March 2005
31st March. PAUL Cullen described Tuesday night's club record victory over Widnes Vikings as the best training session Wolves could wish for as they prepare to tackle champions Leeds Rhinos in the fourth round of the Powergen Challenge Cup. The head coach made that comment despite knowing that a shoulder bang during the Widnes match adds centre Toa Kohe- Love to a seemingly never-ending injury list. That has left the New Zealander, together with Chris Leikvoll (calf) and Nat Wood ' (knee), highly doubtful for the tie at Headingley on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm, even though all three have been named in Wolves' 20-man squad. Logan Swann (ankle) is still absent but Cullen has plenty to feel positive about after the way Wolves turned their form around following Good Friday's game after having only four days preparation for the clash compared to Leeds' five. But Cullen said: "We just know we're doing it tough. I don't really care if Leeds have an extra 24 hours because the win against Widnes was a fantastic training session for us, four days before the game of the season up to now." Wolves can expect Leeds to be smarting and in merciless mood after losing their 20-match unbeaten Super lecigue run in spectacular style at home to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Monday. Cullen said: "Yeah, and we're still smarting from Salford." The Wolves chief did take one positive from the Salford defeat that could also stand Wolves in good stead as they prepare for the mighty hurdle in front of them. He said: "We went straight to the gym after the Widnes game and worked hard to get our process of recovery back on track and the only thing that pleased me after the Salford game was that the players did not disperse. "We didn't round on each other and we simply went back to work straight after the Salford game we were in the gym on Friday night and Saturday morning. "It's about sticking to what you think works, and those recovery processes benefited us against Widnes." Cullen was also pleased with the way his players handled 'negatives' in the Widnes game. He added: "Every time the decisions went against us and quite a number of them did we managed it very well. "There's a lot of pressure on the players and on myself to get the performances right and I think we sent everyone home on Tuesday night with a smile on their face. It might put a smile on mine for a change." The potential absence of Kohe-Love against Leeds could mean a starting spot for Chris Bridge in the centre with Graham Appo coming into the 13 at scrum half. When Leeds were beaten 44-28 by Wakefield in midweek, they were missing Ali Lauitiiti through compassionate leave and Andrew Dunemann through injury and it is not ctear if they will be back on the scene at the weekend. Stand off Danny McGuire, Super League's top try scorer in 2004, returned as a substitute after a month's absence with groin trouble. The scale of Leeds' defeat to Wakefield was the surprising factor but, as the Super League champions and current leaders, they remain the team to beat. They have danger men throughout the team but their play-making skipper Kevin Sinfield, who has Super League's current longest scoring run of 26 matches, needs to be watched like a hawk by Wolves' defence, while Leeds winger Mark Calderwood is currently the joint leading try scorer in Super League with nine tries. But Wakefield proved this week that the Leeds players are only human after all. And interestingly, Leeds went into Monday's game with an advantageous one-day's extra preparation than Wakefield. Trinity's surprise result just goes to prove that nothing can be guaranteed in this game but, based on form so far and Leeds' status, it would be the most striking achievement by any team this season so far if Wolves were to pull a wm out of the bag on Saturday. The draw for the fifth round will be staged on Sunday at approximately 5pm, immediately after the televised fourth round encounter between Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Hull FC. Source Warrington Guardian
30th March.CC4: Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has named a 20-man squad to face Leeds Rhinos in the Powergen Challenge Cup Round 4 draw at Headingley on Saturday. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 5. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers 7. Nat Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton 12. Mike Wainwright 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Ben Westwood 16. Paul Wood 17. Danny Lima 18. Graham Appo 20. Warren Stevens 22. Steve Pickersgill 23. Andrew Bracek 25. Chris Bridge INJURY NEWS: 11. Logan Swann - ankle injury sustained in Rnd7 v Salford (25/03/05) 13. Paul Noone - knee injury sustained in Rnd3 v Hull (27/02/05) 19. Daryl Cardiss - hamstring/back pre-season injury sustained pre-Boxing Day friendly v Widnes (26/12/04) 21. Simon Grix - fractured fibula/ankle socket, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments sustained in U21s grading fixture v Leeds Rhinos (26/02/05)
Warrington 44 Widnes 12. A first career hat-trick from Jon Clarke eased the pressure on Wire coach Paul Cullen and plunged Widnes deeper into relegation trouble. The Wire led 18-8 at the break thanks to tries from Clarke, Mike Wainwright, Ben Westwood and Martin Gleeson, with Aaron Moule crossing for Widnes. The visitors hit back with a try from Matthew Whitaker but Clarke wasted no time in completing his hat-trick. Two tries from Henry Fa'afili and one from Lee Briers completed the scoring. Cullen was a relieved man after Wire's third win of the season, especially in light of his side's 42-10 defeat at Salford on Good Friday. "It's a better feeling than post-Salford, that's for sure," said Cullen. "The difference was our go-forward. Mark Gleeson and Jon Clarke ripped Widnes to pieces. "It was a tremendous effort by the whole of our pack."Team:Warrington: Grose, Faa'fili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Gaskell, Briers, Bridge, Hilton, M. Gleeson, Westwood, P. Wood, Wainwright, Clarke. Replacements: Appo, Pickersgill, Stevens, Lima. Tries Warrington Fa'afili 2, Martin Gleeson 1, Jon Clarke 3, Mike Wainwright 1, Ben Westwood 1,Goals Lee Briers 2 ,Chris Bridge 2. Tries Widnes, Mole 1, Whittaker 1, Goals Myler 2, HT 18-8 Attn 10,061.
