June 2005
30th June. Warrington have signed Cronulla Sharks hooker Michael Sullivan for the start of the SL X1, it is thought he will ne a direct replacement for Nathan Wood who has been informed his services will no longer be required for next year, Sullivan will join on a 2 year contract with an option for a 3rd . Paul Cullen said: "I still see Warrington in a transitional phase that gets us away from being a bottom three side that we were when I came here to being a top three side that we are currently. "I don't regard us as the finished article by a long way and we are still looking to bring other players in for 2006. "I'm looking to further strengthen the three-quarter line and further strengthen the back row. Before we signed Sullivan we still had four or five balls being juggled in the air -all with different price tags. We've now caught one, we now know what is left and the decision process now swings on to the next phase." Cullen said finances are important and added: "From our understanding and our dealings directly with the player, which has nothing to do with gossip or innuendo, I'm convinced that the man has sufficient ambition to bring to this club. And I'm convinced the player will justify the decision to bring him over." Cullen further added: "He's playing in the elite competition in the world of rugby league - the NRL - and playing very well and winning matches. He's breaking matches and he has the athletic ability, the availability and the versatility to fulfil our requirements. "He's being brought in to compete for the scrum half spot. When we go into the next campaign the minimum number of half backs we will have is Lee Briers, Chris Bridge and Michael Sullivan. It's vital we have competition for places and it's vital we have versatility." Cullen's paid tribute to vice-captain Nathan Wood, who learnt earlier this week that his services will no longer be required by Wolves for SL X1. Cullen said: "Nathan's service with this club has been exemplary and he has been sensational for us this year. "It has been no secret that we've been looking for a long-term replacement for Nathan. We now think we've found one in Michael Sullivan, but that should not detract from Nathan's time with us this season. He has been a fantastic player to coach and to work with, and a great bloke to know. We are determined as a group in Nathan's final season with us to finish this season on the highest of notes."
Toa Kohe-Love has been given a better deal from the club after stating that he wants to end his career playing for Warrington, Chris Leikvoll is staying for another year as is Danny Lime, out of the present team Graham Appo is still waiting.
Widnes wait for the arrival of Warrington Wolves on Sunday at the Halton Stadium, with the promise that five players who missed the humiliation in France will be back in the team ,Wolves head coach Paul Cullen said: "We've read that Widnes have got five fresh players coming back into their first team for the 'derby' but we're looking at it that we've got 17 fresh players. "We would have dearly loved to have been involved in the Challenge Cup at the weekend but unfortunately we weren't. We've used the time well. "We know it's going to be very hot, very hostile and a very intense game. Their concerns are theirs and we won't be reading anything into their form, either last week or in the previous weeks. ~"- "We know that if we treat any team with disrespect then we'll get caught out and we don't intend to do so. "We will avoid at all costs the emotional thought process going into this game. We're concentrating on our preparation and our focus going into the match. We know what we want to achieve from it and the bottom line is we need to take the win."
Expected Wolves' squad, from: Brent Grose, Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kove-Love, Dean .-Caskell, Lee Briers, Nathan Wood, Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke, Mark Hilton, Logan Swann, Ben Westwood, Paul Noone, Graham Appo, Mark Gleeson, Paul Wood, Danny Lima, Steve Pickersgill, Chris Bridge, Mike Wainwright, Daryl Cardiss.
