July 2005
30th July. Newcastle Knights No 7 Andrew Johns is to join Wire at the end of his commitments with Newcastle this year on a short term contract ,there are 5 rounds left and with Newcastle not in the playoffs Johns could join Wire in 5 or 6 weeks which is early September, Johns has signed for another year with the Knights .
28th July. Despite a run-in that sees them take on St Helens next Friday, August 5, as well as Hull and Leeds in their last two matches. Paul Cullen is still confident of a top 3 finish asked as to whethet Hull had the edge for third place , Cullen said: "I don't think Hull are favourites they are no more favourites than Bradford or Warrington. There are six games to go, and it's all to play for." Those games see Wolves play six teams for a third time, with all clubs now having played each other twice after round 22. Cullen is keen to ensure his side have a grandstand finish to the season, and said: "We have gone through what could be described as the business part of the season, and are now at the bonus end of the season. "For the purist, round 22 indicates we've played everyone home and away, and on that record we are currently a top four side. "We are now intensifying our preparation to mate sure we finish the season off in fine style." No lover of the extra game system when Wire will play Leeds and Tellins once more than they play Hull "The end of season extra six bonus games have been a complete lottery since that system was introduced," he said at the time. "Personally the sooner we're up to 14 teams with 26 rounds the better for all concerned - it is a far fairer competition. "But we are not concerned with who we play and where we play them - we've got no say in that - it's simply how we play them." On the Leeds game he said He said: "We achieved field position to kick the ball and get the right result, but we didn't force Leeds to come from deep and we gave penalties away on the back of it - it's a recipe for disaster. "It's not how we prepared to play, and if you're not at your best against Leeds you're going to be drilled. "But although we feel very disappointed about the scoreline at the weekend, there were achievements in the game the tries that we scored, the field positions we obtained and the opportunities we created despite a very ordinary kicking performance." On the Francis Meli question "We have an interest in any player that can improve our current squad." Wolves' away match against Huddersfield Giants will now take place on Friday, August 12, kick-off 8pm, after Sky selected the game for live screening.
GRAHAM Appo could be on his way back to France at the end of the season attempts to secure British citizenship has not been fruitful and as Wire have a full overseas quota Graham looks to be on his way out.Appo joined Wire from the French side Lezignon in 2002,"I'd say next year would definitely be my last year, and I'd like to find another Super League club, but if not I wouldn't mind going back to France for a year and finishing there," said Appo. "I've just got to see how it goes, because I've got a couple of injuries, and it's a possibility that I might retire because of them. "But hopefully I can get another contract somewhere over here, because I don't want to finish and then think that I still wanted to play for another year your heart's got be set on that kind of thing." He said: "I'm trying to get citizenship because I've been here for quite a while now, but there are a lot of things that go with it, and I think my chances are slim. "I've had no indication from Paul Cullen about whether it would make any difference, but that's understandable because I've not been playing too well. "It's been a frustrating time, because the injuries I've had have been niggling little things and I've been regaining my match fitness, but I think I've got most of it back now. "Hopefully I can get a couple of games, get my confidence back and score some tries. I've got to get into some form and see what happens from there." On the Saints game he said: "I think we all owe it to Saints to get two points against them, because it's been heart-wrenching what they've done to us twice this year. "Everyone will be fired up, and although it's optional training this week, a lot of the boys are in. "Saturday was a bit of a downer, so we'll do a bit of extra training and look forward to the Saints game."
27th July.Warrington Wolves have teamed up with Tetley's, the club's 'Official Beer', to give fans the opportunity to question their favourite players at a 'Tetley's Talk Wolves' evening at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Tuesday 2nd August. The event will be held in the Prime Time Lounge of the Martin Dawes Stand at the home of The Wolves with a Q&A session including the likes of Paul Cullen and a selection of star players. Doors will open at 7.00pm ready for a 7.30pm start. 'Tetley's Talk Wolves' is part of the club's push to meet fans away from a match environment and a chance for supporters to quiz and have their picture taken with their favourite player, as well as win some great rugby league prizes and Tetley's giveaways. Tickets, which include a free pint of Tetley's or Carlsberg, are priced at £3 with fans encouraged to guarantee their place by either visiting the club's ticket office or calling 01925 248 888. Simon Gibson, Carlsberg UK Marketing Manager, said: "As 'Official Beer' of Warrington Wolves we are delighted to be helping the club to host the night's activities, which promises to be an extremely enjoyable evening. "The 'Tetley's Talk Wolves' night will give the players an opportunity to thank the fans for their support and for Tetley's to give something back to the community." Sean Mellor, Community & Marketing Manager at Warrington Wolves, added: "The event is a great way for us to get back into the community and meet the fans face-to-face. I am sure it will be a huge success and the players are really looking forward to taking part."
