February 2005
28th February.Injury Update Nathan Wood, Mark Hilton and Paul Noone all picked up knocks in the Round 3 game against Hull on Sunday. 7. Nathan Wood is doubtful for Friday's clash v St Helens after picking up a knee injury against Hull FC on Sunday 10. Mark Hilton is also doubtful after a shoulder injury as a result of Sunday's game 13. Paul Noone is also rated doubtful after a knee injury occurred v Hull FC 21. Simon Grix has fractured his fibula and ankle socket and dislocated his ankle and torn ligaments after playing in the U21s v Leeds on Saturday. He is set to be sidelined for a minimum of 2 months.
U21s/18s Pushed to the Limit The Warrington Wolves U21s/18s underwent a gruelling training weekend with the Royal Green Jackets at Weeton Army Barracks, Fleetwood the other weekend as part of their pre - season training. The focus of the weekend was about team building and understanding how each other works when under pressure. This is an ongoing process with links to the Wolves Community team who under Special Projects Officer Brian Chambers will be undertaking coaching sessions for the battalions Army Challenge Cup tournament. The weekend's tasks involved being split into groups to introduce a competitive element into everything that they faced, such as building bridges and moving objects over the bridges without touching the sides of the bridge, assault courses which tested fear and communication levels with the lads encouraging each other to complete the tasks. Also on the agenda was log carrying exercises which brought out individual determination and commitment to team effort. Players also underwent group and individual assessments to set out expectations of them for the season ahead. Even though the main focus of the weekend was on communication, team building and determination the team also underwent rigorous skill sessions with the ball. U21s Coach Gary Chambers commented on the weekend, "It was a great weekend in accessing this season's team as a group and individuals. We were able to identify strengths and weaknesses in a unique environment and this has provided us with a strong grounding for this season. The team worked well together and really developed as a unit. My thanks goes out to the Royal Green Jackets who went out of their way to support us and provide us with everything we needed for a hard working, but fun weekend."
27th February. Hull 32 Warrington 10. Hull got off to a flier with Paul Raynor try. Hull Tries Raynor 2, Briscoe, Lupton,Higgins. Goals:Cooke 6,Warrington Tries Briers, Fa'afili, Goals Briers 1.Team: Brent Grose (1) Henry Faa'fili (2) Martin Gleeson (3) Ben Westwood (15) Dean Gaskell (5) Lee Briers (6) Nathan Wood (7) Chris Leikvoll (8) Jon Clarke (9) Mark Hilton (10) Paul Noone (13) Mike Wainwright (12) Logan Swann (11) Mark Gleeson (14) Danny Lima (17) Warren Stevens (20) Andy Bracek (23) HT 20 -10 Attn
24th February. WOLVES head coach Paul Cullen has challenged his players not to crack under the pressure amid 'harsh' mounting criticism of the club's early season form. He says that the players need to be encouraged, not criticised, and he is calling on the fans to cut his side some slack on the eve of Sunday's game against Hull at the KC Stadium, kick-off 3.15pm. Cullen said: "We are having our character tested and our credentials questioned. We simply have to hold our nerve when others around us are apparently losing theirs. "We have to stay focused, stay strong and not crack when things aren't going quite right for us." Cullen took plenty of positives out of Sunday's narrow win against Leigh not least a massively improved kicking game and a solid defensive structure but he admits that the team must move up a few gears in order to pick up points from their next three outings. A home game with Challenge Cup holders St Helens and a trip to world club champions Leeds follow Sunday's clash with Hull and Cullen says that the last thing he needs is for fans' frustrations to unsettle the camp. He is keeping faith in his players by naming an unchanged squad of 18 to face Hull and he wants the fans to follow suit. Cullen, who revealed that Daryl Cardiss is to see a back specialist tomorrow, Friday, amid growing concerns about his longstanding hamstring injury, said: "Players whose confidence may be rattled through adverse criticism need to be supported. "You have to nurture confidence. It is a very fragile commodity. "At the moment it appears to be Henry Fa'afili and Brent Grose who are getting the flak. Last week it was Lee Briers and halfway through last year it was Ben Westwood and Jon Clarke. "These are important players for us and as a coach the worst thing you can do is throw them out of the squad and destroy their self esteem. "You have to persevere and I will persevere. "So you can expect to see Brent Grose continue at full back on Sunday. He made three bad errors against Leigh but he also successfully fielded 17 or 18 kicks. "Besides, there is no one else that can Continued from back play in that position at the moment. Graham Appo hurt his knee in training and may be out of action for a couple of weeks while our other full back Daryl Cardiss has a very stubborn hamstring injury. "He has had the injury for 10 weeks. It refuses to get past the plateaux that it's stuck on and it's a big concern, as is the fact that Daryl has not played for five months." Wolves made 14 handling errors against Leigh. That led to Leigh having the lion's share of possession and was the root of a disjointed display. Cullen said: "Knock ons early in the tackle counts destroy your energy levels and rattle your confidence and that's the area of concern at the moment. "All we can do is work on the skills required to stop that from happening. We do an awful lot of drills in training aimed at improving our handling skills and we will continue to do so. "A 50 to 60 per cent competition rate is not good enough to beat most teams and it certainly won't be good enough to beat Hull on Sunday. "They are a club that we aspire to. They have pegged away at rebuilding their side and they are now a genuine member of the big five. The top four is no longer, it's the big-five!" Cullen has nothing but respect for his opposite number John Rear. The two men have worked together at international level for England A and that gives Cullen an insight into the way that the Hull chief will be preparing his troops for Sunday. Cullen said: "John will have his players motivated to the max. "They will be very strong in defence. Their middle channel will push up very hard and very fast at the play-the-ball and we think that they will play a number of senior players who haven't had a run out so far this season. "Hull really do build themselves up for their home games. We expect Stephen Kearney and Richard Whiting to play and we are fully aware of the threat that their new signing Nathan Blacklock will pose. "He is a winger who scores tries for fun. He is a great support player, has electrifying pace and is a man that we need to watch all over the field as he rarely stays out on the wing. Source Warrington Guardian
Wolves' team to face Hull: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe Love, Dean Gaskell; Lee Briers, Nathan ; Wood; Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke, Mark Hilton, Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright, Paul Noone. Subs: Mark Gleeson, Ben Westwood, Warren Stevens, Danny Lima. Eighteenth man: Andy Bracek. The KC Stadium pitch has undersoil heating and therefore the game should not be affected by the bad weather that is forecast. New Wolves signings Chris Bridge and Nicky Royle have been pencilled in for under 21s duty against Leeds at Wilderspool on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm. Halfback Bridge has made & quick recovery from an ankle operation but he needs games under his belt before Cullen is prepared to consider him for first team duty.