In detail Shark to Wolf! Warrington Wolves can confirm that they have signed Cronulla Sharks hooker Michael Sullivan, 25 on a two year with one year option for the Super League XI campaign. Michael a talented halfback switched his game to hooker to enable him to play first grade in the NRL on his arrival at Cronulla having signed from Northern Eagles at the end of the 2000 season, because he knew that he would never have an opportunity to play halfback in first grade with Brett Kimmorley in front of him. Sullivan made a name for himself in 2003 and 2004 playing under Stuart Raper and has proved to be a regular in the Sharks side making 14 appearances this season to date scoring two tries. He has a career total of 56 appearances (55 of those with Cronulla) scoring 12 tries. Michael started his junior career at Wingham Tigers, NSW before signing for the Northern Eagles in 2000 and making his debut in Round 26 of that year against the New Zealand Warriors. Sullivan has been described as an excellent impact hooker and has become the Sharks game breaker with his incisive runs and quick thinking providing spark when required. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "Michael's talent, pace and ambition were the key elements in our recruitment process. At only 25 his availability, coupled with his versatility are significant bonuses." Three Sign Up, Danny Lima, Chris Leikvoll and Toa Kohe-Love have all pledged their future to the club for Super League XI signing one year contract extensions. Coach Paul Cullen commented, "All three players have earned the right to have their contracts extended. We are a better team when we have them fit and confident. Their experience and ambition to succeed with this club are vital to our progression, as we continue to re build during our transition from a bottom three club to a top three club." Hard running forward Danny Lima added, "I didn't consider going anywhere else and I was just happy for the Club and as an individual on the way things have turned out." "It played on my mind for a few days when the offer came to me, my agent was a little hesitant, but I knew where I wanted to be and that was playing for Warrington Wolves. I call Warrington home now and my girlfriend is a Warrington girl." Centre Toa Kohe-Love, who started his Super League career with the Wolves before moving to Hull then Bradford is also pleased with the deal, "I wouldn't have considered another Super League Club; if I wasn't playing Super League then I might have considered a Division One Club. But I didn't want to play for another Super League Club." "It has given me security and a peace of mind knowing what I will be doing next season. I am very happy about staying with the Wolves." Wolfmail
28th June. Inspired by Neil Kelly's cycle ride across China, Wolves fans are invited to participate in another thrilling adventure - by cycling to Widnes! So why not travel in style, cycle yourself fitter and join Warrington Wolves in our commitment to green travel. The cycle train to The Halton Stadium will take place on the 3rd July for round 19 of Super League. The route is approximately 9 miles and it is expected to take around 45 minutes to an hour. The more the merrier, so if you would like to join us arrive at The Halliwell Jones/Tesco carpark by 12.45pm. The train will be leaving The Halliwell Jones Stadium at 1pm, calling at The Sloop, Sankey Bridges, at 1.15pm and The Red Lion, Penketh, at 1.30pm before continuing on to The Halton Stadium. Widnes officials have kindly found a secure parking space for our array of cycles and Brian Chamber's impressive chopper. Protective headgear is recommended but is not compulsory, but Brian will certainly be sporting his highly polished purple helmet. So come join us! Can you please put at the bottom - Tickets for this match must be purchased in advance from Wolfware on 248888.
A Unique state-of-the-art health centre has opened at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, home of Warrington Wolves Rugby League Club. The £1.3million facility, which houses a wide range of community health services, is the first ever to be located in a rugby stadium. The close association between sport and health offers those people who might otherwise not access healthcare a new style of service. More than 90 staff from Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT) are based at Health Services at Wolves, providing a range of services including cardiac and stroke rehabilitation, falls prevention for older people and a stop smoking service. It has also brought together therapy services - physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and podiatry (foot health) - which were previously held in town centre GP practices and clinics. This means that patients can now access these services all day Monday to Friday for the first time. Previously some patients had very little choice over appointment times because some sites which delivered the services had only a few sessions a week. The centre was officially opened by Wolves chairman Lord Hoyle of Warrington on Wednesday (22 June). Lord Hoyle at Health Services at WolvesWarrington PCT chief executive Allison Cooke said: "This is an incredibly important development for patients in the town centre as it has given them greater access to services as well as a greater choice of appointment times. The facility also provides the base for many specialist services which everyone in Warrington can access. "This is just the first stage of our vision for improving healthcare in Warrington for the 21st century." The centre opens amid growing public support for a greater priority to be placed on health prevention, healthier lifestyles and on services to help people to be as independent as possible. A number of PCTs across the country are looking to develop health facilities in sporting stadia, which are often sited in deprived areas where people find it difficult to access health services. Andy Gatcliffe, Warrington Wolves chief executive, said: "We are delighted to have Health Services at Wolves based here at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, as we recognise and appreciate the PCT's financial investment in providing modern health service facilities for the benefit of the borough-wide community." For information about Warrington Primary Care Trust see www.warrington-pct.nhs.uk
23rd June. Wire have denied reports that they have made offers to Cronulla Sharks player Michael Sullivan despite claims by the player that he has had an offer. The squad has been given time off due to the break from the competition due to the Challenge Cup this weekend, the spare weekend will give players a chance to get over knocks received in the 48-14 win against Salford last weekend Mark leeson is expected to be fit for the game at Widnes as are Chris Bridge and Chris Leikvoll who should shake off knocks they got in the Salford game. Danny Lime and Chris Leikvoll are continuing Contract negotiations in the hope of extending their stay at Wire.
