfit Barrow will be the visitors, kick-off 3pm. Paul Cullen's former club White-haven Warriors, the runners-up to Leigh in this year's National League One Grand Final, will be in town on January 16, 2005, kick-off 3pm. Wolves' new stadium will be in operation before all of that as it will host the European Nations Cup final on November 7, kick-off 1.45pm. England or France will play Ireland or Scotland and the finalists will be known after this weekend's final group games. Wolves' centre Ben Westwood crossed for two tries as England defeated Russia 98-4 in Moscow on Saturday and he hopes to impress again in France this weekend in a bid to play in the final on his home ground. Meanwhile, talks are continuing between Wolves, UEFA and FA officials surrounding which games of the women's 2005 UEFA Championships will take place at The Halliwell Jones Stadium between June 5 and 19.
A DEPARTED Warrington Wolves star says Graham Appo is looking good on his pre-season training programme. Darren Burns, who retired from top flight rugby at the end of the season, has safely returned home to Australia where he has found full back or half back Appo In great shape as he prepares for much Improved form In Tetley's Super League X. Appo, who suffered with hamstring trouble this year, Is due back In the country for group training along with John Wilshere on December 1. Meanwhile, Bums is In discussions with his former club Brisbane Broncos about career options.
21st October. Wire winger Henry Fa'afili has been called up to the New Zealand Tri-Nation squad as a direct replacement for Bradford's Lesley Vainikola
AUSTRALIA and New Zealand had better beware as Martin Gleeson is a man on a mission after completing his four months ban. The Warrington Wolves centre is determined to rebuild his tarnished reputation by inspiring Great Britain to a Tri-Nations triumph. He said: "Betting against my own team to lose at Bradford was a stupid thing to do. "I wish that it had never happened and you can safely say that I won't be doing anything like that again. I've learnt my lesson the hard way. "The last few months have been very hard for me. It is disheartening watching your teammates play every weekend while you just sit and watch. It has been a very lonely experience. "But that is all behind me now. My ban has run out and I see the Gillette Tri-Nations Tournament as the perfect opportunity to get my career back on track." Gleeson knows there is no better way to endear yourself to the public than by playing well for your country but he has not played a competitive game in more than four months and he admits that his lack of match fitness is a concern. He said: "I have been training very hard since joining Warrington from St Helens so physically : I'm in excellent shape. "But match fitness is a different matter. I'm raring to go after spending so long on the sidelines and I can only hope that my fitness and my enthusiasm pulls me through. "My aim is to play in every game in the Tri-Nations and to play well. "Brian Noble has shown a lot of faith in me and I am determined to repay him." It is clear from Noble's 24-man squad that Gleeson faces stiff competition for the two starting centre slots. Keith Senior, Gareth Ellis, Chev Walker, Sean O'Loughlin, Paul Johnson and Stephen Wild will all fancy playing in the centres and Gleeson is all to aware of the need to impress in this week's warm weather training in Spain. Gleeson said: "It's always going to be difficult forcing your way into the national side's starting 13 but I am ready for the challenge. "It's up to me to prove my worth in training and that is my next aim. "I'm looking forward to having a few days training in the sun with the boys and I am very excited by the squad that we have." He added: "I can't remember the last time we beat Australia but hopefully this will be our year. "There is no such thing as a poor Australian or New Zealand side. "All of the Tri-Nations games are going to be tough but our aim is definitely to win the series and if we play to the best of our ability then I am sure that we can do it." Australia drew 16-16 with New Zealand in the first game of the inaugural Gillette Tri-Nations tournament at the weekend. The two teams will meet again at Loftus Road, London, on Saturday with another of Wolves' new recruits, Logan Swann, set to play in the second row for New Zealand. Great Britain's first Tri-Nations game will be against the Aussies at the City of Man- chester Stadium on October 30. They will play New Zealand at the McAlphine Stadium, Huddersfield, seven days later. The Aussies will provide the opposition again at the JJB Stadium, Wigan, on November 13 and the round robin section of the tournament will be wrapped up with GB's second Kiwis clash at the KG Stadium, Hull, on November 20. The two teams with the most points will then go head-to-head in a series final at Elland Road, Leeds, on November 27. Source Warrington Guardian
Wire new signings:left to right Toa Koe Love, Logan Swann,Coach Paul Cullen,Martin Gleeson, Henry Fa'afili.