25th July. Round 22 v Leeds: Crowd Warrington Wolves would like to apologise to Leeds fans in the West Stand who were subjected to abuse by a minority of so-called fans in the South Stand. The Club would like to stress that they do not stand by the views or comments of these fans and are disgusted by their actions on Saturday night. Media and PR Officer, Gina Coldrick commented, "We would like to apologise to all the travelling fans from Leeds on Saturday night for the abuse to which they were subjected by a small group of individuals in the South Stand. We are a family club and will not tolerate such behaviour. This type of abuse has taken us by surprise on this occasion. However, we will be taking all necessary steps to irradicate it from the Halliwell Jones Stadium. If this behaviour is repeated, we will identify and ban the perpetrators."
Q&A with the Wolves tomorrow night Tuesday 26th July 2005, kick off 7.30-9.00pm in the Platinum Lounge, at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. MC for the evening GRAHAM LOVETT and Henry Fa'afili, Mike Wainwright and Danny Lima will be in attendance for you to throw your questions at them. This evening is exclusively for WOLPACK members only, each member must be accompanied by an adult (tickets will only be sold on production of your season ticket). Bar facility for refreshments available. Tickets are available from WOLFWARE priced £1.00 (Each ticket doubles up as a raffle ticket with the chance to win a signed ball).
23rd July. Warrington 22 Leeds 46.The Rhinos set out their stall early on with two tries from Chev Walker and one from Matt Diskin in the first half. Brent Grose and Logan Swann kept Wolves in the game before the break but the Rhinos pulled further away. Sky man of the match Rob Burrow added a try and kicked 14 points, while Keith Senior, Marcus Bai and Mark Calderwood also scored to seal the win. Coach Paul Cullen said: "What was billed as a heavyweight contest was nothing more than a sparring match. We found it a battle but I thought we played smart Leeds coach Tony Smith "I am bitterly disappointed with our kicking game, which was absolutely non-existent. "If you turn the ball over on the last tackle against a very good Leeds side you are going to be punished. "Our kicking game needs to be 100% better than it was today. "We were awful in the first 10 minutes when we never got a decent kick in and spent far too much time running backwards."Teams Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Appo, Briers, N. Wood, Leikvoll, M. Gleeson, Hilton, Swann, Westwood, Clarke. Replacements: Pickersgill, Noone, P. Wood, Lima. Leeds: Mathers, Calderwood, Walker, Senior, Bai, McGuire, Burrow, Ward, Diskin, McDermott, Lauitiiti, McKenna, Ellis. Replacements: Poching, Dunemann, Scruton, Cummins. Warrington (12) 22 Tries: Grose, Swann, Fa'afili 2 Goals: Appo 3 Leeds (18) 46 Leeds Tries: Walker 2, Diskin, Burrow, Senior, Bai 2, Calderwood Goals: Burrow 7 .attn 11,036.
22nd July. Rd22 18 Man Squad Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 18 man squad to face Leeds Rhinos at home this Saturday night in Round 22 of engage: Super League: 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 6. Lee Briers 7. Nathan Wood 8. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 10. Chris Leikvoll 11. Logan Swann 12. Mike Wainwright 13. Paul Noone 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Ben Westwood 16. Paul Wood 17. Danny Lima 18. Graham Appo 25. Chris Bridge INJURED 5. Dean Gaskell - groin injury sustained in RND21 v London Broncos (17.07.05) RESTED (DUE TO NO U21'S FIXTURE) 19. Daryl Cardiss 21. Simon Grix 22. Steve Pickersgill 26. Nicky Royle U18'S 23. Andrew Bracek 27. Ben Harrison (current U18's player training with the first team in a gap year from college, Ben was signed from Barrow Island ARLFC to the Foundation Academy in 2004 and has progressed through the ranks playing in the U18s and U21s).
