September 2004

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30th September.TODAY is now set as D-day over Nathan Wood's short term future. Speculation continues to gather pace that Warrington Wolves' vice captain is moving to one of the club's archest of rivals. Angry Wolves officials say they have received no contact from any club about wishing to speak to the Australian, who has one year left on his contract at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Wolves have demanded confirmation in writing from Wood's agent down under that the 31-year-old scrum half intends to honour his commitment to the club. While the speculation has been growing about Wood joining Wigan Warriors it has left the impression on supporters that his end-of-season arm wave was a 'final farewell' rather than a 'see you next year'. Wigan have so far denied their interest in a man who was voted 2004 player of the year by the junior fans in the Wolf Pack. Wolves' chief executive Andy Gatcliffe said: "We're very disappointed as a club to receive calls from the Press about Nathan Wood and to be reading about Nathan in the Press as well. "There's a written law in Super League that if you show interest in a player who is in contract at another club, the club chairman speaks to the other club chairman to inform them what their intention is, out of courtesy, about wanting to speak to the player. We've had no contact from the Wigan club, where the speculation is strong that Nathan Wood may be going to them. And this follows speculation that he may be going to an NRL club. "We've had no approaches from any club for him. Nathan is contracted to us for Super League X and we hold his registration. "So from a club point of view, it's all very disappointing. "I talked to Nathan's agent on the telephone yesterday, Wednesday. I've asked for and been told I will have in writing, by close of play on Thursday (today), that Nathan Wood is contracted to Warrington Wolves in Super League X and that he will be fully honouring what he is committed to. "As far as we are concerned, it is back to square one." Soon after Wolves' season ended, Wood went back to his home city of Sydney with the brief that he should return to training in the first week of January, 2005, but the rumours of him leaving have not gone away. Warrington Guardian attempted to contact Wood in Australia yesterday Wednesday, but only gained an answering machine. Wood finished the 2004 season as Wolves' second highest try scorer with 15 in 29 appearances. He first joined Warrington from Wakefield in June, 2002, and has turned out for 72 starts.Source Warrington Guardian Mike Parsons

WARRINGTON Wolves' Martin Gleeson is tipping Great Britain to win the inaugural Gillette Tri-Nations Tournament and he is convinced that he can play a key role! The 23-year-old fleet-footed centre has not played a competitive game since receiving a four-month ban from the Rugby Football League in June for betting on his own St Helens side to lose at Bradford. Gleeson admits that the lengthy spell on the sidelines will leave him short of match fitness by the time the Tri-Nations starts in October. But he is confident that he will still have enough firepower in his locker room to pose Australia and New Zealand problems. Gleeeson, who joined Wolves in a £200,000 deal in July, said: "I have been keeping myself fit at Warrington so I should be okay for the Tri-Nations. "It's like at the beginning of the year. You do all the pre-season training and by the time the season starts you're flying. "I just hope that Brian Noble sees it that way too. "I have spoken to the Great Britain coach and he's told me that I'm in his thoughts. "He wants me to keep myself fit and he says that he'll make a decision on me at the end of the season." Gleeson is relishing the chance to work under Noble's sole leadership. Noble has been promoted from David Waite's assistant to the main man at international level but Gleeson does not envisage any change in Britains style of play. Gleeson said: "I think Brian will do a lot of the same things that David Waite did. I don't think there will be many changes because there doesn't need to be. "Great Britain have got some awesome players and are an outstanding side. "If you look at the Aussie and New Zealand squads, our players are just as good as theirs if not better and we can definitely come out on top. "But it's not going to be easy. I think the Aussies are always going to be strong. They are an awesome side no matter who they put out on the field and the Kiwis are just as good on their day. "So every Great Britain player is going to have to be at their best. I just hope that one of those players is me."

Wire coach Paul Cullen hopes that Ben Westwood will take a timely confidence boost from his inclusion in the England squad for the forthcoming European Nations Cup. Westwood will be Wolves' only player to perform in the competition this year. But he will have his work cut out trying to secure a centre spot next season due to the recent signings of Martin Gleeson and Toa Kohe-Love. Cullen said:"Ben's inclusion in the England squad is a major positive for us. I'm delighted for him and I think that the recognition of his ability is very important to his self-esteem and confidence. "Ben is a confidence player and his call-up will allow him to show his wares on the international scene."

24th September.Academy Play-Off The Warrington Wolves Junior Academy (u18's) play off match against Huddersfield Giants is confirmed as Saturday 25th September 2004 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium,Kick off 2.30pm. The only area of the stadium that will be open is the north stand west end i.e.Dallam Lane turnstiles.Admission is £3.00 Adults £1.00 Concessions.Please note that as this is a cup tie season tickets are not valid-it is all pay. Food and beverages will be available.