29th March. Prop Mark Hilton returns for Warrington in place of Logan Swann, who damaged his ankle against Salford. Scrum-half Nathan Wood is still out with a knee injury while Chris Leikvoll has a calf problem. Widnes stand-off Stephen Myler will make his comeback from the hamstring injury that has kept him out of action so far this season. Gary Connolly is out with a leg injury, but Jon Whittle and Mick Cassidy are both fit to return. Warrington (from): Grose, Faa'fili, M. Gleeson, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Gaskell, Briers, Bridge, Lima, Stevens, Pickersgill, Bracek, Wainwright, Clarke, Appo, P. Wood, Swann, Royle, Hilton.
25th March. Salford 42 Warrington 10. Strewth Nuff said. Salford Tries: McAvoy, Littler 3, Hodgson, Robinson, Sibbit Goals: Charles 4, Dickens 2, Robinson Warrington Tries: Fa'afili, Bridge. Goals: Briers. Attn 6004 HT 18-4 .
24th March.Briers Commits Wolves captain Lee Briers has signed a two year extension to his contract which was due to end in November 2005, keeping him at the club until the end of 2007. At 26, the Wolves captain is already on his way to becoming a Warrington legend. His career point's tally of 1495 is sixth on the all time club scorers list and he is closing in on Derek Whitehead in fifth; Briers also holds the club record for points scored in a match with 40 against York in 2000. Has a world-class kicking game with tremendous distance and accuracy from deep; Briers has matured into a first-rate organising stand-off who frees his three-quarters through holes with the weight and timing of his balls. Only 19 when the Wolves paid £65000 to take him from St Helens in 1997 as a replacement for Iestyn Harris, Briers was an instant success winning Super League Young Player of the Year and making a man of the match winning debut for Great Britain U19 against France at Elland Road. Made his international debut in 1998 for Wales and was the outstanding Welsh player in their 2000 World Cup campaign including a memorable display against the Kangaroos in the semi-final. Made his full GB debut against France in Agen, 2001. Was appointed Warrington captain after the retirement of Matt Rodwell in 2002, Briers has suffered with injury over the past two years but when on the field continues to be a match-winning stand-off. Club Captain Lee Briers commented, "I am delighted to be staying at Warrington Wolves for another two seasons, I have made a commitment to the club to push for the Top Six and that is what I intend to do." Head Coach Paul Cullen, "Lee Briers is an integral part of our long term strategy."
A trip to The Willows to face Salford City Reds tomorrow, Friday, kick-off 3pm, is to be followed by a home 'derby' against Widnes Vikings in front of the Sky cameras on Tuesday night, kick-off 8pm. And Cullen said it is important that his side start to string some results together after four defeats from their first five games had left them languishing at the wrong end of the Super League table. He said: "The injuries and the form of some of the teams we have run into - certainly away from home - have made it a very difficult period for us, but it's now time to force ourselves off the ropes and start hitting back. "The table is not the concern, it's the performance and the win against Salford, then the performance and the win against Widnes." Victories in those two games would give Cullen three straight league wins for only the second time since taking charge of Wolves, and that is very much what he is aiming for. "That is a part of the goals we have set over Easter," he added. "We've taken the first step, which was two points from the Giants, and now we've got a massive game at The Willows tomorrow." Then comes a match against a Widnes side that have lost their previous 15 away matches - their last away win came at The Halliwell Jones Stadium last April in a game that Cullen acknowledged 'saved their season and ruined ours.' The Wolves boss is hopeful that Mark Hilton (shoulder) and Paul Wood (stomach) will return in time to face Vikings, but both are out of the running for the trip to Salford, and Chris Leikvoll (calf), Nathan Wood (knee), Daryl Cardiss (hamstring and back), Paul Noone (knee) and Simon Grix (ankle) will miss both games. Steve Pickersgill should be available tomorrow, though, after a neck problem and Wolves will not have to contend with Tim Jonkers after the loose forward was not named in City Reds' 20-man squad. Expected Wolves team: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Dean Gaskell; Lee Briers, Chris Bridge; Ben Westwood, Mark Gleeson, Danny Lima, Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright, Jon Clarke. Subs: Graham Appo, Andy Bracek, Warren Stevens, Steve Pickersgill.