Rd22 Ticketing Update Ticket sales for Saturday's Super League fixture with Leeds are at record levels, and are up on those sold for the Wigan game in May. Consequently the Wolves are expecting a crowd of over 12,000 meaning that any fans which still haven't bought tickets need to do so quickly to avoid the disappointment of missing out on what surely will be the Wolves' biggest game of the season so far. There are now fewer than 1,000 tickets available for home areas at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, with the East Stand selling out completely, for the 10th time in 11 matches this season. There are approximately 450 seats still available in the North Stand, and fewer than 500 tickets available for the South Stand, which is also expected to sell-out yet again. However, any fans unable to purchase tickets for the North or South Stands should not be put off, because as usual Wolves fans will be able to purchase West Stand tickets or pay at these turnstiles tomorrow. Also, any South Stand season ticket holders wishing to use the West stand must exchange their voucher in advance from the club shop. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of sales anticipated tomorrow daytime, the club regrets to inform fans that Wolfware will be unable to accept any telephone orders on the day of the game. Wolfware is open on Saturday from 9am - 3pm tomorrow for fans wishing to purchase tickets in person, with any remaining tickets being sold from the ticket office window from 3pm. Ticketing Coordinator Dave Gittins comments: "Once again we are seeing the East and South Stands selling out prior to the day of the game and we are looking at another possible record crowd for the season. This a great indication not only of the team's performances but also of the fantastic support demonstrated weekly by Warrington supporters. It would be amazing to have our first complete sell-out of the season as it would send out a strong message to all other Super League clubs that we truly are a side on the up."
21st July. PAUL Cullen hopes for the best display of the year if they are to beat Leeds Rhinos on Saturday. He said: "It has to be our best performance of the season. We have had some decent runs this year, but we know the team we put out will have to be at its very best to get a result. "Leeds are a side that can rattle up 40 or 50 points against most opposition, and have proven they will punish errors in each of their routings this year. "Chances won't come along very often and we have to be ready to take them." Lee Briers and Toa Kohe-Love are hoping to be back after recovering from thigh and chest injuries, Dean Gaskell however is expected to be out for between two and four weeks after suffering a groin strain in Wolves' win against London on Sunday. Cullen is likely to go forl winger Graham Appo ahead of Chris Bridge on the left wing. Mike Wainwright is a doubt after sustaining a cut to his foot against London, but he is expected to be fit as is Appo (flu), Mark Gleeson (stomach virus), Mark Hilton (dead leg), Martin Gleeson (knee) and Chris Leikvoll (dead leg).
The 5 trophy winning team of 1974 is being put to use as a spur to the present Warrington team to perform to there best in the hope of emulating the best performing squad in the history of the club, the Team of 75 won 5 cups in 73-74 namely The Locker Cup which was played annually between Wigan and Warrington, The Players No6 Trophy, The Captain Morgan Trophy, The Rugby League Challenge Cup,The League Championship Trophy, a First Day cover was produced to mark the event ,Picture.Players such as , Bobby Wanbon, Derek Noonan,Parry Gordon, and Dave Chisnall,Mike Nicholas, Brian Brady have all been invited into the dressing room before games, with some offering a few words of encouragement to the players. Cullen said: "It's something I decided that we would like to do when we were in Lanzarote in pre-season discussing our goals for the year. "Our goal is to be in the top six, but beyond that there are three trophies available -including the Minor Premiership - which can be considered as majors. "We have had success in some of the minor trophies in recent jears, but what we're, olavinc for these days is the majors, and the last time we had any success was in 1974. "Some of our guests from the 1974 team, such as Mike Nicholas, have spoken to the players before the game, reminding them of what the traditions of the club are, and every single one of them has thoroughly enjoyed being our guest of honour."He added He said: "We sat down on day one in Lanzarote at 9pm at night, and watched the 1974 Challenge Cup Final. "The players were exhausted from the week's training and a day travelling, and there wasn't a word for an hour-and-a-half -they were transfixed to the final.