23rd September. Warrington Wolves have signed Simon Grix, 18 (19 on the 25th September) on a 2 year deal transfer from Halifax. Simon, a utility back player who prefers to play loose forward has recently returned from the U18's successful tour of the Southern Hemisphere along with Warrington's Steve Pickergill, was the only player to take part outside of Super League. Grix has played his entire career at Halifax signing for them at the age of 16 from King Cross ARLFC, Halifax. His international honours to date are playing for GB U17's and U18's, England School's U15s through to the U18s; this also applies to his county honours list for Yorkshire. Simon made his Super League debut against St Helens in 2003 before Halifax were relegated. He has made 21 appearances (27 career appearances) this season for Halifax scoring 5 tries, playing alongside his older brother Scott. Simon Grix commented on his move to a Super League club, "It is a great opportunity for a young player for me to move to a bigger club that is going places with its superb new stadium. Warrington is a big rugby town and the fans have shown great support and I am looking forward to being part of that. I want to play my best and give everything to my game." Paul Cullen commented, "Simon is a player of great potential and will operate as a full time professional. His versatility is a great attribute and he will be offered every facility to achieve his goals."

COACH Paul Cullen has revealed the hunger behind Toa Kohe-Love and Martin Gleeson pulling on Wolves' shirt. Neither have played for Wolves since their recent signings but they continue to stand out on the training field in their bids to control centre spots for 2005. Kohe-Love, pictured above, is six months into his rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction while Gleeson is in the final month of a suspension. Cullen said: "We've come off the field from training sessions leaving Martin Gleeson and Toa Kohe-Love doing extra fitness, extra conditioning and extra defence work. "And, to be honest, they're knocking our coaches Gary Chambers and Paul Derbyshire all over The Halliwell Jones Stadium in the process. "They're in good shape now and they are still five months away from playing for this club."

PAUL Cullen knows how hard it is to be a local boy who gains the plaudits. And he therefore takes great, pleasure from Warringtonian Mike Wainwright being voted the 2004 player of the year by both the club and the supporters. Cullen did not always gain the recognition he deserved as a one-club Warrington player and Wainwright had critics in his first spell with Wolves. It appears that only after his development as a player while at Salford, and continuing that under Wolves' coaching set-up, that the back row forward's talents have become fully appreciated by the fans who share his hometown. Wainwright's player of tlie year awards from the club, the Support-ers Trust and Squadbuilder has been topped off with the Warring-ton Guardian's top man title, after gaining the most marks off our reporters for man of the match displays during the year. He also became a dad for the second time on Thursday when his wife Claire gave birth to a baby boy. Cullen said: "His awards are fully deserved. Mike is the most consistent player and the most improved player we've had throughout the full term of the year. His vision has improved, his ability with the ball has improved and the way he hits in defence has improved. "The fact that he is the only Warringtonian playing for War-rington in the first team squad mpkes it even more pleasurable. "The locals always have to do it harder than the imports - I've been that player myself. You have to work harder because people expect glitz and glamour from overseas. The local boys tend to get overlooked and I can vouch for that personally."

Under the Knife Four Wolves players are due to undergo corrective surgery post Tetley's Super League IX season. Mark Gleeson - shoulder, injured in a pre-season friendly (IX) Gary Hulse - shoulder, injured in a pre-season friendly (IX) Paul Wood - shoulder, injured in the warm-up GB match against New Zealand (25/10/03). All three will be operated on today. Lee Briers will have corrective surgery on a broken finger suffered in the Powergen Challenge Cup Quarter Finals against Whitehaven (28/03/04) next Tuesday. All are expected back for pre-season training on the 1st November.

17th September. Wigan 21 Warrington 16.A try from Kevin Brown gave the home side the points after trailing 16-12 with just 10 minutes left of the match. Wolves scored first through Jerome Guisset's close-range effort before Wigan skipper Andy Farrell levelled. Tries from Brent Grose and Daryl Cardiss gave the visitors the lead after winger Martin Aspinwall's effort for Wigan, but it proved not enough. Wigan coach Denis Betts paid tribute to Andy Farrell and Kris Radlinski for their part in the win. "Faz has a bout of flu but he wanted to play, he was begging to play. He scored a real captain's try to get us back into it too," said Betts. "Kris lost a tooth tonight - well half a tooth - but his performance was what we've come to expect from one of the world's best full backs. "If you need a fullback to defend your line, I'd take Rads every time." Warrington coach Paul Cullen bemoaned his side's inability to hang on to a lead, but insisted his side were getting close to becoming the finished article. "I'm delighted with the way we've operated all season. We are one mistake from winning the big games," he said. "Wigan were gone, out of it, there for the taking, and we let them back into it. That has dogged us all season. But the glass is still half full." Cullen also refused to be drawn on predicting a winner of the Super League Grand Final next month. When asked did he think Wigan would feature in the end-of-season mix-up, Cullen snapped: "Not my concern". The final game of the season was certainly a lively affair with the lead swinging back and forth,Tries: Wigan , Farrell, Aspinwall, Tickle, Brown. Goals Farrell,Tickle. Drop Lam. Tries: Warrington ,Guisset, Grose, Cardiss, Goals Briers 2. Ht 6-6 Attn 15,132.