JON Clarke admits that Wolves have made a disappointing start to the season but he insists that the club's patchy form is a temporary blip on the road to success. He is convinced "that Wolves will reach the Super League play-offs for only the second time and he is tipping the team to cause an upset at Hull on Sunday. Hull will go into the game as firm favourites after beating Huddersfield at the weekend but Clarke says that Wolves should go into every game believing they can win. He said: "With the players we have at Warrington we shouldn't fear anyone. "Hull are a very dominant side. They recruited very well in the off-season and it's going to be a massive test for us. "But it's a game that we can win. If we play well we can beat anyone." Clarke added: "There's no doubt in my mind that we'll finish in the top six in the table. We'll make the top six and we'll go well in the play-offs. "We have a very good side this year. We are doing all of the right things in training but we lacked consistency in our opening games against London and Leigh. "That is something we need to address. We need to play well for the entire 80 minutes, not just in patches. "We are switching off at times, giving away needless penalties and dropping too many balls. "But it's not something that I'm concerned about to be honest. Consistency is something that will come with time now that we are playing week, in week out. We know that we need to improve and we will improve." Clarke scored two vital tries against Leigh on Sunday after touching down five times in Wolves' pre-season friendly programme. The hooker is enjoying his h$t scoring' streak and hopes that it continues". Clarke, who stated that he is happy to play anywhere for the team after being selected out of position at loose forward against London and Leigh, said: "It's always great to get over the whitewash and I was really pleased to score twice on Sunday, "The second one was particularly pleasing as it came at such an important time when the scores were level late on." Clarke added: "Both of my tries came on the back of me supporting breaks. When you have players like Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love and Lqgan Swann in the team you know that you are going to get chances if you keep up with the play. "That was something that I, highlighted in the off-season - I said to myself that I want to support the play more and it has been working well for me so far." By DAVE LAWRENSON Warrington Guardian.
20th February. Warrington 26 Leigh 22. A quick score from John Clarke put Warrington in front after a few minutes at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, the only result of this was to wake Leigh up who took advantage of a careless pass from Fa'afili which allowed Leigh to run 80 yards to score a try which was goaled from the line,Leigh continud the assault and went further ahead until Wire pulled it back to 10 - 14 at Half Time. Wire scored first in the second half to level the scores and looked to be running away with the game until more sloppy play let Leigh back into the game, the final whistle brought more sighs of relief from the Warrington Faithful than the Leigh fans .attn 11,412.Warrington,Grose, Faa'fili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Gaskell, Briers, N. Wood, Leikvoll, M. Gleeson, Hilton, Swann, Wainwright, Clarke. Replacements: Westwood, Lima, Noone, Stevens. Tries: Clarke 2, Martin Gleeson, N.Wood, Briers, Goals Briers 3. Leigh. Cooper, Wilshere, Jackson, Jones, Smyth, Kent, Duffy, Stapleton, Ferris, Sturm, King, McCurrie, Leafa. Replacements: Rowley, Henderson, Moore, Knott. Tries: Kent, Smyth, Ferris. Goals Jones 5.Attn 11,412.