LEE Briers hopes to be entering Wolves' tough eight-day schedule as a stronger force after Sunday's tide-turning defeat of Huddersfield Giants. Captain Briers' gutsy play and outstanding try-saving tackles gave no indication he was feeling the pressure that came from the team's difficult spell of four defeats from the opening five games of the season. But some weight has lifted off his shoulders going into important clashes with Sal-ford City Reds tomorrow, Friday, and Widnes Vikings on Tuesday. The stand off said after Sunday's game: "I'm feeling better now than I have of late. I was feeling the pressure. I think if you don't then you're not human. The pressure's got to be there because it's your job and it's your life. You have to take that pressure and use it as a positive and then come out of the other end a better player and a better person as a result of it." Such is the expectancy surrounding the team's potential this year, Wolves knew they had to get their season back on track against a gladiatorial Huddersfield team. Briers said: "Sunday was all about getting the win. The performance was a bit 'iffy' but we got what we wanted. We were off-loading more than we have been and I think that's why it looked a bit untidy but we can build on that and hopefully take it into the Salford game." Briers caught an elbow in the throat while tackling Stanley Gene early on in Sunday's victory and went on to handle the explosive runner impressively in one of the key battles of the game. Plaudits for Briers' attacking prowess are more commonplace than for his defensive abilities but Briers made try-saving tackles on speedy full back Paul Reilly and bulldozing prop Jim Gannon in the second half when the Giants were threatening. Briers said: "I'm not renowned for my defence, people keep telling me, but it's coming on. "I thought our defence was absolutely fantastic. I'm exaggerating by saying I thought we made over 1,000 tackles against Huddersfield, but it sure felt like it. "They threw everything at us and it shows we've got character in the squad." Wolves will need every ounce of that character to pick up winning Super League points against Salford and Widnes and then to tackle Leeds Rhinos in the Powergen Challenge Cup on April 2. Briers said: "Three games in eight days is going to be tough but as a Rugby League player I don't moan about too many games, as I want to play rugby when I can. "We just have to cope with it and we have to go at the schedule full on. Hopefully we will come out the other side with four points and go into the hat for the next round of the cup. "We'll cross each bridge as we come to it and first off it is Salford. They went really well against us in the pre-season friendly and it's always tough at The Willows because it is an intimidating ground. The only way to approach the game is full on."Source Mike Parsons Warrington Guardian
23rd March. Cullens Comment Coach Paul Cullen looks back at the two points gained over the Huddersfield Giants and looks towards a busy Easter period. HAPPY WITH THE TWO POINTS? Satisfied at the way we dug in and fought for the win. All the balls did not stick but we responded in a manner that was technically and tactically good enough to deserve 2 points. WAS IT TOUGH GOING IN PARTICULAR IN DEFENCE OF OUR LINE IN THE LAST 20 MINUTES? It was tough going defending our line for almost 80 minutes. The best team never loses in a contest; we handled the negatives far better than they did. ANY COMMENT ON THE 40/20 THAT WASN'T? It was and it wasn't. The video clearly shows that the touch judge's guesstimate from 45m away was wrong, just as the video shows that the same touch judges guesstimate that Henry Faafili stepped in touch from 35m away was wrong. Negatives happen in a game, human error is a part of sport and we handled the situations very professionally.