19th October. Wolves Take Positive Action Warrington Wolves picked up the Award for Best North West Sports and Community Involvement at the Positive Action Awards 2004 held at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday night. The Positive Action Awards 2004 have been developed as a result of work undertaken throughout Europe by members of the management teams of Warrington Disability Partnership and Disability Awareness Day. Whilst attending conferences, exchange visits and in communication with hundreds of organisations our members have promoted, as Good Practice the partnership and innovative work undertaken in the Northwest by employers, service providers, support groups and individuals. The aim of the Positive Action Awards is to provide an opportunity for disabled people and carers living in the Northwest to nominate employers, businesses, service providers or individuals that deserve recognition for promoting independence, delivering accessible and/or inclusive services, or maintaining exemplary employment practices for disabled people and/or carers. The sponsors for the inaugural 2004 Awards are the Northwest Development Agency, an organisation that prides itself on supporting regional initiatives that make a difference. The Wolves won their Award on the back of the Halliwell Jones Stadium which opened in February 2004 and has included the following to make it accessible for disabled spectators: *Wheel chair access all areas *111 disabled spectator seats through out the four stands *3 high level disabled spectator areas *A loop system for hard of hearing in a section of the North Stand and East Stand as well as the Ticket Office *Induction loop system within the superb banqueting suite in the Martin Dawes Stand (East) *12 disabled only toilets throughout the ground *A Super family toilet with a changing bed which is due to have a hoist fitted *6 ambulant disabled spectator seats in the North Stand Andy Gatcliffe, Chief Executive commented, "We the club are absolutely delighted to win this award, and our thanks go out to Dave Thompson for all his help and assistance in bringing the new stadium to fruition and ensuring that the facilities can be enjoyed by all by being disabled friendly."
14th October.The Test international who is going for Super League Grand Final glory with Bradford Bulls on Saturday is set to link up with Henry Fa'afili on Warrington's right flank next season. Logan Swann and Fa'afili combined productively for New Zealand Warriors on the right edge prior to this year and this will have caught the eye of head coach Paul Cullen in adding the back rower's capture to his other new recruits. Swann, who left the Warriors last year to join up with Bradford for one term, has signed a two-year deal with Wolves from next season and he has , impressed for Bulls in the play-offs leading up to the campaign's showdown with Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford. After Saturday, Swann may get further action this year representing his country in the Gillette Tri-Nations Tournament although Darren Anderson's squad additions from these shores will not be known until Monday. But for next year in primrose and blue, to have both Swann and Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson exploding on to the ball down the right and Fa'afili being in place to finish off is an exciting proposition for War-rington. This would still leave 2004 player of the season Mike Wainwright to continue with his ball-handling skills down the left hand side. Swann said: "Frank Endacott, who is my manager, and I had a meeting with Paul Cullen, who made noises about me playing in the back row and on the right edge, which I'm very comfortable about. "It was on the right that spent my last four seasons with New Zealand Warriors, playing alongside Henry Fa'afili. So I'm looking forward to playing in that position again. "This will mean creating a few things in the opposition's endwhen we've got the ball and, on defence, just helping the right unit and right edge, making sure the talk and communication is there and that the tackles are being made and tries are being stopped. "I was played out of position at the beginning of this year with Bradford, and that was after having developed in one position under Barren Anderson at the Warriors for four years. "I really like that position and hopefully, once I get back out there and get the ball in hand on that right edge, I know things will come back to me quickly." Swann has settled into the British lifestyle now although he admits it was not easy when he first came over from New Zealand earlier this year. He said: "When I first arrived it was snowing in Bradford and I'd never experienced that in Auckland. It was a bit of an eye opener and it took a while to get used to the culture and new environment. "Beating Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge was a good start but I picked up an injury that set me back for a couple of months. I've settled here now and I'm looking forward to my new challenge with Warrington." Warrington are also gaining a player with bags of experience, which is clear when Swarm highlights the best moments of his career so far. He said: "A couple of the Test matches I played in for New Zealand when we beat Australia stand out and also the 2002 Grand Final appearance with New Zealand Warriors against the Roosters. "For having been at the Warriors for five years leading up to that, and the team having struggled and battled away, to finally achieve making it into a Grand Final and experiencing the occasion still leaves me at a loss for words. It was just an amazing day. "And, of course, the World Club Challenge success beating Penrith earlier this year was another big moment for me." Swann has a message he would like to pass on to Warrington fans for next year. He said: "I look forward to having your support next year. Keep coming along and getting right behind the team and hopefully we can improve on where the team finished this year and also play some exciting football for you guys to watch."