Uefa chief Lennart Johannson has given the Halliwell Jones full marks for the staging of games in the Womens Euro 2005 football competition and attendance levels for the games has impressed the sports administrators, almost 14,000 people attended the 3 games at the Halliwell Jones including 5,722 at the semi final between Sweden and Norway, more football matches could be staged at the stadium which brings in extra income for the club, indeed extra bookings have been received by the club for the use of dining and conference facilities at the stadium on the back of the publicity for the town and stadium as the games were received on TV's in 52 countries.
19 June. The Wolves were ahead after four minutes when Lee Briers released Logan Swann for a try. This early setback sparked the Reds into action. Luke Robinson created a try for Mark Shipway before youngster Tim Hartley also scored to give the visitors a 8-6 lead after 30 minutes. Their lead did not last long. A handling error from David Hodgson allowed Toa Kohe-Love to pounce and restore order for the Wolves. Another mistake from the Reds, this time from Mark Shipway, allowed the influential Briers to create a try for Martin Gleeson and give the home side a 16-8 half-time cushion. After the break, the Reds responded Luke Robinson sent up a high kick from which Andy Coley brushed off Briers and released Cliff Beverley for a try. With the match in the balance at 16-14, the Wolves stepped up the pace of their game. Martin Gleeson's powerful tackle forced Hodgson to lose the ball in contact and the turnover allowed Westwood to go over for his first try of the afternoon. This appeared to break the visitor's resistance - Westwood scored again shortly afterwards and with Chris Bridge adding the conversion it put the Wolves out of sight at 28-14. From that point the tries flowed for the Wolves. Jon Clarke set up Swann's second of the afternoon before Westwood completed his hat-trick 10 minutes from time. Further scores from Kohe-Love and Martin Gleeson completed the romp and gave the Wolves their sixth straight engage Super League victory.Warrington boss Paul Cullen was full of praise for Ben Westwood after his hat-trick. We were running away with it in the end Warrington boss Paul Cullen "Ben Westwood caused problems all over the park and there is no reason why he should not be in the 40-man Great Britain squad," said Cullen. "We knew that Salford would look to challenge us through the centre channels once again. "But we came back strongly and were running away with it in the end." Salford boss Karl Harrison admitted that his side were second-best against the Wolves. Warrington are a quality side Salford boss Karl Harrison "Sometimes you deserve what you get. Warrington were more enthusiastic than us, ran harder, tackled harder, and played some great stuff," he said. "We kept losing the ball deep in our own territory and if you give class players space and time, they are always going to hurt you. "Warrington are on a fantastic roll and are a quality side." Warrington (16) 48. Tries: Swann 2, Kohe-Love 2, M. Gleeson 2, Westwood 3. Goals: Bridge 4, Briers 2. Salford (8) 14. Tries: Shipway, Hartley, Beverley. Goals: Charles. Teams Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Bridge, Briers, N. Wood, Leikvoll, Clarke, Hilton, Swann, Westwood, Noone. Replacements: P. Wood, Lima, Appo, Gaskell. Salford: Fitzpatrick, Hodgson, Littler, Beverley, Langi, Hartley, Robinson, Rutgerson, Alker, Baldwin, Shipway, McAvoy, Charles. Replacements: Haggerty, Johnson, Coley, Highton. Att: 10,925.
17th June.Engage Super League Round 19: Versus Widnes Vikings Sunday 3rd July, 3:00pm KO Please be aware that this away Super League game at Widnes is all ticket with fans required to purchase a ticket in advance from the Wolves club shop. The Wolves have been given the entire allocation of 2,800 for the West Stand, however as almost 4,000 away tickets were sold for Leigh; fans are encouraged to purchase early to avoid disappointment. Adult tickets are priced at £16, concessions/students £10, and junior season ticket holders must exchange voucher K for a ticket beforehand.
Win Martin Gleeson’s G.B. Shirt Win Martin Gleeson’s G.B. Shirt and Help Warrington Junior Rugby League Tickets are available in Wolfware priced £1.00 and all proceeds will go to the Warrington Representative Teams from U11s to U15s. The draw will be made at half time in the Wolves v Salford game this Sunday.