18th February. Rd 2 Ticket Information Warrington Wolves v Leigh Centurions Sunday 20th February 2005, kick off 3:00pm *Tickets are still available for this match in all areas, but there are only 200 tickets left for the Primetime (South) Stand *Payment will be taken on all turnstiles (that includes the Lever Faberge (West) Stand for Leigh Centurions supporters) *The ticket office will be open from 12 noon and the turnstiles will open at 1.30pm on Sunday *Ticket collections are from the Main Reception, which will be open from 9.00am on matchday *St Rocco's Hospice: Official Charity to Warrington Wolves will be launched and they will be holding a bucket collection on the day *This is not an all ticket fixture PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO SEASON TICKET SALES OR COLLECTION ON SUNDAY, PLEASE COMPLETE BY CLOSE OF PLAY ON SATURDAY 19TH FEBUARY AT WOLFWARE (9.00AM-5.00PM) WOLFWARE: 01925 248888 MAIN RECEPTION: 01925 248880
PARK AND RIDE TO THE WOLVES Parking a problem on matchday? Then look no further than Warrington Collegiate on the A49 into Warrington, park your car for £4.00 and ride to and from the stadium. Hassle Free! What do you get for £4.00? A bus service for the occupants of the car (bargain for a car of 5) from the Collegiate car park to the West Stand Turnstiles on Dallam Lane and then collection from the same point after the match back to you car on the Collegiate. You can't miss the College it's the 2nd Roundabout on the A49 and clearly signposted. The service operates from 1.00pm on Sunday matchdays and 1½ hours before evening kick off. 450 car park spaces available. Warrington Wolves and Warrington Collegiate coming together to make your matchday parking hassle free!
18th February. Round 2 Team News The Wolves initial 20-man squad for the home opening game of the season at The Halliwell Jones stadium has been named. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 5. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers 7. Nathan Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 14. Mark Gleeson 10. Mark Hilton 11. Logan Swann 12. Mike Wainwright 9. Jon Clarke 18. Graham Appo 16. Paul Noone 15. Ben Westwood 17. Danny Lima 20. Warren Stevens 21. Simon Grix 22. Steve Pickersgill INJURIES 16. Paul Wood - ankle 19. Daryl Cardiss - hamstring 25. Chris Bridge - ankle U21s 23. Andrew Bracek 26. Nicky Royle.
Cullens Comment The Wolves Coach looks back to the opening game of the season and a lost two points in the Capital as well as looking towards the first home game of Super League X. YOUR POST MORTEM ON LONDON? Scoring five tries of that quality away from home and having two tries disallowed is tough to take. Momentary lapses in concentration in defence were our downfall; these were highlighted when the pace of the game had dropped away. Especially, on contentious decisions and re-starts. The Broncos were more opportune than us and their extra goal kicks proved to be the difference. ANY POSITIVES FROM THE GAME? The way we constructed our sets to score our tries and how we responded when the negatives came. To lose six points in the first 40 seconds off a freak ricochet and come back to score 16 unanswered points until just before half time signifies the control of the game we had for large periods. The Broncos were in our half twice in the opening 40 and scored 12 points, the lapse in concentration for the second try lifted their spirits and thus their performance measurably. HOW'S PAUL WOOD? In rehab and progressing well.
17th February. PRESSURE points are at stake in the first home game of Engage Super League X and Warrington Wolves have prepared accordingly. -Wolves say they are aware that all of the pressure is on them to perform on Sunday and Paul Cullen's men are determined not to allow newcomers Leigh Centurions to take advantage of the fact. Cullen likened his Warrington team, that includes the return of Paul Noone and the possible absence of Jon Clarke, as one being prepared to 'circle the wagons' as if cowboys being invaded and bombarded in a western film. Defeat at London Broncos in the opening game and the unwanted spotlight befalling the club this week due to the suspension of young winger Phil Berry (see news page three) has added to the pressure. An eager 10,000-plus 'gate' is contemplated for the 3pm kick-off and Wolves, with high expectancy hanging over them this year, are considered firm favourites to defeat a Leigh side that arg most pundits' choice for relegation a year after their promotion. Head coach Cullen says: "We know because of our result against London and off-the-field circumstances that we're going to go into the game against Leigh as the only team under any kind of pressure. "To be fair we thought that was the case in London too and I thought we handled that side well for the most part. "We know that pressure increases this week and that nothing but a win will do in this match, which puts even more pressure on our shoulders. "It's pressure that we acknowledge and that we accept." Despite Cullen being disappointed with Wolves' kick-and-chase game, coughing up possession too easily and three costly one-on-one tackle misses against London, he is not about to ring the changes at such an early stage of the new term. Some changes are forced on him. Paul Wood damaged ankle ligaments at Griffin Park and is set to be sidelined for two to four weeks, hence Noone's return to the 17. Clarke has a hip strain and if he does not recover in time then his place in the squad will be taken by Warren Stevens. Andy Bracek, Nicky Royle, Steve Pickersgill and Simon Grix are fighting for the 18th man spot and the ones not selected will be playing for Wolves' under 21s in the first of their grading phase games at Leigh on Sunday, kick-off 11am. The Leigh first team come to town stacked with Warrington connections, including players that Cullen has released in the past, and they will need no motivating to prove themselves in their first game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Cullen says: "All clubs and all players have their own reasons for being motivated to play certain games and we understand what may go through the minds of a number of Leigh players who are ex-Warrington players. "It will simply add a little bit of extra spice on their behalf. I was very impressed with the workrate and the effort put in by the Leigh players in their home defeat by Huddersfield at the weekend. "We're expecting a battle-royal from Leigh and we expect the same effort and set-up. Leigh's ex-Wolves team: 1, Nick Owen; 2, Rob Smyth, 3, Darren Abram, 4, Steve Maden, 5, John Wilshere; 6, Tommy Martyn, 7, John Duffy; 8, Richard Marshall, 9, Mick Govin, 10, Matt Sturm, 11, Steve McCurrie, 12, Danny Halliwell, 13, lan Knott. Their head coach, Darren Abram, started his professional playing career with Warrington but only made one first team appearance off the substitutes' bench at Wakefield Trinity in 1987. Wilshere, McCurrie, Smyth, Sturm, Knott, Halli-well, Maden and Duffy have all made Super League appearances for Warrington in the past. Govin was released from Wolves' Academy set-up by Cullen at the end of 2003 and Owen was released at the end of last season without having made a Super League appearance. Marshall is from Warring-ton and Turley's father, Norman, is an ex-Wire player. Assistant coach Tommy Mar-tyn's father of the same name was a Wire star too. Former Wolves player, player-coach and football director Alex Murphy is on the staff at Leigh. Wolves believe they are aware of Leigh's psychological approach to Sunday's match. Cullen says: "The atmosphere that is generated at The Halliwell Jones Stadium is a bonus to us and we have to make sure that we don't allow that atmosphere to deflate. We understand that is going to be a big part of the Leigh psychology. They're looking to deflate our crowd, their looking to cause concerns within our ranks and rattle us. "We are determined we won't be affected by any negativity that may present in the game. There are only certain things in a game of Rugby League that you can control. What we can control is what we do and we have to do that better than we did last week." Source Mike Parsons Warrington Guardian.