WARRINGTON Wolves' team plans for the 2005 season are not finished yet. The bid to buy Great Britain back rower or centre Gareth Ellis for £125,000 from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats is clear indication of that. Warrington Guardian understands Wolves will not be stepping up their moves to sign Ellis but have left the ball in Wakefield's court. A whole host of other Super League clubs have been linked with him too. Wolves are in the process of arranging pre-season matches. The only one confirmed so far is the traditional Boxing Day 'derby' against Widnes at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. There will be more 'derbies' for Wolves next season following Leigh's successful application to join Super League after beating Whitehaven Warriors in Sunday's National League One Grand Final. Wolves last met Leigh in the league 10 years ago. The new Super League season will start on the weekend of February 13 and Wolves will enter the Challenge Cup at the fourth round stage on the weekend of April 3.
WARRINGTON Wolves season tickets for the North Stand in The Halliwell Jones Stadium are now on general sale. Holders of last season's seats in the North Stand had until Tuesday to renew the same seats for Tetley's Super League X. Supporters wishing to buy tickets should call in at the club's shop Wolfware at the stadium. For queries, contact 248888. There is an early bird special offer on season ticket prices which runs until November 1.Season ticket holders will receive entry to all 14 Super League home games, Academy games, 10 per cent discount on merchandise from the club shop, priority booking for Challenge Cup ties and Super League play-offs matches plus discounted function room hire at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. The 2005 season ticket package allows for 'ground' season tickets to be accepted at both South and West Stand turnstiles. However, against opposition with large numbers of fans, an away end may be designated and so fans will be asked to use the South Stand only for such games. Warrington Wolves are currently looking into the possibility of prohibiting smoking within designated areas of The Halliwell Jones Stadium and say they are in the process of consultation with fans to find out their views on this issue. Any decision made regarding a no smoking policy will be implemented for Super League X.
WARRINGTON Wolves' Super League players will feel the pressure of competition from the club's title-winning youngsters next season. This is the view of Wolves under 18s coach Dave Elliott following the back-to-back Junior Academy Division One Grand Final success this week. Eight members of the team that defeated Huddersfield Giants 26-12 in the Grand Final are stepping up to under 21s level for next season, which will add much needed strength to the senior Academy set-up. Elliott said there are 'about eight or nine' players from Wolves' Academy Foundation under 16s level that could have slipped into the Grand Final winning side, which means the under 18s will be strong again next year too. All of this points to Wolves gaining rewards for behind-the-scenes hard work that has been put into developing young talent on their books and in the town. Elliott said: "It's looking really good for next year at under 18s and the under 21s are going to be a lot"stronger". This means pressure will be put on the first team, unlike this year." Man of the match Craig Cornelia, stand off and skipper Chris Hull, goal-kicking loose forward Craig Ashall, England Academy prop Steve Pickersgill and powerhouse centre Phil Berry all stood out against Huddersfield. Substitute half back Cornelia, two, Berry, Ashall and scrum half Andy Moulsdale scored tries. Cumbrian Elliott, a former back row forward for Warrington, said that supporters should not read too much into Wolves' under 18s success being at Division One standard again this year, rather than at Championship level. He added: "A lot of people have talked about this. We can only beat the teams that are put in front of us and to go 28 games undefeated, and only lose two in a season, is credit to the players. They've been outstanding and supporters should look at the performances of individual players rather than what division they're in. "Both ourselves and Huddersfield could have performed well in that Super League after seeing some of the Super League under 18s games this year. We were unlucky that we were in tough groups in the grading phase at the start of the year. "We're working hard through pre-season to get in that Super League. It might be that a Rugby Football League change allows us to go into Super League now, anyway, and if that is so, then great because these players need to perform on a bigger stage against better players. That is best for the club." The players who are stepping up to under 21s level for next season are only having a few weeks off before returning to training. Elliott highlighted that Gary Chambers has got the likes of Pickersgill, Ashall, Cornelia, Hull, Berry and Anthony Jerram booked in for training at the end of the month. He added: "The whole ethos of the club is we need our young players to progress and to progress quickly to put pressure on the first team. And they're only going to do that by working hard again in the off-season." Sourced from Warrington Guardian Mike Parsons .