20th July. Rd22 Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 20 man squad to face Leeds Rhinos at home in this weekends engage: Super League fixture. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 6. Lee Briers 7. Nathan Wood 8. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 10. Chris Leikvoll 11. Logan Swann 12. Mike Wainwright 13. Paul Noone 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Ben Westwood 16. Paul Wood 17. Danny Lima 18. Graham Appo 22. Steve Pickersgill 23. Andrew Bracek 25. Chris Bridge
INJURED: 5. Dean Gaskell - groin injury sustained in RND21 v London Broncos (17.07.05)
Cullens Comment Paul looks at the hard fought victory over the London Broncos and look towards this weekends encounter with the table topping Leeds Rhinos on Saturday. CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WIN AGAINST LONDON AT THE WEEKEND, WAS THERE EVER A TIME IN PARTICULAR GOING INTO THE BREAK THAT YOU THOUGHT WE COULD LOOSE THE GAME? We don't waste time or energy worrying about ifs or maybes. Our focus at the break was very simple; we had only conceded one try to a very skilful and inform London team because we threw the ball on the floor with one minute left on the clock, on our first play of our tap set. Their second and final try came whilst we had twelve men on the field following three consecutive penalties against us. Both tries where scored from two inches off our try line, we where confident that our defensive preparations would nullify the Broncos defensive threat and our satisfied that it actually did.
17th July. Warrington 26 London 14. A dour first half saw Wire and London 8-6 ahead at the break .The Broncos' cause was not helped when Sykes was sin-binned after the break and London paid the price for pesistant niggling at the play the ball. Henry Fa'afili and Brent Grose took advantage to extend Warrington's lead and they held strong to repel a late Broncos fightback. Warrington coach Paul Cullen was pleased with his side's display. "It was a performance of great character to take the game away from a very good London side," he said. "London's ability to win collisions and offload the ball saps the energy and it tests your character to breaking point. I was disappointed with our decision-making at times London Broncos coach Tony Rea "The best team always wins and the scoreboard always reflects the game, anything else is a cop out." Warrington . Tries: M. Gleeson, Gaskell, Fa'afili 2, Grose. Goals: Bridge 3. London . Tries: Bradley-Qalilawa, Hopkins. Goals: Sykes 2, Purdham. Att: 10,146 HT 8-6
Rd21 18 Man Squad Paul Cullen has named his 18 man squad to face London Broncos on Sunday at home in the Engage Super League Round 21. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 5. Dean Gaskell 7. Nathan 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 22. Steve Pickersgill 25. Chris Bridge INJURIES: 4. Toa Kohe Love - chest injury sustained in Round 20 v Wigan (09/07/05) 6. Lee Briers - thigh injury sustained in Round 19 v Widnes Vikings (03/07/05)
15th July.Rd21 Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 20 man squad to face the London Broncos at home on Sunday afternoon in Round 21 of engage: Super League. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 5. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers 7. Nathan Wood 8. Mark Hilton 9. Jon Clarke 10. Chris Leikvoll 11. Logan Swann 12. Mike Wainwright 13. Paul Noone 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Ben Westwood 16. Paul Wood 17. Danny Lima 18. Graham Appo 22. Steve Pickersgill 25. Chris Bridge U21s ---- 19. Daryl Cardiss 21. Simon Grix 23. Andrew Bracek 26. Nicky Royle.
Cullens Comment Paul Cullen Comments on loss to Wigan last Saturday and looks towards a tough encounter with the London Broncos this Sunday at the Halliwell-Jones. DID THE BUBBLE BURST ON SATURDAY? Only if you live in one and we don't! It was simply one game too far, every one of our 11 victories over the last 3 months takes its toll and that was very evident at Wigan. We made the breaks in the positions and against the players that we had planned to but could not finish off the plays. That has as much to do with the circumstances that last week presented as it does with the desperation of our opponents situation.
14th July. Injuries stand in Wolves' way as they attempt to keep third position in the Super League table for the rest of the season. Cullen had led Wolves on a seven-match winning run before last weekend, but his depleted side lost at Wigan on Saturday. The team are now preparing to face play-off hopefulls London Broncos at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 3pm, with five players considered major doubts for the team, but Cullen knows knows Wolves' Super League top four fate could be determined by how they cope with the absences. He said: "I think injuries are the only obstacle to us finishing third or fourth. "It was very evident in the game against Wigan that it was one game too far for us all the injuries that we have managed very well in the last few months finally caught up with us. "We are at that crucial stage of the season where injuries are starting to bite. "We have eight games to go and we need to make sure that the very successful run we've had doesn't wane significantly because of the injuries we've picked up during that run." The continuing problems for Lee Briers are the worry he has a persistant thigh strain and is struggling to be fit for Sunday, although fears of a long lay-off have been dismissed by scans showing that he will be able to return next weekend against Leeds if he misses out on Sunday. Mark Hilton is also doubtful as he makes a slow recovery from a back injury that ruled him out at Wigan,and Jon Clarke (calf) and Toa Kohe-Love (chest) picked up injuries that put their involvement against London in doubt. Nathan Wood is receiving treatment after sustaining a back injury at the JJB Stadium, although Graham Appo is fit again after an ankle problem.Cullen is expected to name a similar 20-man squad to the one selected at Wigan, but will seek the RFL's permission to bring Daryl Cardiss and Andy Bracek into the squad if most of the injured players are ruled out after a final training session on Friday. And he says they will need the fans' support if they are to overcome a testing game against London who are unbeaten in seven league games and beat leaders Leeds on Saturday. He said: "We'd like to think that with the 5,000 support base we had at Wigan we could fill the Halliwell Jones. "What we need, probably now more than most, is support through thick and thin." "We've spent an awful lot of time this week assessing , how our marker system buckled," he said. "It's something that's held firm all through this year, but we had players who simply invented marker systems and made mistakes. "We had guys shooting out of the line and running the wrong way, and that's caught some of the players and the coaching staff out."