Rnd 7 Team News The Wolves have named a 20 man squad ahead of this weekend's Easter fixtures with Salford on Friday and Widnes on the Tuesday. 1 Brent GROSE 2 Henry FAAFILI 3 Martin GLEESON 4 Toa KOHE LOVE 5 Dean GASKELL 6 Lee BRIERS 25 Chris BRIDGE 10 Mark HILTON 15 Ben WESTWOOD 14 Mark GLEESON 17 Danny LIMA 11 Logan SWANN 12 Mike WAINWRIGHT 9 Jon CLARKE 18 Graham APPO 23 Andy BRACEK 20 Warren STEVENS 16 Paul WOOD 26 Nicky ROYLE 22 Steve PICKERSGILL INJURY NEWS: 7. Nathan Wood - knee injury sustained in Rnd3 v Hull (27/02/05) 8. Chris Leikvoll - calf injury sustained in training week beginning (14/03/05) 13. Paul Noone - knee injury sustained in Rnd3 v Hull (27/02/05) 19. Daryl Cardiss - hamstring/back pre-season injury sustained pre-Boxing Day friendly v Widnes (26/12/04) 21. Simon Grix - fractured fibula/ankle socket, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments sustained in U21s grading fixture v Leeds Rhinos (26/02/05)
20th March. Warrington 14 Huddersfield 8.Warrington ended their three-match losing streak in Super League X with a vital home victory over Huddersfield. New Zealand centre Toa Kohe-Love touched down for Wolves after just five minutes and Lee Briers converted. A pair of Chris Thorman goals were all Giants could muster in the first half and a Brent Grose try stretched Warrington's lead to 12-4 at the break. Stanley Gene went over to pull Huddersfield back in contention but they could not reel back the deficit. Warrington boss Paul Cullen was quick to praise his side's defence after the win over Huddersfield." Huddersfield are very good technically but we thoroughly deserved to win" Paul Cullen added"Our defence was outstanding but it had to be because we were a little bit irresponsible with the ball which forced us on the back foot," . "We had to dig out victory and our players ran themselves into the ground. Huddersfield are very good technically but we thoroughly deserved to win." Cullen also hailed the "immense quality" of new signing Chris Bridge. Huddersfield boss Jon Sharp felt his team had thrown away their chance of victory. "We showed some great skill and determination but just made some poor decisions at times" Jon Sharp added "I thought we were the better side and should have won - I was pleased with the performance," he said. "I'm not going to talk about having two tries disallowed that my players thought were certain scores or losing two players to head-high shots. "We showed some great skill and determination but just made some poor decisions at times." Warrington: Grose, Faa'fili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Gaskell, Briers, Bridge, Westwood, Hilton, M. Gleeson, Swann, Wainwright, Clarke. Replacements: Appo, Bracek, Lima, Stevens. Tries: Kohe-Love, Grose Goals: Briers (3)Huddersfield:Reilly, O'Hare, Evans, Gene, St Hilaire, Thorman, March, Jackson, Drew, Gannon, Nero, Smith, Jones. Replacements: Slicker, Morrison, Crabtree, White. Tries: Gene Goals: Thorman (2) HT 12-4. Attn 9,040
HOW TO GET TO HEADINGLEY RUGBY GROUND for Challenge Cup game (avoiding the football traffic going to Leeds v Wolverhampton) Follow the M62 to junction 26 the M606 At the end of the M606 follow the A6177 towards Leeds After approx 1.4 miles (just after the A650 roundabout for Bradford and Wakefield) Take the next right (Cutler Heights Lane) If you miss the turn don’t worry - carry on and turn right at A647 Leeds Road Follow signs for Leeds until the A6120 roundabout – turn left (towards Horsforth & Airport) after approx 3.8 miles at the roundabout at the bottom of a hill turn right (Low Lane) then left (Butcher Lane) at the end turn right (Spen Lane) and next left (Queenswood Drive) at the traffic lights turn left (Kirkstall Lane) Headingley Rugby Ground is ¼ mile ahead on the right Park in the streets to your left. Ken Rhino Fan in Warrington.