11th October.125th Anniversary Dinner Monday 18th October 2004 - In the Banqueting Lounge of the Martin Dawes Stand The guest list for the forthcoming 125th. Anniversary Dinner is now taking shape and we can confirm the attendance of a veritable galaxy of star names from the history of the club. The following will be representing the living decades:- 1950s Frank Wright and Alastair Brindle 1960s Parry Gordon and Brian Glover 1970s Alex Murphy and Kevin Ashcroft 1980s Ken Kelly and Bob Eccles 1990s Mark Forster and Mark Hilton 2000s Mike Wainwright, Danny Lima and Lee Briers The Future Steve Pickersgill Our guest list also comprises all those who have helped us with Squadbuilder during the course of 2004 and other "friends" and includes Paul Cullen, Paul Darbyshire, Gary Chambers, Neil Kelly, Tony O'Brien, Doc Scott, Vinny Webb, Angela Powers, Eddie Hemmings, Karl Kirkpatrick, Bob Connolly and Eddie Fuller. The Past Players Association are also having an additional table at which other famous faces from the past will sit. All the guests will be spread around the room so that everyone will have the opportunity of sharing the company of, and chewing the rugby league fat with, at least one of the "dignitaries" This is a once-in-a-generation event that no right-minding Warrington fan should want to miss. Tickets are now available in the Club Shop, or you can download a booking form from the Squadbuilder website at www.squadbuilder.co.uk. Tickets are priced at £25 which includes a superb 3-course Heathcotes dinner. The evening will feature interviews with all our guests from the past and present, a history of the club in pictures and there will also be some old memorabilia on show. There will also be brief reviews of the 2004 season. So, book your place now by calling in to the Club Shop, by downloading and completing a booking form or by ringing me on 01925 827711. And remember, all the proceeds of the evening will go towards the development of young talent within the town. Richard Shanks .
Bevan Wall Replica Bricks The replica commemorative bricks from the Brian Bevan Wall are now ready to collect. Please come to Main Reception and ask for Bernie Lenihan, Monday-Saturday: 9am-5.00pm. If you have any trouble collecting your brick please call 01925 248880 and ask for Bernie Lenihan.
Wolves Make Cumbrian Signing Warrington Wolves have signed Richard Chatfield, 16 from Barrow Island ARLFC to their U18's squad on a two year deal. Richard, a hooker has played in the Academy Foundation at the Wolves for the last two seasons and has impressed to take the next step. He has also represented Cumbria U14s and U15s. Richard commented about his move to the U18s, "I have always wanted to play professional rugby league and Warrington have given me that opportunity through the Scholarship and now I'm joining a winning team in the U18s and I am loving every minute of it." Vinny Webb , Scholarship Manager has been impressed with Richard's progression, "He is a tough uncompromising player who is a fantastic prospect and has been a top performer in the Academy Foundation."