MARTIN Gleeson's message this week is not to be too downhearted about Wolves' defeat to the Broncos. The 24-year-old Great Britain centre is seen above crossing for the second of his second half tries in his debut appearance at Griffin Park but Wolves were not up to the required standard as a team in the capital. He said: "We know where we went wrong and everyone's got to stay positive. "We've got Leigh at home on Sunday and we can make amends. "Teams always look forward to their first home game of the season. Hopefully it will be a full house on Sunday and we're looking to get things right for this game. "I can't wait to play a league game for the first time in front of our home fans and the rest of the players are looking forward to it too. "Everyone will be buzzing and hopefully we'll get our season on track against Leigh."
WHAT an asset a player would be if he could perform in any position on a Super League pitch. Warrington Wolves' Ben West-wood is willing to have a go at laying claims to being that player after his first taste of life in the front row. Westwood, the player of the tournament as an England centre in the autumn's European Nations Cup tournament, spent 35 minutes of Sunday's defeat at London Broncossn the prop forward position. "* J It was not planned that way but the ligament injury to substitute prop Paul Wood, five minutes after he had replaced a first strike prop, meant Benny, as his teammates know him, had the fresh legs to be thrown in at the deep end. He made an impact and scored a try in his first 17-minute stint and had a match-equalling touch down ruled out for a knock on over the line in his second spell on the field. The 24-year-old ex-Wakefield player said: "That's the first time I've ever played in the pack, never mind the front row. "To tell you the truth, I really did enjoy it in the middle. I was tired after my first stint but maybe if Paul Wood is going to be out injured then I might have to switch there until he is fit again. "That's obviously up to Paul Cullen to work out whether he needs me there or in the second row or whether he doesn't need me at all. But I do like the physical stuff and hopefully I may be able to get to play prop again." Westwood has the size, strength, aggression and added athleticism to be a success at number 10 and the extra pace that he has could make him a lethal weapon against tiring opponents. He added: "Who knows, I could cover everywhere from wing to prop for the team. As long as I'm in the team, I'm not bothered. "With Toa Kohe-Love and Martin Gleeson joining the club I've had to work harder than ever before to get into the team and maybe my work on Sunday will keep me in the team for another week. "I'm just pleased with myself for how I went on at prop and had a go. I'd put 100 per cent in wherever I play so it doesn't really matter to me if I'm playing prop, centre, full back or wing." Leigh are Warrington's opponents on Sunday and Westwood said they looked in good physical shape in their opening day defeat to Huddersfield. He continued: "Hopefully Leigh at home will be a win for us. I watched them on television against Huddersfield and they didn't do too badly. "They put a lot of effort in and I'm sure they'll do the same again at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. "They looked pretty fit that night but they'll come up against a Warrington side that will be giving their best shot to gain their first win of the season." Source Mike Parsons Warrington Guardian.
WARRINGTON Wolves have sold 10 per cent more season tickets than last year. More than 6,000 fans have bought them for Wolves' campaign and tickets are running out fast for Sunday's home opener against Leigh Centurions. Wolves' community and marketing manager Sean Mellor said: "Fans are urged to hurry to avoid disappointment. This Is not an all ticket game but a ticket will guarantee entry." Tickets are available from Wolfware on 248888. Meanwhile, Wolves' home game against Wldnes on March 29 Is confirmed as an 8pm kick-off.
WARRINGTON Wolves and Warrington Collegiate have joined forces In a bid to make match day parking hassle free. Supporters can park their car at the Collegiate, which Is on the A49, for £4 and ride to and from the stadium on a bus. The service operates from 1pm on Sunday match days and 11/2 hours before kick-off for night games.
15th February.Wolves have announced that teenage winger Phil Berry has been suspended with immediate effect pending an investigation into alleged doping. The 19-year-old, who signed with the Wolves in 2002, has yet to make his Super League debut although he did feature in pre-season friendlies. "I can confirm that Phil Berry is the subject of a doping control inquiry," said a Rugby Football League spokesman. The club have declined to make any further comment. Lets hope it is a mistake, however should it be deliberate the club should take appropriate action.