Nathan Wood is considering retirement after his term at Warrington ends, playing against players who he considers to be good friends is not something he would relish. "My feelings at the moment are that I'd much rather shut up shop for the sake of one year," he said. "I don't think I'd like to go anywhere else and play against my mates. Iv'e got such a bond with them that I don't think it will be the same playing against them, and I could be wrong, but I don't think I'd enjoy my football as much as I do here. "If I don't play again next year and I retire, then I'll retire happy because I've had a fantastic four years at Warrington it's been the pinnacle of my career to play here." Tributes are arriving at the Wire HQ for the Player from fellow players staff and fans after it was revealed that this year would be his last at Warrington, He said: "It will be emotional. I'm a very emotional person, and just talking about it now gets to me. "The tributes have meant a lot of me, I've been very appreciative of all the support, and the way the crowd respond to me every time I run on the field means the world to me. "I'm disappointed that I won't be staying, but I've had a fantastic time here and loved every minute of it, and I understand the club's point of view that they're looking for someone for the future. "I'm fine with it, I've been playing grade football since I was 16 and I'm 34 next year, and there's not many people that can say that." A final decision has not been made by the player, He said: "I'd like to play, but I'll see how I go, see how my body's holding up and if I'm still as enthusiastic as ever - at the moment I still am. "There's been nothing concrete from other clubs, although agents are doing their best, but I'm just concentrating on playing for Warrington." On the defeat at Wigan he said He said: "It was very disapointing, but sometimes a loss can be a good thing. I think we've put too many wins together now, and maybe we were in need of a loss for a bit of a reality check., "There's been a bit of complacency, and it shows that we're not as good as we think we are. "But how we respond to it will be an indication of what type of team we are."
12th July. Round 23:Wire have announced that theWarrington Wolves v St Helens match has now been moved from Sunday 7th August to Friday 5th August, 8.00pm and is now a SKY fixture. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
9th July.Wigan 36 Warrington 17. The good run had top end and it did even after Brent Grose ran the full length of the field to score under the posts but moments later Dennis Moran pounced on his own low kick to hit back. Wire centre Martin Gleeson should then have scored in the corner after quarter of an hour, but the video referee showed the ball was clearly fumbled. Just before the half-hour Wire regained the initiative when Toa Kohe-Love went over and Chris Bridge kicked a drop-goal on the hooter to send them into the interval 11-4 up. The game turned eight minutes after the break when Wigan's Chris Melling scored after a fantastic steal from Harrison Hansen and they went ahead soon after through Brett Dallas. Wire refused to buckle, replying immediately with a wonderful Chris Bridge solo effort, but Wayne Godwin put Wigan back in front thanks to a contentious video decision. Liam Colborn put the game out sight as Wire fell apart, plucking Danny Orr's raking cross-field kick out of the air, and Terry Newton touched down late on - to the obvious delight of the glory-starved home fans. The 36-17 scoreline flattered Wigan but the win was richly deserved.Warrington coach Paul Cullen said: "There were two factors - our loss of composure when through the line on many occasions and the Wigan effort. "We have created many opportunities but if you are through the line many times and not finishing it you are giving them a hand. "Maybe Wigan began to get a sniff, all was not as it usually is with us. "But their efforts to dig themselves out of the deep hole they have got themselves in - it was a massive effort from them." Wigan Tries: Moran, Melling, Dallas, Godwin, Colbon, Newton .Goals Tickle 6 : Warrington Tries Grose, Kohe-Love, Bridge Goals Bridge 2 Drop: Bridge Wigan: Melling, Colbon, Aspinwall, Vaealiki, Dallas, Orr, Moran, Hargreaves, Godwin, Guisset, Allen, Wild, Botham. Replacements: Tickle, Seu Seu, Newton, Hansen. Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Gaskell, Bridge, N. Wood, P. Wood, Clarke, Leikvoll, Wainwright, Swann, Westwood. Replacements: M. Gleeson, Lima, Noone, Pickersgill. Attn 14,162