17th March. Rd 6 Team News Paul Cullen has named his 20 man squad to face the Huddersfield Giants in Round 6 of the Engage Super League this Sunday, kick-off 3pm. 1 Brent GROSE 2 Henry FAAFILI 3 Martin GLEESON 4 Toa KOHE LOVE 5 Dean GASKELL 6 Lee BRIERS 18 Graham APPO 25 Chris BRIDGE 17 Danny LIMA 8 Mark HILTON 14 Mark GLEESON 9 Jon CLARKE 11 Logan SWANN 15 Ben WESTWOOD 12 Mike WAINWRIGHT 23 Andy BRACEK 16 Paul WOOD 20 Warren STEVENS 22 Steve PICKERSGILL 26 Nicky ROYLE
INJURIES 7. Nathan Wood - knee injury sustained in Rnd3 v Hull (27/02/05) 8. Chris Leikvoll - calf injury sustained in training week beginning (14/03/05) 13. Paul Noone - knee injury sustained in Rnd3 v Hull (27/02/05) 19. Daryl Cardiss - hamstring/back pre-season injury sustained pre-Boxing Day friendly v Widnes (26/12/04) 21. Simon Grix - fractured fibula/ankle socket, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments sustained in U21s grading fixture v Leeds Rhinos (26/02/05)
Cullens Comment Paul Cullens gives his view on the tough trip to Headinlgey last Friday and this weekends fixture against the Huddersfield Giants. POST MORTEM ON LEEDS ON FRIDAY NIGHT? A credible effort. The score board reflected the ability of the Leeds ¾'s to finish the breaks made as opposed to our inability to put the ball down when in their in goal. HOW ARE YOU COPING WITH THE PRESSURE OF 2 POINTS FROM 5 GAMES? By being realistic. We have lost 4 games, 3 away from home, to the teams that are currently 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the table. We are fighting hard under difficult circumstances and are looking forward to the time when we can force ourselves off the ropes.
Wolves go into Sunday's important home battle against Huddersfield Giants seeking to improve their all-round attacking threat. Head coach Paul Cullen, who is determined to end a run of three defeats, is pleased by the productivity from the team's right hand side, where Lee Briers and Martin Gleeson have been patrolling menacingly. Now, after his dissatisfaction of scoring chances being wasted in the loss at Leeds on Friday, Cullen is urging players in other areas to call the shots when opportunities present themselves and to step up their finishing standards. To help Cullen in this cause, Paul Wood is set to return from the ankle ligament damage he suffered in the first game of the season at London and 20-year-old former Bradford Bulls half back Chris Bridge is in contention to make his debut. Cullen, who is still fighting against an injury crisis, said: "We're very good going forward in the middle channels. And the -tries we've scored through Lee Briers and Martin Gleeson on the right edge, and the kicks from Briers to Henry Fa'afili, have been of the highest standard. "We just haven't had an even spread of their threat across our team. "It's no secret that teams gang up on Martin Gleeson and put a lot of defenders on him to stop those plays, which then frees up space and options in other areas of the field that are not being exploited at this moment in time. "Having said that, Briers and Gleeson are still executing their plays and still scoring very good tries like the special one we saw at Leeds." The players have been focusing on improving their potency. Cullen said: "We continue working to readdress the balance of the way the half backs dominate, the way the half backs split and the way that the ball is shifted." Former England Academy international Bridge set up tries and converted eight goals in his first game for six months as Warrington's under 21s hammered Keighley 58-20 at Wilder-spool on Saturday. With Graham Appo being doubtful, due to illness preventing him from training so far this week, it may be that Cullen is considering starting Bridge in one of the half back positions. Cullen said: "Bridge is a very exciting prospect and we are fully aware that he can not be anywhere near completely match fit. But needs must, and if he has a fit and able body and is available, then he will be seriously considered for this game." There may be possible comebacks for Logan Swann and Chris Leikvoll, who has added a calf training injury to his chest problem, but the ongoing injury crisis is concerning as the hectic Easter schedule of Super League matches approaches. Teenage forward Andy Bracek collected a calf injury at Leeds and is doubtful for Sunday's clash at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick-off 3pm. Daryl Cardiss suffered a recurrence of_his hamstring/back problems and lasted only the first half of Wolves under 21s' grading phase defeat of Keighley. Paul Noone's knee injury has not recovered during a settling down period and on Tuesday he had an arthroscope operation which leaves him now estimated to be, like vice captain Nat Wood, on the sidelines for the next month. Currently, if like-for-like games are compared to last season, Wolves are no worse off in terms of points won as in 2004 they lost one of their two games in London, won at home to Castleford Tigers (relegated and replaced by Leigh Centurions), fell at Hull, Leeds and at home to St Helens. Of course, Wolves rightly expect to be doing better than last season and, ' prior to starting their Powergen Challenge Cup campaign on April 2, they can start to achieve that by beating Huddersfield at home on Sunday and Widnes at home on the Tuesday after Easter they lost both of those home games last year. These games, as well as Salford City Reds away on Good Friday, are very important for kick-starting a decent run of victories and shaping the rest of Wolves' season. Tickets to see Wolves take on Widnes at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on March 29 are on sale. The West Stand has been allocated to Widnes supporters only and Warrington's ground season ticket holders are requested to use the South Stand for this match, which kicks off at 8pm. For tickets, call in at Wolfware at the stadium between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or contact 248888. By MIKE PARSONS
Wolves' mouthwatering Powergen Challenge Cup fourth round tie at Leeds Rhinos will be televised on BBC Grandstand on Saturdlay, April 2, kick-off 2.35pm. Playing on the Saturday, rather than the Sunday, is tough on Wolves considering they will have been in Super League action at home to Widnes Vikings only four days earner. Leeds play their second fixture of the Easter period against Wakefield on March 28 and so their players will have, over a shorter period than normal, an advantageous 24 hours longer than Warrington's to recover and prepare. Wolves head coach Paul Cullen said: "We never expect anyone to do us any favours. "The thought of playing Leeds is exceptionally exciting and we can't wait for it."