Ligament Damage for Wood Wolves forward Paul Wood suffered ligament damage to his ankle after being stretchered off after only being on the field for five minutes of Round 1 of Engage Super League X v London Broncos. After a medical examination this afternoon he is expected to be sidelined for 3-4 weeks.
Season Ticket Collection - A Reminder Wolfware are requesting that people who live locally to collect their season tickets prior to the first home game against Leigh Centurions on Sunday 20th February 2005. Wolfware is open: Monday-Saturday 9:00pm-5:00pm For more information call 01925 248888.
12th February . London 28 Warrington 24. London Started early putting 6 points on the board after 45 secs Wire hit back to go in 16-12 up at half time, however London hit back and the game was anybodies right up to the final whistle. HT 12-16 Attn 4,179. Teams Warrington1 Brent Grose 5 Dean Gaskell 3 Martin Gleeson (D) 4 Toa Kohe-Love 2 Henry Fa'afili 6 Lee Briers 7 Nathan Wood 8 Chris Leikvoll 14 Mark Gleeson 10 Mark Hilton 11 Logan Swann (D) 12 Mike Wainwright 9 Jon Clarke Subs (all used) 15 Ben Westwood 16 Paul Wood 17Danny Lima 18 Graham Appo Tries: Hilton (7), Wood (11), Westwood (32), Martin Gleeson (48, 66) Goals: Briers 2/5 .London, 25 Zeb Luisi 2 Jon Wells 1 Paul Sykes 4 Mark O'Halloran 3 Nick Bradley-Qalilawa (D) 21 Luke Dorn (D) 7 Thomas Leuluai (D) 17MarkTookey(D) 6 Mark McLinden (0) 10 Steve Trindall 11 Solomon Haumono (D) 12 Lee Hopkins (D) 13 Rob Purdham Subs (all used) 15 Mitch Stringer 18 Anthony Armour (D) 20 Filimone Lolohea (D) 24 Tyrone Smith (D) Tries: Dorn (1), Sykes (36), Haumono (44), McLinden (54), Purdham (58) Goals: Sykes 4/5 .
12th February . Wolves Top 6k Mark Wolves have sold 6,026 season tickets for the Engage Super League X season. The club have seen an overall 10% increase on sales from last season. The biggest increase has been on the various Family Tickets in the Martin Dawes Stand. The Wolves phenomenon continues to gather pace and, with the excitement generated by the new signings is set to be a season to remember. There are currently 2,149 tickets available for the Wolves first home game against Leigh Centurions on Sunday 20th February. Tickets for all stands are available from Wolfware on 01925 248888. Community and Marketing Manager Sean Mellor commented, "It looks like this could be a big year for the Wolves. With record season ticket sales and match tickets moving quickly for the home opener, fans are urged to hurry to avoid disappointment. This is not an all ticket game - but a ticket will guarantee entry."
PLEASE NOTE: Round 8: v Widnes Vikings on Tuesday 29th March is a Sky Fixture and will be 8.00pm kick off.
Wolves Net New Local Sponsor Warrington-based mortgage company, TFC, are major new sponsors of the Warrington Wolves for the Super League X 2005 season. "This is the first time that TFC have been involved in sports sponsorship," said TFC partner, Ron Taylor. "We decided to get involved because we were impressed by the Wolves" community relations track record, which matches TFC's own goal of "putting something back" into the local community. The club lies at the very heart of the Warrington community and these are exciting times in its long and distinguished history . We are delighted to become part of this." Ron Taylor, is the TFC partner responsible for Halton Kelly and The Mortgage Option Ltd (TMOL), two of the companies who are part of the TFC Group. The TFC Group have been growing in Warrington since 1991. Headquartered in Haydock Street, TFC now employ 150 staff at two Warrington sites.
10th February. Late News Round 1: Team News The Wolves have named their initial squad for the opening round of Super League X this weekend at Griffin Park against the London Broncos. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 5. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers (c) 7. Nat Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton 11. Logan Swann 12. Mike Wainwright 13. Paul Noone 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Ben Westwood 16. Paul Wood 17. Danny Lima 18. Graham Appo 20. Warren Stevens 21. Simon Grix INJURIES: 19. Daryl Cardiss - hamstring 25. Chris Bridge - ankle U21s 22. Steve Pickersgill 23. Andrew Bracek 24. Phil Berry 26. Nicky Royle.
All Systems Go! Coach Paul Cullen looks forward to the start of Super League X with an away visit to the London Broncos on Sunday. IN THE OFF SEASON YOU HAVE RECRUITED 8 PLAYERS, WHAT ARE YOU HOPES FOR THEM? For their contributions individually and collectively to improve our performance in both competitions for the seasons ahead. YOU HAVE RECRUITED QUITE A FEW YOUNG PLAYERS: ANDY BRACEK, SIMON GRIX, CHRIS BRIDGE AND NICKY ROYLE AND UPGRADED TWO: STEVE PICKERSGILL AND PHIL BERRY. WHAT IS YOUR REASONING BEHIND THEIR SIGNING? To fill the void of players under the age of 21 who can positively contribute to the first team effort. The squad I inherited had too many older players who could not get a weekly run because of the age restrictions in the U21 competition. The entire squad can now have the facility to get match fit and ready when the time comes.