16th June.Warrington Wolves have signed North Queensland Cowboys Captain and Kiwi international prop Paul Rauhihi, 31 on a two year deal. Paul will arrive at The Halliwell Jones Stadium pre-season Super League XI. Paul was voted Prop of the Year 2004 in the Annual Dally M Awards and topped the NRL offload table in 2003. Rauhihi has made 117 NRL appearances to date scoring 11 career tries and 1 goal. His former clubs include Canterbury Bulldogs (2001-02), Newcastle Knights (1999-2000) and Auckland Warriors. He started his rugby at St George in Wellington before making his first grade debut for Newcastle against the Wests in 1999. Paul has 11 international honours with New Zealand (2002-2004) and featured for the New Zealand Maori’s in 2000 in the World Cup. Paul featured in the 2002 Kiwi Tour alongside Wolves current winger Henry Fa’afili and forward Logan Swann. Last season Paul captained New Zealand in the Tri-Nations Series at the end of 2004. He has been described as one of the few ball playing front–rowers in the League Paul continued to off load the ball to great advantage during 2004. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented on his latest acquisition for 2006, "We are delighted to capture a player of Paul’s quality and experience to add a prop forward with such a dynamic go forward to are existing pack whilst third in Super League is just another clear indication of our ambition and intent."In an exclusive interview Rauhihi with the Warrington Guardian Rauhihi stated that his intension would be to finish his playing career after his stint at Wire dependan on how his body has stood up when he would be 34 years old. Having played at the New Zealand warriors with both Logan Swann and henry Fa'afili he has gleaned feedback from them both about their time at Warrington and was impressed with what he heard to the extent that he had no qualms about putting pen to paper when offered the chance to join the Wire by Paul Cullen. Stats from Australia tell their own story of his ability, He is at No. 5 for the number of metres gained at No.3 for drives forward and at No.2 for off loads made out of the tackle. In the NRL last year he was voted prop of the year, at 6ft 3" and 18 stone the go forward of the player is there for all to see. And with Paul Cullen hoping to extent the contracts of Danny Lima and Chris Leikvoll plus players of the quality of Mark Hilton John Clarke, Paul Wood and Steve Pickerskill, Wire should have quite an impressive go forward set up for next season.
Rd 18 Team News Coach Paul Cullen has named a squad of 20 to face to Salford City Reds this weekend at the Halliwell Jones, Kick-off 3pm. 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 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 INJURY NEWS: 12. Mike Wainwright - compound fractures to the two middle fingers on the right hand - sustained in Rnd 17 v Leigh Centurions (12/06/05) 21. Simon Grix - fractured fibula/ankle socket, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments sustained in U21s grading fixture v Leeds Rhinos (26/02/05) ON LOAN: 20. Warren Stevens U21s: 19. Daryl Cardiss 26. Nicky Royle
14th June.Wolves Fans Ready to Support Vikings! Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones stadium is bracing itself for a Scandinavian invasion on Thursday (16 June 2005) when it hosts the second semi final of WOMEN'S EURO 2005, with Wolves' fans set to ditch their normal allegiances and get behind the Vikings. Norway, who have become firm favourites with Wolves' fans having played two group games in the town, take on Sweden, who knocked England out of the tournament. Wolves' fans took the Norway team to their hearts during the group games, swapping Wolves' traditional white, yellow and blue for Norway's red - a colour more associated with Warrington's rivals Leigh Centurions. Great Britain and Warrington Wolves' star, Martin Gleeson, said: "It's been amazing to see all the fans wearing red during WOMEN'S EURO 2005, it's normally a colour that our fans avoid because of the club's rivalry with Leigh. It will be interesting to see which team the crowd gets behind on Thursday with Sweden wearing more traditional Warrington Wolves' colours - yellow and blue - or Norway who wear red." He added: "I'd like to wish both teams the best of luck and I hope they enjoy playing at the Halliwell Jones stadium. I hope that fans from across the north west will come along and get behind the teams." Tickets for to see Norway against Sweden on Thursday are on sale now from the Halliwell Jones ticket office or by calling the ticket hotline on 01925 24 88 88. Tickets are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. The winners will play Germany or Finland who contest the other Semi Final. The Final takes place on Sunday19 June at Blackburn's Ewood Park. Tickets are on sale now from the Blackburn Rovers hotline on 08701 123456. Tickets are priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. Fans attending WOMEN'S EURO 2005 semi finals and The Final will be able to take part in an interactive Fan Park. Fans can test their skill with football games and there are giveaways and information about how to get involved in football. For more information about WOMEN'S EURO 2005 log onto www.TheFA.com or www.UEFA.com.