15th March.CC 4th Round: Leeds Rhinos The Wolves will travel to Headingley for the 4th Round of the 2005 Powergen Challenge Cup on Saturday 2nd April. The game will give the Wolves just three days to recover after the Round 8 Engage Super League match against the Widnes Vikings at the Halliwell-Jones. Head coach Paul Cullen commented, "We were very fortunate last year to have played three national League sides, but with all due respect this wasn't the ideal preparation for Wigan in the Semi. But if we get past this hurdle we will deserve to go one better than last year." "We'd like to think we will have some of our more experienced players back from injury in time for that game, because we are going to need them." "It's without doubt the toughest possible draw. Leeds are the form side, and it's at Headingley. They're going to be a very difficult side to overcome." The teams have met 18 times in the competition over its 108 year history with the Leeds side bagging 9 wins to the Wolves 8, with a quarter-final draw in 1966. The last time the teams met in the competition was in 1996 at Wilderspool with Leeds running out 30-10 victors.
11th March. TICKETS ON SALE FROM MONDAY 14TH MARCH 2005 AT WOLFWARE ENGAGE SUPER LEAGUE X: Rnd 8 Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings Tuesday 29th March 2005, kick off 8.00pm (This is a SKY fixture) There are tickets available for all stands. Please note the West Stand has been allocated to Widnes supporters only and Ground Season Ticket Holders are requested to use the South Stand for this match. TICKET HOTLINE: 01925 248888 WOLFWARE open Monday-Saturday: 9.00am-5.00pm
Leeds 38 Warrington 6. Keith Senior led the way for the Rhinos with a hat-trick as the hosts ran in seven tries against the Wolves.Wire had a number of tries disallowed and were giving as good as they got in the first . Leeds Tries:Marcus Bai, Mark Calderwood, Keith Senior 3, Danny Ward, Richard Mathers Goal: Kevin Sinfield 5 Warrington Tries;Martin Gleeson goal Briers.HT 12-6. Attn 15,637
10th March. WOLVES' team and their coaches continue to be criticised from some supporters after achieving one win from four games although there has been game-by-game improvement. Warrington's head coach Paul Cullen says: "2We are fully aware of the vibe that has gathered momentum on the Warrington form and the pressure on certain players and on me. "We simply hold our nerve and focus. I've no interest in speculation on what players should come and go or what coaching staff should come or go. "We are absolutely focused on improving our performance, training session by training session and game by game. I think there is obvious visible evidence of that." Cullen believes there is vast improvement to come from his team. He said: "The St Helens performance wasn't far off. It was a very good game of Rugby League, at a very high level, at a very high pace and with a very high skill factor. "There's a significant area of improvement •"with us. Most of that comes from the players' confidence in their abilities to take their personal performance, offensively and defensively, to the next level. "Confidence is probably the hardest thing to create within your squad. Our opponents don't need any help from within to rattle our confidence."