Rd20 Ticketing Update Ticket sales for the away Super League game at Wigan have skyrocketed in the last 48 hours meaning that the Wolves now have less than 1,500 tickets available for the North Stand. Fans wishing to guarantee entry to the JJBs North Stand are advised to obtain a ticket from Wolfware tomorrow which will have tickets on sale until 2pm. Ticketing Coordinator Dave Gittins comments: "Our away support this season has been amazing and tickets sales for our last three away Super League games have broken all records. It is great to sell out home areas of the Halliwell Jones Stadium week in week out like we have done this year, but by helping to create record gates when we travel to opposition grounds is testament to the loyal support that we take with us." Any fans unable to purchase a ticket by 2pm on Saturday should not be put off travelling as there will be a limited amount of spaces available (depending on the number of unsold tickets) for fans to pay at the turnstiles. If in doubt please call Wolfware on 01925 248888 or Wigan Warriors on 01942 774000.
8th July.Rd20 18 Man Squad Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 18 man squad to face Wigan Warriors at the JJB Stadium on Saturday night in Round 20 of engage: Super League. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 5. Dean Gaskell 7. Nathan Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 9. Jon Clarke 11. Logan Swann 12. Mike Wainwright 13. Paul Noone 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Ben Westwood 16. Paul Wood 17. Danny Lima 18. Graham Appo 22. Steve Pickersgill 25.Chris Bridge
INJURIES (FAILED FITNESS TEST): 6. Lee Briers - thigh injury sustained in Round 19 v Widnes Vikings (03/07/05) 10. Mark Hilton - back injury sustained in training week beginning 04/07/05
Wainwrights Wisdom Wolves second rower Mike Wainwright is set to give his views on the game when his Totalrl.com player column, in association with Tetley's, 'The Official Beer of the Warrington Wolves'. Wainwright, who is currently injured, will be giving a player's eye view on life in Super League in his new weekly column. It is an ideal opportunity for fans to gather news and views on the burning issues straight from the player himself. Gareth Roberts, Carlsberg UK Sponsorship Controller, said: "The column will give supporters an insight into the opinions of a top class rugby league player and his thoughts on the Super League X competition. It is a great way of giving something back to the fans for their continued support throughout the season." To hear Mike's thoughts visit www.Totalrl.com on Wednesday 6th July. The column will be updated every Wednesday following this date.
7th June.RD 20 Ticketing Update Following impressive away support at Leigh and Widnes, ticket sales for the away Super League game at Wigan on 9th July have been phenomenal, with fans purchasing tickets in record numbers. Two thirds of the North Stand at the JJB Stadium has now been sold and as a result we have taken stock of all remaining tickets, meaning the best way to guarantee entry on Saturday is to purchase a ticket in advance from the Wolves Club Shop: Wolfware. Also, all junior season ticket holders: Wolfpack are advised to exchange their voucher for a ticket, as no exchanges or cash payments will be accepted at North Stand turnstiles once all remaining tickets are sold. Tickets are priced at £13 adults and £9 concessions, and supporters are reminded that 10% of each sale is given back to the Wolves. Ticketing Coordinator Dave Gittins comments: "We have now received a total of 4,700 tickets for the away stand at Wigan, and with tickets selling so quickly it is looking likely that we will be one of only a handful of clubs to sell all of their allocation at the JJB Stadium. Our away support this year has been fantastic and I am convinced that the atmosphere which our supporters create has helped play a major role in the team's performances this season." Wolfware is open Monday to Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, or call the ticket hotline on (01925) 248888 .