Wolves Take Trophy! Warrington's Lee Briers and Graham Appo took part this week in the annual Tetley's sponsored Rugby League Writers' Association golf day at Pontefract. The Wolves duo took their recent good form on the pitch to the golf course too, with Lee and Graham helping the Wolves take the Tetley's Team Award. Members of the media were joined by many other players from Super League including Gareth Ellis, Shane Millard, Paul Deacon and Chris Thorman. The golf was followed by a dinner in the evening and presentation of trophies to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Tetley's RLWA Golf Day. Radio Leeds presenter John Boyd took the Harold Mather Golf Trophy for the leading member of the RLWA, whilst former Widnes coach Neil Kelly was presented with the Tetley's Invitation trophy as the leading guest. Gareth Roberts, Carlsberg UK Sponsorship Controller, said: "I would like to congratulate all the winners but also thank everyone who came along and had an enjoyable day, especially the many players for giving up their time. Tetley's are committed to supporting the RLWA and are proud to support the annual golf day."
Mike Wainwright will be out of action for up to 6 weeks after breaking two fingers at Leigh on Sunday.
12th June. Leigh 7 Warrington 42. "We've worked very hard to get in this position and we are determined to stay there," declared the Wolves chief. "It's where we aim to be, and we possibly wanted to be there a little earlier in the season. "But we've got it now and we don't intend to let it go. There is a positive energy there that we are just trying to control. But we know full well that we have a massive game now against Salford at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. "We have an awful lot to prove to ourselves - not to anyone else, to ourselves - with the rematch against Salford. And we will do that with a full-fit Lee Briers and Martin Gleeson." Ben Westwood gave Warrington an early lead, although Leigh hit back to lead 7-4 at the break courtesy of a try from prop Craig Stapleton and conversion and drop goal by Neil Turley. However, the Wolves showed their class after the interval with seven tries. Kiwi winger Henry Fa'afili (2), Brent Grose, Nathan Wood, Jon Clarke, Graham Appo and Chris Bridge registered for the visitors, while Bridge converted five of his side's eight touchdowns. Leigh (7) 7. Tries: Stapleton. Goals: Turley. Drop Goals: Turley. Warrington (4) 42. Tries: Westwood, Grose, Fa'afili 2, N. Wood, Clarke, Bridge, Appo. Goals: Bridge 5. Att: 7,249 Teams Leigh: Wilshere, Maden, Jackson, Kent, Smyth, Turley, J. Duffy, Fleary, Mears, Stapleton, King, McCurrie, Leafa. Replacements: Marshall, Sturm, Stevens, Rowley. Warrington: Grose, Gaskell, Westwood, Kohe-Love, Fa'afili, Bridge, N. Wood, Hilton, Clarke, Leikvoll, Swann, Wainwright, Noone. Replacements: Appo, M. Gleeson, P. Wood, Lima.
10th June. Leigh Ticketing Update The Wolves have smashed their pre-match away ticket sales record, with sales that should top 3000 by the end of Friday. With under 1000 tickets available the Wolves are advising supporters to get their tickets before close of business on Saturday. Dave Gittens Ticketing Co-ordinator commented, "The level of support demonstrated by fans both home and away this season is fantastic. To take such a large following to Huddersfield last week and to surpass 3,000 pre-match away sales for Leigh is a great reflection of the direction that the club is moving in terms of performances on the field and spectator support off it." This match is all ticket and any Warrington Wolves fans travelling to the match must buy a ticket in advance or exchange their Wolfpack voucher J at Wolfware. Leigh Centurions will not be accepting cash or vouchers on the turnstiles only tickets. Ticket Prices are as follows: Standing: Adults £15.00 Concessions £8.00 (Incl. Students) Seated (Very few left): Adults £17.00 Concessions £9.00 (Incl. Students) For more information call Wolfware 01925 24 88 88 Wolfware is open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Saturday .
9th June.20 man team to face Leigh Rd 17 Team News Coach Paul Cullen has named his initial squad of 20 to face Leigh Centurions this Sunday, kick-off 3pm. 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: 21. Simon Grix - fractured fibula/ankle socket, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments sustained in U21s grading fixture v Leeds Rhinos (26/02/05) ON LOAN: 20. Warren Stevens U21s: 19. Daryl Cardiss 23. Andrew Bracek 26. Nicky Royle
Cullens Comment Coach Paul Cullen gives his view on last weeks "Best win of the season" at Huddersfield and looks towards this weekends clash with The Centurions. "THE BEST WIN OF THE SEASON" WAS HOW YOU DESCRIBED THE WIN AT HUDDERSFIELD, WHAT MADE IT A SPECIAL WIN? The simple fact that we had so many injuries during the game itself. We had bodies all over the floor, all from accidental collisions that could have knocked us out of our stride. Lee Briers, Paul Noone, Chris Bridge and Graham Appo, all took heavy bangs to the head whilst Martin Gleeson received a blow to the knee that forced a limp throughout the entire second half. We had enough excuses to not win that game and took none of them. YOU HAVE NOW ACCUMALATED 20 POINTS IN SUPERLEAGUE, THE SAME YOU GAINED IN 2004, and THE PROGRESS MUST BE VERY PLEASING? The progress has been planned for but it can not be guaranteed. One bad result in March does not ruin a season and 3rd position in June does not finish one!