The Chairman of Warrington Wolves, Doug Hoyle confirmed that the Club were interested in Wakefield Trinity Wildcats star Gareth Ellis. He stated that the Wolves had made a £125,000 offer which was turned down by Wakefield and went on to say that the Wolves will continue their search to bring players of exceptional talent to Warrington to further the Clubs ambition for the future.
8th October.Warrington have had a £125,000 offer for Wakefield captain Gareth Ellis rejected by the Yorkshire club. The 23-year-old Great Britain international is one of the hottest properties in the British game. Leeds, St Helens, Wigan, Bradford and Hull have all expressed an interest in the player, who can play in the centre or at loose forward. "They came to us with an offer but we said it was not enough," said Wakefield chief executive Diane Rogerson.
WARRINGTON Wolves are determined to become the masters of nurturing homegrown talent. They are confident of retaining their Junior Academy Division One title in the Grand Final at The Halliwell Jones Stadium tonight, Thursday, and they have set their sights on overtaking Leeds and Wigan in the young blood stakes. Both clubs have developed a production line of budding superstars in recent years. Dean Gaskell is the only former Academy player to establish himself as a Wolves first team regular since Paul Cullen was appointed head coach in 2002, but Wolves have been focusing on the younger age groups. The club says that their scholarship and junior Academy squads are the envy of many Super League clubs. They believe that they have several future star names on their books. And Wolves under 18s' second successive Grand Final shot provides proof to the pudding. Huddersfield Giants will stand in the way of a Wolves title triumph tonight, kick-off 8pm. They were runners-up to Wolves in the end of season table and will go into the game as underdogs following their 40-16 defeat to Warrington at the qualifying play-off stage. Under 18s coach Dave Elliot said: "We are confident of retaining our title and, if we do, it will be richly deserved. "I am delighted with how we have performed this season. To have gone undefeated until the final three rounds of the season is a fantastic achievement, specially when you consider the fact that 75 per cent of our squad are aged only 16 and 17. "Those young players have really stepped up to the mark and they will make the club's Academy section strong for the next five years or so. "The club will bear the fruit of those players coming through and I see exciting times ahead. "We may only have one homegrown first team player in Mike Wainwright but the club's ethos is to 'produce our own'. "That is something that Paul Cullen (head coach) is very keen on. "It will save the club a lot of money and having a few homegrown players is an important ingredient for a successful club." Fellow Academy coach Gary Chambers echoed Elliot's views. He said: "We are trying to emulate the likes of Leeds and Wigan who are renowned for bringing through a lot of quality young players and we are nearly there. "All of the structures are in place. We will have an established under 21s team next season, albeit a very young one, and an even more established under 18s squad. "There is a lot of talent in there. "I don't want to name individuals because it would put them under unnecessary pressure. "But it is safe to say that we have a very good crop of talented young players and all that they need is time to mature and push on."Source Dave Lawrenson Warrington Guardian.
7th October.MARK Hilton's Testimonial term has ended with him gaining a record benefit for a Warrington Wolves player. His Testimonial has reaped rewards of £48,000, through events such as dinners and golf days, plus the prop forward has gained a lot more besides. Hilton, who has made 223 appearances for Wolves and is looking forward to his 12th season with the club in 2005, said: "My Testimonial has gone really well and I must say a big thank you to everyone who has helped me the fans, the sponsors, my committee, Warrington Wolves' staff. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my Testimonial and it has been a learning curve for me. I did a lot of the arranging of events myself and the business side of all of that has been new to me. I now have a client base from it. "I have gained skills that you need to be able to move on after your rugby career. Things such as setting up advertising and media work can be taken into a further career." This year has been a massive one for 29-year-old Hilton due to playing his first season with Wolves at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, completing his studies to gain a mathematics degree and running his Testimonial. He is enjoying a welcome break from it all although is not used to having so much time on his hands and is itching to make further use of skills that he has. Hilton said: "I've started on a weights programme with some of the other players to build up to the start of pre-season training, which is keeping me busy. "But I'm thinking of starting something off in maths tutoring. I need to get that set up though."