Cullen Comment Paul Cullen looks at the close victory over Widnes on Sunday and the current league position as the Wolves head to the JJB on Saturday. A CLOSE WIN ON SUNDAY, WHAT WAS YOUR VIEW OF THE PERFORMANCE? One where, our ability to absorb the negatives that are thrown at you during a game, was tested to the max. We withstood injuries to both ½ backs; three contentious Widnes tries and accepted none of these issues as a reason not to win this game. WIDNES IT WOULD APPEAR, ARE GOING TO STRUGGLE TO GET THEMSELVES OUT OF THE RELEGATION ZONE THIS SEASON. WILL YOU MISS THE DERBIES? I thought that the effort of a number of the Widnes forwards was one that should give them enough confidence to fight themselves out of the situation they have got themselves into. Terry O'Conner, Mick Cassidy, big Julien O'Neil, Mark Smith and David Mills took the game to us in a very positive fashion and there offload game proved very difficult to control. I hope they survive, what we have re-created in this fixture can not be manufactured elsewhere.
Wire have doubts over the fitness of three half-backs ahead of their game at Wigan Warriors on Saturday night. Lee Briers, Chris Bridge and Graham Appo have not been able to take part in full training this week, and although all three have been named in Wolves' 20-man squad.Lee Briers, Chris Bridge and Graham Appo have not been able to take part in full training this week, and although all three have been named in Wolves' 20-man squad Lee Briers, Chris Bridge and Graham Appo have not been able to take part in training this week,Club captain Briers sustained a thigh injury as he practised his kicking in a training* session beforethe Widnes, and was unable to complete 80 minutes at the Halton Stadium, although he did return to the field in the last 10 minutes to kick the match-winning drop goal. Bridge missed the game after picking up a back injury in training, and even though the problem is thought to an impact injury.In the absence of Briers and Bridge, Appo filled in the second half at Widnes, but twisted an ankle as he scored his fifth try of the season. He has also only done light training. But Wire welcome back Mike Wainwright four weeks after breaking two fingers in his right hand - with Paul Noone expected to step down to the bench. Wire not won at Wigan, who will be without hamstring victim Brian Carney, since 1993 but Cullen says that, having recently played rivals Leigh and Widnes, this is the one people at the club most want to win. He said " He said: "From a playing point of view, as well as the coaching staff, Wigan is the game. The Wigan connection at the club is massive. There is always a feel to Wigan week, and this week is no different." He added: "We want to continue rewarding our support with wins, effort and the style of our football. "It took my breath away when I walked out at Widnes and all I could see was blue and yellow, and they dragged us home." But Warriors; coach Ian Millward, who sold Martin Gleeson to Warrington while at St Helens, says Sean has some way to go before he readies Martin's standard. He said: "I had Martin when he was 21, and Martin had a couple of years on him. He's a very talented, but Martin was one of the best." On Stuart Reardon Cullen said "no contract has been signed by the 23-year-old, and added: "There has been some thoroughly irresponsible media coverage of Stuart Reardon's contractual situation at Bradford Bulls suggesting that a deal is done with Warrington and he is on his way here. That is simply not the case. "They are actively misleading the rugby league public. To date Stuart Reardon has not signed a contract for Warrington Wolves." Long term injury victim Simon Grix made his comeback from a serious ankle injury as Wolves' under 21s, who travel to Hull on Sunday for a 2pm kick-off, won 48-16 at Leigh. The under 18s make the trip to Wigan's Robin Park on Saturday, kick-off 4pm, after losing 22-19 at Widnes.
6th June. Rd20 Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 20 man squad to face Wigan Warriors at the JJB Stadium on Saturday night in Round 20 of engage: Super League Brent Grose, Henry Faafili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe Love, Dean Gaskell, Lee Briers, Nathan Wood, Mark Hilton, Jon Clarke, Chris Leikvoll, Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright, Paul Noone, Mark Gleeson, Ben Westwood, Paul Wood, Danny Lima, Graham Appo, Steve Pickersgill, Chris Bridge. U21s Daryl Cardiss Simon Grix Andrew Bracek Nicky Royle
5th July. Rumours are a foot that Wire are to sign Bradford utility back Stuart Reardon .He has scored 87 tries for the Bulls.
4th July. Injury News Lee Briers is expected to make selection for Saturday night's game with Wigan after suffering from a thigh strain in Sunday's game against Wigan. Chris Bridge who suffered a back injury in training will also be contention along with Mike Wainwright who suffered two compound fractures of his fingers against Leigh.