Martin Gleeson is in danger of missing his first game of the season against Leigh on Sunday, he picked up a knee injury against Huddersfield and though not serious in has become stiff and swollen over the week. Paul Noone is also a doubt for the game and like Gleeson has not trained all week, Noone is suspected of suffering from the same flu like virus that affected Nathan Wood, although he ( Nathan Wood)will play this weekend Bridger Briers and Appo have all recovered from head bangs received in the cloutathon at Huddersfield last week. Some juggling of the squad will be necessary, Warren Stevens is expected tp play against his team mates as he is on loan to Leigh and will be allowed to play by Wire
Chris Leikvoll is happy to stay at Warrington after his contract is up, he is happy at the club and will work hard to secure a new contract.
Warrington's recent form and the third place in the table will continue against Leigh says Paul Cullen, "We have trained and prepared very fully for this match against Leigh. We're very proud of being in third position in the league table and we don't intend to let it go for any reason. "For us not to keep hold of it, some team is going to have to come up with a great performance from somewhere and that's the way we're working on it. "We're prepared to fight even harder to gain the credit that's required for a team that's in the top three. "What's pleasing me the most is the way the players are looking after each other. The weekend was a great example of that at Huddersfield. When it wasn't going our way, when I didn't have the starting half backs, when players were injured, when we had to change during the game and break away from what we intended to do, the players had a composure, the ability and the mental toughness to stick it out. "We've come through a number of different mills this year, with a long way still to go yet. But the fact we can absorb punishment, we can absorb criticism, we can absorb whatever anyone wants to throw at us and still come away with the wins is becoming the hallmark of this current team." It is no concernof Cullen's that the people who were tipping Wire to be relegation strugglers are no considering Warrington as possibilities for the Grand final, Paul said: "The way we got through the bad days was by working on logistics. The way we'll keep focused and keep our feet on the ground is again by working through logistics. "All we've spoken about this week is post-Hudders-field and then pre-Leigh. That's all we're looking at, and it's the way we'll carry on all year. "We'll have a quick glance at the table and feel good about what we've achieved so far, and accept that what we've done at the mid-June stage doesn't mean an awful lot if we're not still there in mid September." "If Leigh are going to stand up and fight against any team in Super League, then it is going to be against us -as we found out in round two at The Halliwell Jones. "We don't expect it to be easy on Sunday. We expect them to try and fight back from their crushing defeat against Widnes last week, and we're determined not to be the team that gets beaten by Leigh. "We'll spend the rest of this week working out how we're going to counter their emotion, how we're going to soak it up and what we're going to do with the game when we've got control of it."
Lee Briers and Paul Cullen wearing the shocking colours.
Calm down now, calm down, it's for charity.
8th June.Wolves "Wear Red" Shocker! Warrington Wolves did the unthinkable today, when they swapped their trademark blue and yellow for red! But it was all for a good cause, the team donned the 'offending articles' to show their support for the British Heart Foundation's (BHF's) Help a Heart Week which focuses on women and heart disease and takes place 4-12 June 2005. Help a Heart Week is the BHF's biggest annual fundraising campaign and this year it will remind us all that heart disease does not discriminate between men and women. The reality is this: * Heart and circulatory disease will kill over 2400 women during Help a Heart Week * One in three women are killed by heart and circulatory disease * Nearly 1.2 million women in the UK are living with the daily burden of heart disease Yet despite these staggering statistics women of all ages remain largely unaware of the risks heart disease poses to their health, leaving too many hearts and families in crisis. Club Captain Lee Briers said: "We are really pleased to be supporting the BHF's Help a Heart Week and hope that the people of Warrington will do the same by getting involved and helping in any way they can, to raise money for such a worthy cause." Help a Heart week aims to beat last year's campaign, which raised over £900,000. To do this, the BHF needs your help urgently - you can order your Help a Heart Week fundraising pack or pick up fantastic fundraising tips and advice by visiting bhf.org.uk/helpaheart. To donate call 0800 028 2091. Wolfmail.