The Wolves name an 18-man side to face the Wigan Warriors in the final round of Super League IX. 1. Daryl Cardiss 19. Gary Hulse 27. Henry Fa'afili 12. Ian Sibbit 3. Brent Grose 20. Dean Gaskell 7. Nat Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 10. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 14. Mark Gleeson 22. Danny Lima 16. Paul Wood 15. Jerome Guisset 23. Mike Wainwright 13. Mike Forshaw 6. Lee Briers 4. Ben Westwood INJURIES: 2. John Wilshere - reoccurrence of knee injury from Rnd 11 v St Helens (22/05/04) sustained in U21s v Bradford Bulls fixture (18/08/04) 5. Graham Appo - hamstring injury Rnd 27 v Bradford Bulls (12/09/04) 11. Darren Burns - back injury sustained in Rnd 26 v St Helens(05/09/04) & Rnd 27 v Bradford Bulls (12/09/04) 17. Warren Stevens - medial ligament damage sustained in Rnd 23 v Leeds Rhinos (15/08/04) 18. Paul Noone - ankle injury sustained Round 18 v Hull FC (11/07/04) U21s DUTY 26. Jamie Durbin 24. Nick Owen Junior Academy Play-off

The Warrington Wolves Junior Academy (u18's) play off match against Huddersfield Giants is confirmed as Saturday 25th September 2004 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Kick off 2.30pm. The only area of the stadium that will be open is the north stand west end i.e.Dallam Lane turnstiles. Admission is £3.00 Adults £1.00 Concessions. Please note that as this is a cup tie season tickets are not valid-it is all pay. Food and beverages will be available.

Wire squad to face Wigan: : Daryl Cardiss, Henry Fa'afili ,Graham Apo, Brent Grose, Ben Westwood, Dean Gaskell, Lee Briers,Nat Wood, Danny Lima, Jon Clarke, Mark Hilton, lan Sibbit, Paul Wood, Mike Forshaw, Darren Burns, Mike Wainwright, Mark Gleeson, Gary Hulse, Jerome Guisset, Chris Leikvoll.

Wolves Supporters' Trust award winners: Player of the year, Mike Wainwright; away player of the year, Darren Burns; under 21s player of the year, Steve Pickersgill; under 18s player of the year, Craig Ashall; unsung hero, Gary Hulse; most improved player, Paul Noone; clubman, Gary Hulse; committee award, Gary Hulse; top try scorer, Brent Grose; special award for first try at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Nathan Wood.

WARRINGTON Wolves supporters' two player of the year winners are unlikely to play in the last Super League game of the season at Wigan Warriors tomorrow, Friday. i Back rower Mike Wainwright, who collected the player of the season award off Warrington Wolves' Supporters Trust on ' Tuesday night, is struggling with a thigh strain that caused him to pull out of the Bradford Bulls clash on Sunday. And retiring Australian Barren Burns, named by the fans as the away player of the year, could miss out on a final farewell appearance as a result of a back injury that has seen him withdraw early from the previous two closeshave defeats against St Helens and Bradford. However, Wainwright and Burns have been named in Paul Cullen's initial squad along with two fit players who missed out on selection at the weekend Daryl Cardiss and Ben Westwood. Friday's match, which kicks off at 8pm and is not on Sky television, will be Wolves' last competitive outing until Super League X arrives on the weekend of February 13, 2005. Wolves will be as determined as they always are against Wigan and, after all, it is 18 seasons since Warrington pulled off a league double against the arch enemy. Wolves hammered Wigan 34-18 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in May and lost 26-24 in the earlier JJB Stadium confrontation. A win for Wolves could lead to a seventh place finish, if Huddersfield lose at home to Salford, while Wigan need the victory to secure fourth place and a home advantage in the first round of the play-offs. Wolves' head coach Paul Cullen said: "Wigan week is special at this club because the vast majority of players have either not made it at Wigan or not got there in the first place, with perhaps Mike Forshaw the exception to the rule. "So, it is a big week and there'll be no sentiment included in team selection. We'll go there with the fittest and strongest squad in the aim of coming away with the result. "We travel heartened by the way we have performed in our previous games against St Helens and Bradford and we're determined to put right the mistakes that have cost us in those games. We want some reward for the effort that has been put in, particularly in the last two games."