The Halliwell Jones Stadium Opts for No Smoking in 2006 The Halliwell Jones Stadium, home to Warrington Wolves will be a No Smoking venue from 1st January 2006; in readiness for Super League XI season. This move is part of the club's Award winning Community Programme to improve knowledge of health and wellbeing and also comes after requests from fans to consider the option to improve their enjoyment of the sport in a smoke free environment. The fans of Warrington Wolves started a campaign via the club's website forum to draw attention to the fact that they disliked smoking at the stadium and that it ruined their enjoyment of coming to the stadium. As a result of this campaign the Wolves issued a questionnaire to the fans at the end of Tetley's Super League IX asking for their view on The Halliwell Jones Stadium becoming a No Smoking environment. An overwhelming 63% of the 8,294 returned questionnaires wanted to see the stadium become a No Smoking zone. The club is continually striving to improve the matchday enjoyment for the fans and as a result will be introducing a complete ban on smoking in all areas of The Halliwell Jones Stadium for the start of the Super League XI, giving fans therefore a season's notice on change. The importance of health is at the forefront of the Wolves in 2005 with the opening of the new NHS/PCT Health Centre in the Martin Dawes Stand. After much research into the subject of No Smoking and the effects of passive smoking, the club feels that the health of its fans to be very important, given the effects of passive smoking which includes eye irritation, headache, cough, sore throat, dizziness and nausea. These unpleasant side effects ruin many fans enjoyment when attending a game and with the increasing number of children coming to games the club has decided to act now rather than wait for the results of the government's White Paper on Public Health to become legislation at the end of 2008. Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe commented on the pioneering move, "The Board of Directors are extremely eager to improve the matchday environment and whilst it is not easy to please every fan on this issue the health of all of our fans has to be our utmost priority."
Paul Cullen is under no illusions to the size of the task facing Warrington Wolves when their Engage Super League season starts at London Broncos on Sunday. Wolves' head coach said: "This is going to be one of the toughest games we've had against London for many, many years." It is a mark of the progress and expectancy surrounding Wolves this year that Cullen fully backs his troops to come home from Griffin Park with the important opening two points. Barring any late training hiccups; Cullen will have his first choice 17 players doing the business for him in the capital against a new-look Broncos side that contains 11 players who have clocked up more than 1,000 appearances between them in Australia's NRL competition. Wolves' team for the 3pm kick-off is expected to be: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Dean Gaskell; Lee Briers, Nathan Wood; Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke, Mark Hilton, Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright, Paul Noone. Subs: Mark Gleeson, Ben Westwood, Paul Wood, Danny Lima. Eighteenth man: Graham Appo. It will be full senior debuts in Warrington colours for Great Britain international Martin Gleeson and Kiwi back rower Swann plus it will be Noone's first game since the nasty eye injury he collected against Widnes Vikings on 28th December .Wolves will be one of only a few clubs to start the new campaign with all first choice players available, which is tribute in itself to the quality of the club's preparations. Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls, St Helens, Wigan Warriors and Hull FC are top six rivals to have lost the services of players before the season kicks off and London will be missing their club captain and prop forward Francis Stephenson, who bust his knee in the weekend's narrow defeat of London Skolars. The Broncos will, however, hand debuts on Sunday to many of their overseas stars, including half backs Mark McLinden and Thomas Leuluai. Twenty-five year old captain and likely stand off McLinden joins Broncos after six years of spearheading Canberra Raiders' attack at scrum half while 19-year-old Leuluai is no stranger to these shores after becoming New Zealand's first choice scrum half in last autumn's Tri-Nations tournament. Cullen said: "We've only got one goal in this game and it is to come back with the two points. We know it's going to ' be exceptionally hard and we cannot afford to offer the same opening 20 minutes against London as we did against Salford in the friendly on January 30. "London are a much improved side than last year. The inclusion of all of their NRL players has to mean they are a better side and in McLinden they've recruited a very talented halfback. The loss of Dennis Moran to Wigan has been offset by the inclusion of McLinden, who is an outstanding player." A huge turnout of primrose and blue support is expected at the home of Brentford Football Club as fans have been planning their trips by car, coach, bus, plane and train since the fixture was announced in December. Cullen said: "I've got no doubt in my mind we'll have a massive following at London. We have always had it and it's always very welcome. It's needed and it'll be needed even more than before on Sunday." The biggest question mark surrounding the Broncos of 2005 is how quickly their 12 new recruits can knit together with the established players to form a solid team. Five pre-season friendlies have helped in this area but, like Wolves, they have not been totally convincing in their friendly performances. Broncos' Australian head coach Tony Rea says: "Every minute of every training session and pre-season game has been important for the team to gel together. There's all the other times when we're together off the field as well and the players have handled all facets really well. Mike Parsons Warrington Guardian
Wolves deliberately set out to lower the age of their squad this year in a bid to prevent players from going 'stale'. The retirement of veterans like Mike Forshaw and Darren Burns plus catches of top young players contributes to the average age of players in the ranks coming down to 25 for 2005. The young newcomers to the squad, 20-year-old Chris Bridge from Bradford, 21-year-old Nicky Royle from Liverpool St Helens, 17-year-old Andy Bracek from St Helens, 19-year-old Simon Grix from Halifax and promoted Academy teenagers, Steve Pickersgill and Phil Berry, are all considered to be stepping up the competition for starting places in Wolves' Super League X team. Wolves' head coach Paul Cullen, who is going into his third full season in charge, said: "The squad I inherited was far too old and far too injured. We had far too many players who were too old to play in our under 21s team. "We had four or five players getting stale every week because I couldn't play them anywhere." That is all changing as Cullen explained: "If you look at our squad profile now, players with squad numbers from.21 to 26 are all of Academy age and can play in our under 21s. •"If you then consider I take 18 men for first team match duties, that leaves two other bodies. Well, those two other bodies can play in the under 21s as two over-aged players are allowed to play in the senior Academy team. "So, in theory, if the under 21s and first team are playing on the same weekend, I'll have 18 players in preparation for the Super League game and eight others who can hone their skills and freshen themselves up ready to make impact and challenge for a first team place. "I've never had that facility since coming back to the club. "Last year we had guys getting stale and when I wanted to use them, they were not match fit, they were not mentally prepared or psychologically prepared. They were just very good in the gym or on a training field and it's just not the same. "So, there is method to the recruitment policy." Injuries and form will also play a part and Cullen said: "Of course, it won't always work as perfectly as outlined. We'd like to think at some point that the six Academy age players will be taking positions off the first team players who have got the shirts at the time on merit."