5th June.Huddersfield 22 Warrington 24. Warrington coach Paul Cullen paid tribute to his walking wounded after his Wolves side continued their assault on the top six of the engage Super League with a 24-22 win at Huddersfield. Skipper Lee Briers was forced off for 36 minutes with a head injury but returned to inspire the Wolves. Cullen said: "He is a bit roughed up around the face but we have no complaints about that. It is a tough game. "He took a shot to the eye and didn't know where he was when he came off but he forced the issue and came back on. "We had a number of players who were 'bust' including Graham Appo and Briers. "Martin Gleeson also did well to stay on as long as he did with an obvious injury." Cullen hailed the victory and added; "This is probably our best result of the season. "We were not at our best offensively but we have picked up the two points and we would have taken that before the game."Warrington Tries:Henry Fa'afili Jon Clarke Ben Westwood Chris Bridge .GOALS Chris Bridge 4. Huddersfield Tries.Brad Drew Paul Reilly Marcus St Hilaire 2. Goals Michael De Vere 3.Ht 6-10 Attn 6,162 Teams Huddersfield: Reilly, St Hilaire, Clayton, De Vere, Donlan, Thorman, March, Crabtree, Drew, Gannon, Jones, Smith, Roarty. Replacements: Grayshon, Jackson, Hemingway, McDonald. Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Appo, Briers, Bridge, Leikvoll, Clarke, Hilton, Swann, Wainwright, Westwood. Replacements: M. Gleeson, P. Wood, Lima, Noone.
Rd 16 - 18 Man Squad Coach Paul Cullen finalises his 18 man squad to face the Giants on Sunday, the Huddersfield side have included new signing Wayne McDonald for the round 16 clash at the Galpharm Stadium. Brent Grose, Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Dean Gaskell, Lee Briers, Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke, Mark Hilton, Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright, Paul Noone, Mark Gleeson, Ben Westwood, Paul Wood, Danny Lima, Graham Appo, Chris Bridge.
2nd June. RD 16 Team News Coach Paul Cullen has named his initial squad of 20 to face Huddersfield Giants this Sunday at the Galpharm Stadium, kick-off 3pm. 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 23. Andrew Bracek 25. Chris Bridge INJURY NEWS: 21. Simon Grix - fractured fibula/ankle socket, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments sustained in U21s grading fixture v Leeds Rhinos (26/02/05) ON LOAN: 20. Warren Stevens U21s: 19. Daryl Cardiss 22. Steve Pickersgill 26. Nicky Royle
Cullens Comment Paul Cullen gives his view on the past few games and discusses injured players Simon Grix and Daryl Cardiss. EIGHT WINS OUT OF NINE, YOU MUST BE IMPRESSED WITH YOUR CHARGES? They have handled everything that has been thrown at them recently, they are confident in the support that has been afforded to them and that is reflected in the way they are managing the negatives that occur in professional sport. They are respecting the form of our opponents and their ability play at this level and the fact that decisions often go against us, they are soaking up that punishment and fighting back with spirit and style. For more from Paul see the news section of Wolf Web Engage Super League:
Round 17 Leigh Centurions v Warrington Wolves Hilton Park, Leigh Sunday 12th June 2005, kick off 3.00pm TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT WOLFWARE Warrington Wolves are now selling tickets for their Round 17 fixture away at Leigh Centurions. This match will be all ticket and any Warrington Wolves fans travelling to the match most buy a ticket in advance or exchange their Wolfpack voucher J at Wolfware. Leigh Centurions will not be accepting cash or vouchers on the turnstiles; only tickets. Ticket Prices are as follows: Standing: Adults £15.00 Concessions £8.00 (Incl. Students) Seated (Please note that we have been allocated only 160 seats): Adults £17.00 Concessions £9.00 (Incl. Students) For more information call Wolfware 01925 248888 Wolfware is open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Saturday
Lee Briers is still very much in Paul Cullen's thoughts when it comes to selecting a team to take on Huddersfield, even though the club have performed very well in his absence. He is however still being overlooked for a place in the GB setup, Paul Cullen said"I've been disappointed that Lee hasn't been in the Great Britain squad for the last two or three seasons. "It meant a lot to us to have him back against Wakefield, and I wanted him back in the side even though we were on the back of a fantastic win at Bradford. "I wanted Lee back on track, and back doing what he does best, which is pushing the team hard. "He is the club captain and is very important to us, although we don't rely on one single player." Briers will come up against Chris Thorman who is in the GB squad and it promises to be quite a battle between the two players. Cullen suggests that the Wire form against Bradford was a result of only Martin Gleeson from Warrington being in the GB squad, "We only have Martin Gleeson in the squad, and there was a response to that when we went to Bradford and ran a lot of international players