WARRINGTON Wolves' New Zealand winger Henry Fa'afili hopes to have more than one game left this season. His last outing of the year for Wolves will be at Wigan tomorrow night, Friday, but he is keeping his fingers crossed that New Zealand coach Daniel Anderson will be calling him to take part in the Gillette Tri-Nations tournament. And with the majority of the games between Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia taking part on these shores, the fact that Fa'afili is already acclimatised to life over here could work in his favour. He said: "That's one reason why I came over when I did this year, to settle in for Warrington and to make my chances of international selection a bit higher. "Some of the New Zealand players over here have been together for a meeting. We've been told to keep fit and we'll have to wait and see how it goes. "It would be an extra bonus for me if I did make the squad. Being a part of the first Tri-Nations this winter would be nice. It's an honour for me to wear that black and white jersey and I'd like to wear it a few more times. I've got to keep trying my best and see what happens from there." The performance in which he scored three tries for New Zealand against GB in the first Test of the 2002 series, which was played at Blackburn, is ranked by Fa'afili as one of his career highlights so far but he has plenty that he wishes to achieve with Warrington. He said: "I want to do my job as well as I can whether that be scoring tries up in the air, along the ground or stopping them. I'm looking forward to scoring more tries and to helping the team out. "But putting one of those Super League rings on my finger is the ultimate dream for me and hopefully we'll do that next year." And in the bid for success next year, Fa'afili believes the team has been mightily strengthened by the acquisition of one of his former New Zealand Warriors teammates,of Logan Swann. Fa'afili said: "He's an awesome player. He's got ability to off-load the ball, he's got good feet, he's a workaholic, he tackles all day, he runs hard all day. "It's a bonus for the club to have him on board. Martin Gleeson, another international, is now here too and we'll be a force to be reckoned with next year." When his season's commitments are over Fa'afili will be returning to New Zealand for the off season. He said: "I'm going home to enjoy some island food, relax and catch up with some familyj-^ and friends. Then I'll be back prepared for a big season next year. "My girlfriend has been staying with family and friends in London this year but she will probably come over to stay with me next year to live the Warrington life. "She was up here two weeks ago. She loves Warrington and thinks the people are much friendlier than in London -although she is enjoying it there too. "But generally, I've settled in well and I'm looking forward to the rest of my time here."Source Mike Parsons Warrington Guardian.

Logan Swann may feel he is under a little bit more pressure to win a Super League Grand Final ring after his latest interview with Warrington Guardian. Wolves' latest signing for 2005 was reminded how Mike Forshaw, the last Bradford player to switch to Wolves from Odsal Stadium, did so with a glistening piece of jewellery on his finger. It was Forshaw who Swann replaced at Bradford" this year. Swann laughed and said: "You never know with this funny game of ours - it's always full of twists and turns. But if that happens for me, it would be a player's dream come true." At least he now knows what Warrington expects of him and feels the Bulls' steam is gathering momentum in the defence of their title. He said: "We have been up and down a little bit during the season. That's because of a lot of things but the team's situation is improving in terms of injury and suspension and we're coming into some form now. "We're looking at hitting into the play-offs in fourth gear and slowly,taking that into fifth."

Rugby League legend Mal Meninga will be the guest of honour at a sportsman's dinner at Bank Quay Sports Club on November 11. The proceeds from the event, which boasts a three-course dinner and entertainment, will go to .Latch-ford Albion Unicorn's youth section. Tickets priced £25 can be purchased via Latchford's chairman Sean Mellor, who can be contacted on 571897.

Wire fans 125th anniversary dinner is being organised by supporters' groups and all fans are invited to attend. The event will take place In the banqueting lounge of The Halliwell Jones Stadium's Martin Dawes Stand on October 18. Past and present players will be joining In the celebrations of what' will be an informal dinner. Tickets are £25 each and application forms are available from Wolves' shop at the stadium.

14th Setember. Ian Sibbet has joined Salford on a two year deal after failing to get a contract at Wire.

12th September. Warrington 27 Bradford 28. Warrington started brightly which is more than be said for the Bulls strip which looked a greyer shade of white I recommend a biological powder for next season, anyway I digress , Sibbet opened the scoring with a good try which Briers converted after that it was all Bulls who ran in 3 tries to lead at half time 6-22 . In the second half Wire really woke up with tries from Appo Wood and Grose Bradford hit back to take the score to 22-26 then Gaskell got over to take it to 26-26 then a last minute drop goal kickathon with Deacon kicking the last drop in literally the last minute.:Warrington Tries. Sibbet ,Appo , P.Wood, Grose, Gaskell, Goals: Briers 3, Drops 1.Bradford: Tries.Langley, Vainikolo, Hape, Harris 2, Goals:Deacon, 3 Drops 2, Attn 10,008, HT 6-22.