GREAT Britain international centre Martin Gleeson has tipped back row forward Andy Bracek for a prosperous career in Rugby League. Gleeson was fully aware of Bracek's raw talent when they were on St Helens' books last season. Both players have since joined the Paul Cullen revolution at Warrington Wolves and Gleeson has been mightily impressed with Bracek's pre-season contributions. Gleeson said: "He certainly puts himself about. He is a tough cookie with a good work rate and I'm sure that he has a big future ahead of him."
The Brent Grose Column sponsored by Warrington Guardian.ALL of the build-up is now over and it's time to get stuck in. We've done the hard work as the boys have all trained exceptionally hard in the gym and the new players have all settled in well. So we're looking a pretty strong side, it's all systems go and we're all looking forward to the games coming up, starting this Sunday at London Broncos. I've been asked about my versatility value for this season and as each | training session has gone by I've become more comfortable with the different roles that head coach Paul Cullen has popped up for me. Generally, I'm simply looking forward to being in the same side as-Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Logan Swann and the young guys who have joined us as well. So if I can get in the side any way I can then I'll be really happy. Last year the majority of my games were at right centre. I've been given the Nol squad jersey for 2005 and I'm quite comfortable about playing full back if that is where I'm selected. I've had a few hit-outs there and I've done reasonably well. It's all about getting good experience in that position, getting my timing right and working out combinations. Of course, it would be nice to have had a bit more experience under rny belt but you have to learn somehow. It's sink or swim and I feel comfortable there. The guys around me on the field are really supportive and that makes life easier for me to adapt. In terms of Warrington's chances for 2005, I'm not the type of guy that likes to make predictions. I know we'll be competitive no matter who we are playing this year. There have been certain games in my time with the club when we've probably dropped off the pace a little bit but we'll all be giving 100 per cent to guarantee we are competitive. The club is really ambitious and . -_ everyone involved will be expecting top six at least, I'm sure. The board's backed the recruitment well, there's been a bit of money thrown around and so I dare say their expectations are pretty high. The players' expectations are too. We expect a lot of each other and we usually get it. Training wise, we couldn't have asked for any more from our pre-season and now it is time to put everything into practice. source Warrington Guardian
8th February. Tetley's continue to be committed to RL after confirming a sponsorship deal to become the "Official Beer" of Warrington Wolves. Tetley's, who have been involved in rugby league at all levels including title sponsors of Tetley's Rugby Super League for the past five years, are firmly established as 'The Beer' of Rugby League. The exclusive deal includes player appearances, tickets and perimeter signage. Tetley's will support this association with ongoing trade and PR campaigns as the brand looks to continue their support to rugby league. Gareth Roberts, Sponsorship Controller Carlsberg UK, said: "The deal demonstrates Tetley's continued support and commitment to Rugby League. We aim to build on the success of our five years as title sponsor and help the sport achieve the status it deserves. We are looking forward to a prosperous relationship with the club and it's supporters." Julie Cleave-Moore, Commercial Manager at Warrington Wolves, added: "We had a great working relationship with Tetley's during their period as title sponsor and we are confident this can only improve as we welcome them as the club's Official Beer sponsor."
Don't forget Tonight: Alternative Strip Launch Warrington Wolves will be launching their alternative strip for Super League X on Monday 7th February 2005 in the Martin Dawes Stand, The Halliwell Jones Stadium from 7.30pm. Paul Cullen and first team players will be available for autographs on the night. This will be a unique opportunity to meet the Wolves stars before battle commences in SLX.