ragged," he said. "We did that without Lee and it might just make Brian Noble have a look once more, and if not we'll continue to do what we're doing. "Huddersfield have players in the squad (Eorl Crabtree was also selected), and we only have one, so it's a great chance to show the Great Britain assistant coach what they haven't got." Paul makes the point that the poor start to the season has meant that players are working hard to improve their game and the increased confidence this has brought has in itself brought improvements in play, Brent Groses' remarkable try against Wakefield is a case in point as the player ran 85yds though Wakefield player after player and some players were given two opportunities to get him but failed, Cullen said: "The players are playing with confidence, and deep down I genuinely feel they are satisfied with the way the club has not cracked under the early-season pressure.injury. When I first spoke to Brent about moving to centre about moving from right centre to full back his question was What if it goes wrong ? "The answer was: 'We stick at it', and we have done, and it was the same for other players. "We simply stuck at it and held our nerve, and at the minute the players are enjoying themselves, enjoying being around each other, enjoying their day's work and looking forward to peaking at the weekends."
No tickets will beon sale on the day of the game for Wolves' match at Leigh on June 12. Fans can buy tickets in advance or exchange Wolf Pack voucher J at Wolfware, which is open 9am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday. Tickets are priced £17 and £15 for adults, £9 and £8 for concessions.
Toa Kohe - Love has stated his wish to stay at Warrington until he retires, he stated and I paraphrase, my Wife is from Warrington my children are from Warrington and I come from Warrington, I will take any deal on offer to stay at this club and if that does not happen I will retire. He said: "I love it being back here, and I won't move again. "If I can't get another deal here I think I'll chuck it in - that's the way I'm looking at it at the moment. "I'm from here, my wife's from here, my kids are from here, and my in-laws are all big supporters, so I've got a lot of connections to the club. "I can't see myself moving on again, I've done all that, and now I'm back for good." "I'd stay here for life, although I'm not sure how long I want to play for," he said. "I'd take anything, it's up to them to make the decision on that. "At the moment I feel great, I feel fit, and it's up to the club whether they want to keep me or not. "I've had no indication so far whether they'll offer me a deal but any decision, whether they want me or not, is going to be the right one they're going to make the decision that is best for the club. "At the end of the day it goes on form. If I'm playing well enough to earn another deal then so be it." "I'm up and down at the minute," he said. "I'm happy with the way I'm going defensively but attack-wise it's not completely come together, but it will come. "I'm not as natural on the left as on the right but I'm comfortable there, and I've played with Wedge (Mike Wain-wright) before and know the way he plays."
Win a Family Ticket to Women's Euro 2005 Some of the biggest names in women's international football are heading to England next week for WOMEN'S EURO 2005, which takes place at five venues across the North West (5-19 June), including Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium, and you could be there! We've got a family ticket to all three WOMEN'S EURO 2005 group B matches and the Semi Final being played at the Halliwell Jones Stadium to give away. The action kicks off at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Monday 6th June with current world and European champions Germany and Norway, kick-off 6.00pm. The festival of football continues two days later with France v Norway on Thursday 9th June (kick off 8pm) before the final group B game between Germany and France on Sunday 12 June (kick off 3pm). The Semi Final takes place on Thursday 16 June (kick off 6.30pm), a game England could be involved in if they finish top of Group A. We have teamed up with UEFA to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket - two adult and two child tickets - to all four matches at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: Who are the current UEFA Women's European Champions? Email your answer (to simon@ptarmiganpr.co.uk ) - please include daytime contact no. The Winner will be chosen at random and will receive a family ticket for all four matches being played at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. If you are not lucky enough to win you can still reserve your seats now! Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions and are available from the Warrington Wolves ticket hotline on: 01925 248888. Alternatively, tickets can be bought on the day of the game. Click on www.TheFA.com/Euro2005 for a full list of matches. Terms and conditions: tickets are not transferable to other WOMEN'S EURO 2005 matches. Winner chosen at random. No cash alternative is available.