10th September. A 20-man squad has been named to face the final game of the season at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in Round 27 of Super League. 1. Daryl Cardiss 5. Graham Appo 19. Gary Hulse 27. Henry Fa'afili 12. Ian Sibbit 3. Brent Grose 20. Dean Gaskell 7. Nat Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 10. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 14. Mark Gleeson 22. Danny Lima 16. Paul Wood 15. Jerome Guisset 23. Mike Wainwright 11. Darren Burns 13. Mike Forshaw 6. Lee Briers 4. Ben Westwood INJURIES: 2. John Wilshere - reoccurrence of knee injury from Rnd 11 v St Helens (22/05/04) sustained in U21s v Bradford Bulls fixture (18/08/04) 17. Warren Stevens - medial ligament damage sustained in Rnd 23 v Leeds Rhinos (15/08/04) 18. Paul Noone - ankle injury sustained Round 18 v Hull FC (11/07/04) U21s DUTY: 26. Jamie Durbin 24. Nick Owen.

9th September. As reported earlier Paul Cullen has stretched his 2005 Wolves squad to 21 players with the capture of Toa Kohe Love plus Logan Swann with this week's exciting capture of the two Bradford Players. The signing of huge Kiwi Test back rower Swann from Bradford Bulls in a two-year deal and classy centre Kohe-Love on a one-year contract further whets the appetite for Super League X after Wolves' previous unveiling of internationals Martin Gleeson and Henry Fa'afili. This week's delve into the market by Wolves gives fans a further indication of the club's ambitions to grow, in a week when the launch of 2005 season ticket sales takes place. Fans will be wondering how Cullen will manage 21 players under the game's salary cap laws. The 20/20/30 rule only allows each squad to contain 20 players who are either paid above £20,000 or who have made more than 29 Super League appearances. Cullen said: "If we do not get the right performance on the back of the right attitude, then we'll look to make changes at some point. That will be decided between now and the end of January 2005." Cullen expects the books are closed in terms of three-quarter recruitment for next year but will continue to examine all possibilities for keeping out of contract players lan Sibbit and Gary Hulse. Meanwhile, another out of contract player, Jerome Guisset, has confirmed he will be leaving the club when this campaign is over (see page 71). This means Guisset, the retiring Mike Forshaw and Barren Burns will be playing their final Halliwell Jones Stadium games when Bradford Bulls are the round 27 visitors on Sunday, kick-off 3pm. In an unusual twist, Wolves fans will then get their first look at new boy Swann but in the colours of world club champions Bradford, whom he hopes to win the Super League Grand Final with in October. Supporters know all about Kohe-Love as he spent six seasons with Wolves from 1996 to 2001 before his two-year spell with Hull and three-match season with Bradford this term. Cullen is delighted to have them both on board and the club's major shareholder Simon Moran hopes fans will be further encouraged to buy 2005 season tickets with-this sign of Wolves' desire to continue moving in the right direction.' Wolves consider 29-year-dld Swann to be highly suited to the way Warrington play the game. Swann, who has 26 Test matches under his belt, does not count on the overseas quota because of his south pacific islands origins. Cullen said: "He is an experienced international footballer. He presents a physique that gives us different options and he Has the potential to replace the retiring Mike Forshaw." Ironically, Swann replaced Forshaw at Bradford this season following his seven seasons with New Zealand Warriors. Cullen added: "To replace Mike Forshaw a player needs to be of high calibre and have great experience and I'm convinced that Logan is the man. ' "He is the kind of back rower that I tend to pursue, which is men who can play at loose forward and also in the second row, so that we can play a little bit out wide and expand our game. "That's part of the process when you're looking to replace Mike Forshaw. The boxes have to be able to be ticked and they can be ticked with Logan. "He is 6ft 4ins tall and has fantastic hands. He plays with great flair and he has an off-load ability which is very exciting. We will look to exploit these qualities. "And he's a very experienced defender having been well educated in the NRL in Australia." Kohe-Love has been training with Wolves since mid-July in a bid to prove that he has fully recovered from injury. He was released from his Bradford contract after requiring knee reconstructive surgery following hot on the heels of a shoulder reconstruction that cut his previous season in half at Hull. Cullen said: "Toa has completed six months rehab since his ACL reconstruction (knee) and he's now got five further months of pre-season training in front of him. So we get a brand new player come February when Super League X starts." Wolves' coach pointed to St Helens' Sean Long and Salford's Andy Coley each successfully bouncing back from three knee reconstructions and said: "It could be classed as a calculated risk but I don't think it is. "We get a proven hitter in defence, an experienced Super League player who can set up and score tries and one who is mentally tough enough to go through the full season. I'm delighted with his capture." There will be more on the new player interviews next week. In terms of Sunday's game, Cullen expects Brent Grose and Forshaw to return to action while the quartet of Lee Briers, Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke and Danny Lima face injury checks. Cullen said: "I expect all four to be available and as a team our focus hasn't changed just because the season has run away from us. "Our consideration going into Bradford is the same as going into St Helens. We have earned the right to play in the games against last year's top six teams and we're thoroughly determined to give our best in it."