A WARRINGTON Wolves new recruit would love to have a revenge crack at the Australians in the Gillette Tri-Nations tournament later this month. Logan Swann, who joins Wolves for next season from Bradford Bulls, is waiting to hear of his selection from New Zealand coach Daniel Anderson but is unlikely to until after the Bulls' Grand Final date at Old Trafford on October 16. Swann, who previously played for Anderson at New Zealand Warriors, said: "There's a few of us over here in the frame for New Zealand selection and I wouldn't mind having a crack it. "The last time I played for my country was the Anzac Test against Australia midway through last year. We didn't do too well on that occa sion and it would be nice to make amends. "They are always a good side to test yourself against but the British team is looking strong too. Last year's performances against Australia and the way the competition over here has improved a hell of a lot means it is going to be a great series." The 29-year-old believes the Tri- i Nations concept is a fantastic one. He said: "I think the Tri-Nations will give the international game a I lift. It will be a good test for all three countries. It's unfortunate that New Zealand have lost a lot of players through injuries and retirements, which is disappointing, but we'll have to wait and see what the full side is that the selectors choose and make the best of it."
WARRINGTON Wolves' vice captain Nathan Wood has said he will be honouring his contract, which runs to the end of the 2005 campaign. He has told head coach Paul Cullen and chief executive Andy Gatcliffe that he will return from his home in Sydney, Australia, for Tetleys Super League X. Wood, had been linked with a move to Wigan. Meanwhile, Wolves halfback Gary Hulse has signed for Widnes after not being offered a new deal.
2nd October.Wires 'extra' fixtures in the 2005 season will include third 'derby' matches against Widnes Vikings and St Helens. The 12 Super League clubs, at their latest meeting, decided that the last six fixtures which make up the 28-round season will no longer be based on the previous year's top six and bottom six clubs playing each other. Instead, teams who finished in even numbered positions in the final Super League table will against clubs finishing in odd numbers positions, this means for eighth placed Wolves their round 23 to 28 games in2005 first-placed Leeds, third-placed Hull, fifth-placed Helens, seventh placed Huddersfield, ninth-placed Salford and Eleventh-placed Widnes.For the first 22 rounds teams will play each other on a home and away basis as usual.
1st October. WIRE FM BOXING DAY CHALLENGE Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings Sunday 26th December 2004 Kick off 3:00pm The prize includes: *A training session at The Halliwell Jones Stadium with the team in preparation for the match *Warm-up with the team prior to kick off *Have a kit made up with your name on the back of it *Run out with the team *Kick off the match *Sit on the bench for the whole match *Present the Wire FM Trophy to the Man of the Match on the pitch post match.
Young Wolves Grand Final Warrington Wolves Under 18 Academy reached the First Division Grand Final in fine style on Saturday afternoon with a 40-16 victory over the Huddersfield Giants at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. After the initial grading period the young Wolves were placed in the First division taking the league by storm and ending the year in first place. The elimination semi-final against Huddersfied was the final hurdle to the Grand Final and the Wolves blitzed the Giants to seal their place in the final. The Wolves squad took charge early on through a Beckett try and continued to dominate the first half with the powerful pack laying waste to the Giants. 16 Year old Ben Harrison led the way with a great display of running and tackling, adding a great try to give a sound 16-4 lead. The kicking of Craig Ashall added to the tally and the game was virtually wrapped up by half-time with a 28-4 lead. Ashall scored early in the 2nd half and after converting gave the Wolves a 30 point lead, the Giants battled hard to claw back the defecit but to no avail. The young Wolves were too strong and the game was sealed by a Craig Cornelia effort ably goaled by Ashall. Warrington Wolves 40 T: Beckett, Riley, Harrison, Aboushakra, Moulsdale, Ashall, Cornelia G: Ashall 6 Huddersfield Giants 16 T: Sutherland, Southwell, Tillotson G: Hemmingway 2 H.T. 28-4 The Final is to be held at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Thursday 7th October KO 8pm, Huddersfield meet Salford, Coached by former Wolves winger Alan Hunte, this weekend.