With prop Chris Leikvoll and back rower Logan Swann ruled out with chest and ankle injuries respectively, and with no signs of a return from Wolves' seven other injured men, it means two players are set to make debuts for the first team against Leeds at Headingley on Friday. Teenage prop Steve Pickersgill, who has impressed for Wolves' under 21s Academy in their two games so far, and former Widnes flyer Nicky Royle are named alongside Andy Bracek and Warren Stevens on an inexperienced substitutes' bench. Paul Cullen is to give starts to Danny Lima and Mark Gleeson against a Leeds team that is at full strength and presently showing no mercy, as shown in their 66-8 mauling of Widnes in their last home game and in their 54-10 trouncing of Huddersfield on Sunday. Leeds are currently enjoying a 17-game unbeaten run in Super League but Cullen is not convinced that teams have taken on Leeds in the right manner since the back end of last season. He said: "They are a very solid unit, they work very well for each other and yet they have weaknesses in their defensive line that have not been exploited by some very good sides. It's now our turn to try and see if we can do it. "Taking on Leeds is a similar approach to the way we've taken on Wigan, Bradford and St Helens in the past. If you sit back to defend, you've got no chance. "You have to play this match with imagination, with expansion and look to put Leeds on the back foot. "For most of the back end of last year, and from what I've seen from Leeds so far this season, teams have stood back and watched. Only St Helens, in patches, were actually going at them. "Leeds have a habit of being well in front by the 20-minute mark. I travelled over to Huddersfield to see Sunday's game. Huddersfield stood back, watched and admired while Leeds put on a fantastic show on the back of that invitation." Some intriguing individual battles are in store, none less than the current Great Britain centres Martin Gleeson and Keith Senior going head-to-head. Two converted packmen who started out as centres at Wakefield, Ben Westwood and Gareth Ellis, will be locking horns too. The match kicks off at 8pm and is not on Sky television. Wolves team: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Dean Gaskell; Lee Briers, Gaham Appo; Danny Lima, Mark Gleeson, Mark Hilton, Ben Westwood, Mike Wainwright, Jon Clarke. Subs: Micky Royle, Andy Bracek, Warren Stevens, Steve Pickersgill. Leeds 20-man squad: Richard Matters, Mark Calderwood, Chev Walker, Keith Senior, Marcus Bai, Rob Burrow, Ryan Bailey, Barrie McDermott, All Lauitiiti, Chris McKenna, Kevin Sinfield, Andrew Dunemann, Danny Ward, Willie Poching, Wayne McDonald, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Gareth Ellis, Liam Botham, Nick Scruton, Scott Murrell. Two 16-year-old Warrington amateurs have joined Wolves' Foundation Academy team for the 2005 campaign. They are Michael Cooper, of Latchford Albion, and Anthony Rourke, formerly of Rylands Sharks. Source Warrington Guardian
Wolves are hoping to have their vice captain Nat Wood and loose forward Paul Noone back from injury in time for the club's opening game in the Powergen Challenge Cup. Results of scans this week on medial knee ligament injuries to Australian scrum half Wood and former Great Britain Academy skipper Noone leave Wolves expecting them to be sidelined for up to six weeks from when they took their knocks at Hull almost a fortnight ago. The Challenge Cup fourth round is four weeks away, April 3, and the draw takes place on Monday at approximately 7.30pm on BBC Radio 5 Live. Before the cup, Wolves have Super League dates against three sides who they would expect to beat when at their best Huddersfield at home on March 20, Salford away on Good Friday, March 25, and Widnes at home on March 29. Head coach Paul Cullen will be hoping to have some of his other injured stars, possibly Paul Wood (ankle), Logan Swann (ankle) and Chris Leikvoll (chest), available for these games. Thankfully Mark Hilton, Graham Appo and Toa Kohe-Love, who were doubts for the St Helens game, came through the match successfully. Appo's knee was heavily strapped to protect the ligament injury he picked up in training prior to the first home game of the season against Leigh. Cullen said: "We can expect an increased performance from Graham as the knee settles down further and his match fitness comes back." For those players who are fit and have been able to train this week, much time has been spent on putting right the areas that led to Wolves throwing away their 16-4 lead against Saints. Cullen said: "We've spent a considerable part of our week correcting those errors and those circumstances that allowed those errors to happen. "We've also worked positively on the way we took on what is a very good St Helens pack. "We man-handled it well for most of that game. "To move that pack around as well as we did is significant and we'll need to do that again, and more, this week to the Leeds pack and we're really looking forward to it." Source Warrington Guardian
GROUND staff at The Halliwell Jones Stadium are praying for some sun to breathe much-needed new life into the pitch. Fears had surfaced that the lack of grass on the pitch was due to a real problem, but Warrington Wolves chief executive Andy Gatcliffe believes some sunshine will solve many worries. He added: "We have been doing quite a lot of work on the pitch and the groundsmen have done a fantastic job but we need some sun. "The weather forecast isn't good but we will make sure we cover the surface. "When you look at pitches across the country, a lot of them are in terrible condition." And Mr Gatcliffe said he remained confident that the pitch would be ready for the start of the women's European Championships in June. He added: "Everything will be absolutely fine."
A SPORTSMAN'S dinner to raise money for poorly ex-Warrlngton Wolves star Mike Gregory will take place at The Halllwell Jones Stadium on April 30. Every penny raised will go to the Wigan coach and Super League players from Wolves, Wlgan, Widnes and St Helens are being Invited to attend. Andy Farrell, Terry O'Connor and Brian Camey have confirmed their availability so far. Former Halifax player Lee Roberts will provide comedy entertainment and David Kendal, a very funny bank manager from York, will be the guest speaker. Dave Howes will be the MC. Tickets are priced £35 and available from Fisher Promotions on 414123.