More on the Koa saga, Toa left Bradford Bulls mid season through injury and has been training with Warrington Wolves post-op in a bid to play Super League again. Toa originally signed for the club before Super League One in 1996 at the age of 19 and made his English debut as a substitute in a 22-18 win at Leeds in the first ever round of Super League on 31 March 1996. His best season was 1999 when he was joint try scorer with Anthony Sullivan in the Super League with 28. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Kohe-Love was attached to Auckland Warriors on a scholarship scheme but did not play first grade rugby for them. Toa turned down the chance to play for England in the 2000 World Cup choosing to play for New Zealand, but did not make the final cut and opted to represent the Maoris. He left the Wolves to join Hull in the end of 2001 campaign having scored 75 tries in his 130 Warrington appearances (69 tries in 116 appearances of the opening six years of Super League). Toa made 42 appearances for Hull FC during his two seasons there scoring 19 tries. Toa, moved to Odsal for the start of Tetley's Super League IX, but unfortunately his career for the Bulls was cut short when in Round 2 v Wakefield he suffered knee ligament damage. Toa commented on his return, "I'm over the moon, I can't wait to get back out there and play in primrose and blue again, I will be honest it has come as a surprise getting the opportunity to come back, my injury has been a twist of fate that has brought me back to the Wolves." Paul Cullen commented, "The opportunity to sign a player of Toa's proven ability and further potential once fully recovered was too good to miss. Our policy is to load senior players from above and force quality through our squad this alerts players on existing contracts to justify those contracts given. There could be further movement."

JEROME Guisset has opened his heart about leaving Warrington Wolves. The international forward has confirmed he will be switching to Rugby Union and starting afresh in his French homeland. He is due to make his final Halliwell Jones Stadium appearance on Sunday against Bradford Bulls. Guisset has enjoyed his time with Wolves but he is relishing the challenge of trying his hand as a flanker with Brive. He said: "Sunday will be my home send-off game. I'll be geared up for it, just to say thanks to all the fans. I want to perform at my best so that I leave in the right mode. "I've enjoyed the last five years. I would love to have had more success, which is what everyone looks for, but that's just the way it goes. "Wolves are on the up and I think next year will be a good one but I haven't been too fortunate with the league's 20/20 rule. I would love to stay but it's not going to be." So Guisset and his wife, Vicky, whom he met in Warrington, will be moving to where there is work on offer although it comes in a sport in which he has only played two schoolboy games. He said: "The only proper contact I've had is with Union back home so I'm taking that route, I'm going to work hard and hopefully be successful. "It's going to be a big period of adaptation but I'm looking forward to it. Brive's season has just started so there'll be no break for me after Super League but I like that. "Deep down I'll always be a Rugby League player and fans I'm not leaving all my past behind me. "But this move offers me a new challenge and at this time of my career I felt that with the opportunity coming round now, I should take it." But Guisset added: "I would love to come back to Wolves at some stage. I haven't spent five years with any other club and I see myself as a Warrington Wolf now. "I'm very close to Warrington, I live here and I married a Warrington girl. I love the club and the club has been good to me over the last five years but it's just the way it goes. I've got to make room for the blokes coming in and move on myself."

Jones Stadium's east stand hospitality suite from 6pm to 9pm. And fans who paid at the turnstiles this year but wish to buy a 'standing' or 'unreserved seating' season Wires Super League X season tickets go on sale on Monday. Current season ticket holders will be able to meet players and purchase their tickets in The Halliwell ticket can also do so from Monday night. Those who do buy their tickets will make a 20 per cent saving on normal season ticket prices by taking advantage of the early bird deal. As turnstile prices are being increased for next year, it does pay to own a season ticket as an adult wishing to stand up to watch Wolves can save £4 per game. Fans wishing to buy their tickets, but are unable to attend on Monday night, can do so by visiting Wolves' shop in the north stand from Tuesday. The club's season ticket hotline is 248888 and fans can buy on-line at www.warrington-wolves.com. North Stand season tickets will not go on general sale until October 12, giving current season ticket holders the chance to renew their same seat. The early bird offer on all tickets applies until November 1. A direct debit three-month payment plan is in place for those who can not afford the one-off lump fee. To speed up the renewal process and reduce waiting times, supporters are asked to take their 2004 season ticket with them when purchasing at the stadium on Monday night or at the club shop.