3rd February.MIKE Forshaw believes Chris Bridge is being given the chance to make a name for himself at Warrington Wolves. Forshaw is also expecting big things from another former Bradford player, Logan Swann, this year. Bridge, after a successful operation to clean out his ankle, is now signed by Wolves on a three-year deal and Forshaw first got to know the talented youngster when they were at Bulls together prior to the 2004 season. The two could spend some time together again at Warrington as former Great Britain international Forshaw, who retired as a player after a great 2004 season at Wolves, has been helping out at training. Forshaw, who now works as I the Rugby Football League's first performance lifestyle advisor, says: "Warrington have been tailing Chris for a couple of months. He's had an injury and he's got over that so I think he's a great addition to the squad. "He got a chance at Bradford, took it well but could never get a consistent run in the team. "He's a quiet lad hut he's got to open up this year and he's got to be really hungry to play in the first team because he's been given a great opportunity now and I hope he takes it. "I think Paul Cullen is doing a great job as head coach at Warrington. After bringing Chris in, Chris will probably be a lot more receptive to Paul than he was to Brian Noble at Bradford." Forshaw, who has won all the major club honours in the game, sees great potential in the 20-year-old former Academy international. He says: "Chris slips out of dummy half very well, he's got great footwork and good pace. And he's very deceptively strong. "I remember when we were playing at Bradford last season and we were in the game at half-time. Chris came on for Bradford and scored a great try." Swann, who made his Wolves debut in the friendly against Salford City Reds on Sunday, was Forshaw's replacement at Bradford when he left there after the Bulls' Grand Final success of 2003. Forshaw does not think Britain has seen the best of the New Zealand international Test star yet. He adds: "I think Logan is a great signing for Warrington and Bradford might regret letting him go, to be honest. I think Bradford kind of banked on signing Gareth Ellis and now that has fallen through, they may come up a little bit short this year. "A lot of Kiwi players can take a year to settle in. People will remember Logan hurt his knee in the World Club Challenge win last year and it set him back for 10 weeks. I think Warrington will see the best of Logan this year." In general, Forshaw believes Wolves over performed when they finished sixth in 2003 and under performed when they finished eighth last year. There are no predictions from him on this year's finishing spot but he knows that to be a success Wolves need to step to a higher level of intensity than they have been used to before.
Wolves Take on Royle Speed. Warrington Wolves have signed winger Nicky Royle, 21 on a part time one year deal while he continues his Sports Studies degree at Liverpool Hope University. Nicky will train with the first team around his studies and will be available for selection for the first team and Senior Academy. This latest signing continues to give Warrington more options for Super League X. Nicky started his amateur career in Rugby Union playing for Halton Hornets RUFC before being selected for the Lancashire Rugby Union open age team. He then moved on to play Rugby Union for Manchester and then played for Sale Sharks in the 7's competition. He then played for Liverpool St Helens Rugby Union team before signing for Widnes Vikings at the beginning of 2004 after impressing them in the Wire FM Boxing Day Challenge of 2003 at Wilderspool and another friendly against Widnes Barbarians he was awarded a contract. Nicky made 13 appearances and scoring 7 tries in 2004. During Widnes' pre-season training camp he played in the World Sevens in Sydney. Nicky made his first team debut for Widnes at the Halliwell Jones Stadium against Warrington on 9th April 2004. After leaving Widnes at the end of 2004 he returned to play rugby union at Liverpool St Helens club. Nicky is known for his speed clocking 10.4 seconds for the 100 metres. Nicky commented on his move back into rugby league, "Warrington is a good team with a lot of ambition and I want to be part of a club with the ambition to go places on and off the field." Paul Cullen commented on his latest recruit for the Super League X campaign, "Nick caught our eye last year with his sensational speed, his availability is a bonus and we look forward to helping him realise his potential."
Alternative Strip Launch Warrington Wolves will be launching their alternative strip for Super League X on Monday 7th February 2005 in the Martin Dawes Stand, The Halliwell Jones Stadium from 7.30pm. Paul Cullen and first team players will be available for autographs on the night. This will be a unique opportunity to meet the Wolves stars before battle commences in SLX.
Wolves Take on St Rocco's Warrington Wolves have taken on St Rocco's Hospice as their Charity for 2005. St Rocco's Hospice is a Warrington based charity on Lockton Lane and is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. With running costs of £1.6 million each year, the Wolves are aiming to help them reach their target in 2005. St Rocco's offers emotional and clinical support to patients dealing with cancer, including a range of therapies and support to families. Due to the increasing need for support, the Hospice would like to extend in the future to provide a wider range of services, including additional therapies, occupational therapy and support for carers. All the team and coaching staff have visited the hospice to learn more about the importance of the services provided and how important the partnership is in their 20th year. Warrington Wolves and St Rocco's Hospice will officially launch their partnership at the Wolves first home game on Sunday 20th February v Leigh Centurions with a bucket collection. This event will be the first of many in 2005 to help St Rocco's to meet their target. The 'Primrose and Blues' Brothers will be participating in the Jailbreak event on Friday 11th March and children will be invited to run with the Wolves in the summer, more details to follow. Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe commented on the new partnership, "I believe that more and more people in their day to day lives are hearing of and being touched by many instances relating to families members and friends having cancer and by 'pulling together' to support St. Rocco's in their work, we can all help in our own small way to fight back." Claire Manock, Appeals Manager at St Rocco's said "We are delighted that Warrington Wolves have adopted St Rocco's as its charity for 2005. When the players visited the Hospice, all the staff and patients were thrilled to meet them. The high profile of the Wolves in the local community will help us tremendously in promoting our 20th anniversary events."