Ticketing Bulletin Wigan Away Tickets Engage Super League Round 20: Vs Wigan Warriors, Saturday 9th July, 7:05pm KO With less than a week to go before Saturday's crunch derby match at the JJB Stadium, Wolves fans are showing their anticipation in the most obvious way - by snapping up tickets in record time. Tickets for the away Super League game at Wigan on 9th July are now on sale from Wolfware priced at £13 adults and £9 concessions. Please note that we have been given the entire allocation of 5,000 North Stand tickets, however with almost 4,000 away tickets sold in advance for the last two away games at Widnes and Leigh, fans are encouraged to purchase early to avoid disappointment. Ticketing Coordinator Dave Gittins comments: "It is great to see that we are firmly establishing ourselves as one of the best supported clubs in Super League. The last few away games have seen us take a tremendous amount of away support, it would be fantastic to continue this run by filling the North Stand at the JJB Stadium and again creating our own unique brand of atmosphere. If you plan to travel to Wigan on Saturday, please purchase a match ticket in advance from Wolfware, as the Wolves are entitled to 10% of each sale meaning that a significant proportion of your money spent will makes its way back to helping strengthen the team." Wolfpack tickets must be exchanged for a ticket in advance of this match. Wolfware is open Monday to Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, or call the ticket hotline on (01925) 248888
3rd July. Widnes 24 . Warrington 25. Lee Briers booted a late drop goal to give Wire victory over Widnes after the hosts fought back from a 12-point second-half deficit. Briers' one-pointer handed the Wire their seventh consecutive win and plunge their arch-rivals into desperate trouble at the foot of the table. Warrington went in 14-8 up at the break thanks to tries from Jon Clarke, Martin Gleeson and Danny Lima, and seemed to be cruising when Nathan Wood and Graham Appo crossed after the break. But Julian O'Neill and a second try of the match from Gray Viane tied the scores to set up a thrilling finale before Briers nailed the drop from 25-yards out. Wolves coach Paul Cullen revealed that Briers was struggling with an injury when he came on to kick the winning drop-goal. "Lee had a thigh strain and couldn't make the second half. We weren't as fluent as we needed to be," Cullen explained. "But to keep Lee off for three quarters of the second half, and pop him on for exactly that reason for him to deliver is worth claiming the two points. "But it was a fantastic effort from Widnes. They gave everything they had." Wires 11wins out of 12 is the best performance by a team since Super League started. Teams : Widnes: Holmes, Emelio, Whittle, Fa-alogo, Viane, Craigie, J. O'Neill, O'Connor, Smith, Stankevitch, Cassidy, Frame, Finnigan. Replacements: J. O'Neill, Mills, Myler, Whitaker. Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Gaskell, Briers, N. Wood, Leikvoll, Clarke, Hilton, Swann, Noone, Westwood. Replacements: P. Wood, Lima, Appo, M. Gleeson. Scores Widnes (8) 24 Tries: J O'Neill, Emilio, Viane (2) Goals: O'Neill 4 Warrington (14) 25 Tries: Appo, Clarke, Lima, Gleeson, Wood Goals: Briers, Noone Drop: Briers Att: 9,825 .
1st July. Rd19 Tickets: Sold Out Wolfware have sold out of their allocation of 3,710 tickets. Tickets are still available from Widnes - call 0151 4952250. Due to the expected full house all fans are advised to enter the ground as early as possible. The gates open at 1.30pm.
Rd 19 Team News Paul Cullen has named his initial 20-man squad to face Widnes Vikings this Sunday in Round 19 of the engage Super League. 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 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 22. Steve Pickersgill 25. Chris Bridge INJURY NEWS: 23. Andrew Bracek - knee injury sustained in England U18s (26/06/05) ON LOAN: 20. Warren Stevens U21s: 19. Daryl Cardiss 21. Simon Grix 26. Nicky Royle
Cullens Comment Paul Cullen discusses the extra week the Wolves have over other clubs involved in the Challenge Cup and the new signings and contract extensions. CONGRATULATIONS ON MAINTAINING 3RD IN THE TABLE FOR A SECOND WEEK IN A ROW, IS THE PRESSURE ON? The pressure is on the teams in the bottom three not the top three. HOW IMPORTANT HAS THE WEEK OFF BEEN? We would have much preferred to be in the Cup but we have taken this opportunity to rest the legs that have carried us through the last 6 consecutive wins since the previous round! HAVE THE LADS TRAINED WELL THIS WEEK AFTER THE BREAK? The first two days have been sharp, short and intense. We will ensure that we do not leave too much on the training field in these current conditions. More from Paul in the news section of Wolf Web