Wires latest new recruits are 'proof of the pudding" that the club is on the right tracks in its aspirations to be regularly competing for the game's top honours again. New Zealanders Toa Kohe-Love and Logan Swann are delighted to be a part of what is set to be exciting times ahead for primrose and blue fans. Kohe-Love, aged 28, is determined to repay the club for helping him to fully recover from knee reconstruction surgery after he was shown the door at Bradford Bulls. He said: "I'm ecstatic about being a Warrington player again. "I've always had a burning desire to return to Warrington. I did six years here and they were probably the happiest years of my life. "And now that I'm back I have no intention of moving on. I started here and I want to finish here. "But I have to prove my worth first. Next year is a trial year for me. I've got a foot in the door and I'm going to make the most of this opportunity. "I owe the club big time for letting me use their facilities and getting myself fit. That was a very kind gesture and I'm going to pay them back. "I want to prove myself to be a better player than the one the Warrington fans remember. "Up until I did my shoulder last year I was playing the best football of my career. I had added a couple of facets to my game and now that I'm more experienced I feel sure that the next couple of years are going to be my best." Swann had talks of a contract extension with Bulls and had other transfer options too but likes the look of everything about Wolves. He said: "Paul Cullen told me about the direction the club is heading in. The proof of the pudding is in the signings that Warrington have made recently. "Also, it's a fantastic stadium to play in and the supporters have been really behind the club over the season. I hope that continues for next year because the team and club are looking to be improving on this year's performances. "There's a good connection here too. I was at New Zealand Warriors with Henry Fa'afili, who is a good friend of mine and a champion bloke. I've also known Toa, Nat Wood and Danny Lima for a number of years." Swann likes his performances on the field to do his talking for him but did say about the qualities he offers Wolves: "I'll be bringing experience to the club and a standard of quality to the side."

7th September. Reports suggest Wire have signed Toa Kohe-Love for next year, more on this when it is confirmed.

5th September. Warrington 24 StHelens 26. Wire scored 6 tries to 4 but a failure to kick goals cost them dear against a St Helens side that were there for the taking ,Hooper scored a try for Saints on 79 minutes which gave them a win but Wire recovered the ball from the kick off but failed to get over but came very close as the hooter saved Saints.Tries Warrington :Gaskell, N.Wood,Wainwright 2,Appo. Goals Appo 2.St Helens Tries Sculthorpe , Wellens, Hooper Higham, Goals Sculthorpe 2 HT 20-18 Attd 11,930.

Team News - Round 26 The Wolves have named a 20-man side to face St Helens in this weekends Tetley's Super League clash. 1. Daryl Cardiss 5. Graham Appo 19. Gary Hulse 27. Henry Fa'afili 12. Ian Sibbit 3. Brent Grose 20. Dean Gaskell 7. Nat Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 10. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 14. Mark Gleeson 22. Danny Lima 16. Paul Wood 15. Jerome Guisset 23. Mike Wainwright 11. Darren Burns 13. Mike Forshaw 6. Lee Briers 4. Ben Westwood INJURIES: 2. John Wilshere - reoccurrence of knee injury from Rnd 11 v St Helens (22/05/04) sustained in U21s v Bradford Bulls fixture (18/08/04) 17. Warren Stevens - medial ligament damage sustained in Rnd 23 v Leeds Rhinos (15/08/04) 18. Paul Noone - ankle injury sustained Round 18 v Hull FC (11/07/04) U21s DUTY 26. Jamie Durbin 24. Nick Owen ON LOAN 25. Richard Varkulis 1 month loan to ROCHDALE HORNETS from 5/08/04

Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium will host its first major international Rugby League fixture when the 2004 European Nations Cup Final is staged there on Sunday, November 7 (Kick off 1.45pm).

2nd September. Wolves players Mike Forshaw and Lee Briers are hoping to make their comebacks against St Helens at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 3pm. Loose forward Forshaw has missed Wolves' last three games with knee ligament damage while skipper Lee Briers has sat out the last two with a knee strain. They both fired and came through full training on Tuesday and along with Ben Westwood, who missed the Salford win because of car crash whiplash injuries, have been named in a 20-man squad preparing to gain a first win against Saints this season. The trio will almost certainly be fit to face Bradford and then Wigan in the final two league games of the season if they do not gain selection on Sunday. The Knowsley Readers, judging by the weekend's convincing victory over Huddersfield Giants, look to have found some form after spending the second } half of the season coming to ; terms with the loss of Martin •" Gleeson, who has since joined Wolves, and Sean Long through suspensions. Cullen said: "Saints' form is secondary in our consideration to the way that we're playing. "I thought we were very methodical and patient against Salford. The first half was all about preparation and working fatigue into Salford's big men. At some point they were going to crack and we were ready for when it happened. "We forced them into that circumstance. We didn't break from structure and that will serve us well in preparation this week. "We can't offer the same against St Helens as we did against Salford and still expect a comfortable result. "We know we have to go at it harder and we have to be more clinical and we're prepared for that." ' Squad: Daryl Cardiss, Gary Hulse, Henry Fa'afili, Brent Grose, Ben Westwood, Darren Burns, Dean Gaskell, Graham Appo, Lee Briers, Nathan Wood, Mark Hilton, Chris Leikvoll, Danny Lima, Jon Clarke, Mark Gleeson, Paul Wood, Jerome Guisset, lan Sibbit, Mike Wamwright, Mike Forshaw. After second opinions on stubborn injuries, Wolves winger John Wilsnere and back row forward Paul Noone have been ruled out for the rest of the season. Wilshere has had a cartilage operation and Noone needs to rest his leg due to a hairline fracture of the fibula. Meanwhile, under the Rugby League's 'anti-tam-pering' rules, all players who are out of contract at the end of the season became free to talk to other clubs from yesterday, Wednesday. Wolves could be affected by this in their search for new players or by those players on their books whose terms run out at the end of the year. No announcements have been made by Wolves this week with regards to any recruitment, although they are continuing to be widely linked with Bradford's New Zealand loose forward Logan Swann. But Cullen has commented on the futures of Wolves' out of contract players Jerome Guisset, lan Sibbit and Gary Hulse. He said: "It has been explained to Jerome, lan and Gary on an ongoing basis that currently we have 19 players within the 20/20/30 (only 20 squad players allowed who are either above £20,000 salary or 30 Super League appearances) for next year and we're looking to recruit one more. "But if we are dissatisfied with the performances of players that are already contracted then we are not averse to creating situations where we make those players available and bring others in. Those others could be ones that we've already got or players from elsewhere." Cullen said a gentleman's agreement has been in place with Guisset, Sib-bit and Hulse giving them the option to speak to other clubs, despite the August 31 anti-tampering rule. He added: "We're talking about good blokes who have families and mortgages and need to be able to look after themselves. They've been offered that facility and whether they have taken it or not, only time will tell." Source Warrington Guardian

Wolves' Gary Chambers has been retained as Cumbria coach for the battle against an Australia and New Zealand combined side at Workington on October 27 in the build-up to the Gillette Tri-Nations.

GARY Hulse is convinced that he deserves a contract extension at his hometown club and he will be distraught if he does not get one. The pint-sized utility back has been one of Warrington Wolves' most enthusiastic performers since establishing himself as a first team regular midway through the season. He has started 11 games and scored seven tries but he fears that he may have to move on at the end of the current campaign. His contract runs out in November and he has yet to be offered the extended stay he desperately craves. lan Sibbit and Jerome Guisset are the club's two other regulars whose terms run out at the end of Super League IX. Hulse said: "As a local lad it means more to me than anyone to be a success at this club. "I love playing at Warrington. I've played here for six years and I'd like nothing more than to get another contract here. "I certainly feel as though I deserve one. I bring a lot to the side and I'm over the moon with the way that I've been playing. "I have adapted my game and proved myself to be a try scoring full back that will give his all and play well week in, week out. "I'm doing all that I can to show the club that I'm worth another contract and I'll be very upset if I have to leave at the end of the season. "If that does happen then all I can hope for is to still be playing in Super League. "But this is where I want to stay. With signings like Martin Gleeson and Henry Fa'afili, Warrington is a club that's going places." Hulse may be anxious about his long term future with Warrington but the short term is a different story. For the 23-year-old former Cros-fields half back is looking forward to the challenge of what he calls Wolves' play-offs to get into the play-offs. He said: "Our remaining games are against Saints, Bradford and Wigan. "They are all really tough games but we have proven in the past that we can match those sides and as a professional player these are the games that you want to be playing in. "Besides, if we get into the top six we've got to play those sides anyway so we may as well play them now. "These games are our play-offs to get into the play-offs. It's time to raise our game and if we stick to the game plans that Paul Cullen gives us then we are capable of taking points off all of those sides." By DAVE LAWRENSON Warrington Guardian