Boyd coming over AUSTRALIAN Les Boyd Is coming back to Warrlngton this summer. The ex-Warrington Wolves favourite will be meeting up with other past players for a 1986 Premiership tribute dinner at The Halllwell Jones Stadium. Prop forward Boyd won the Harry Sunderland Trophy for his man of the match display In Wolves' defeat of champions Halifax in the Premiership final at Elland Road. The tribute dinner, being run by Fisher Promotions, will be held on the weekend of June 17-19 and tickets will be on sale to supporters in the near future.
8th March. Rd5 Team News Paul Cullen names his 19-man squad to travel to Headingley on Friday night for Round 5 of the Engage Super League against Leeds Rhinos. 1 Brent Grose 2 Henry Fa'afili 3 Martin Gleeson 4 Toa Kohe Love 5 Dean Gaskell 6 Lee Briers 18 Graham Appo 10 Mark Hilton 17 Danny Lima 14 Mark Gleeson 15 Ben Westwood 12 Mike Wainwright 9 Jon Clarke 26 Nicky Royle 23 Andrew Bracek 16 Paul Wood 22 Steve Pickersgill 20 Warren Stevens 25 Chris Bridge.
Cullens Comment Coach Paul Cullen reflects on the Round 4 game againt St Helens on Friday and looks towards visiting the current World Club and Super League Champions. SO CLOSE ON FRIDAY NIGHT. WHAT WAS THE ATMOSPHERE LIKE IN THE DRESSING ROOM AFTERWARDS? Individually a number of heads hung heavy, the senior personnel worked hard post game, to maintain the team dynamic that is threatened in such circumstances. WHERE YOU CONCERNED WITH THE DEFENCE IN THE SECOND HALF WHEN ST HELENS CAME BACK WITH 3 TRIES IN THE LAST 7 MINUTES OF THE GAME? Our defence is not the problem, it was the pressure exerted upon it by the needless penalties conceded. We are confident that are structures work, as proven throughout the majority of the game. Individual players isolated themselves and invented options that threatened our plan and ultimately their position in it! ANY CONTROVERSIAL DECISIONS FOR YOU? None at all. .
R.L Fans Tribute Night to Mike Gregory Monday 11th April 2005 At The Monaco Ballroom, Hindley Q & A with Special Guests including Warrington Wolves Head Coach Paul Cullen FOR TICKET INFORMATION: PLEASE CALL WIGAN INFORMATION TOURIST CENTRE ON TEL 01942 825677 CREDIT ARD FACILITIES AVAILABLE. OR CALL THE MONACO BALLROOM, DIRECT TEL 01942 255138 ALL TICKETS ARE £10 EACH AND CHILDREN ARE VERY WELCOME
7th March.Toa: No Case Wolves centre Toa Kohe Love has no case to answer to the RFL disciplinary committee after being put on report in the 28th minute of the Wolves Friday night clash with St Helens for flopping in tackle.
Foundation Signings The Wolves have signed two U16s Scholarship players to the Foundation Squad for the forthcoming season starting on 23rd April. Michael Cooper, 16 prop/second row came through the Warrington Scholarship Scheme and played all his amateur rugby at Latchford Albion. He has represented at National Camp level and England Schoolboys. Anthony Rourke, 16 back row/centre played this season for Widnes St Maries from Warrington having played at Rylands Sharks. He has represented at Regional and National Camp as well as England Schoolboys. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "This is the first wave of the next generation these players are a credit to their amateur clubs, our Scholarship programmes and their families. We will offer them every facility to fulfil their potential." Foundation Fixtures: Saturday 23rd April v St Helens (A) Saturday 30th April v Leeds (H) Saturday 7th May v Widnes (H) Saturday 14th May v Bradford (A)
4th March. Warrington 16 St Helens 18.A last-second try from Keiron Cunningham completed an amazing fightback by St Helens as they secured an unlikely 18-16 victory over Warrington in the Engage Super League. The veteran hooker touched down in the closing seconds to give Saints the points as they scored three tries in the final six minutes to stun the majority of the crowd at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. It was a bitter end to the night for the hosts and in particular coach Paul Cullen who looked likely to celebrate his 42nd birthday by steering the Wolves to their second win of the campaign. However it was not to be as their local rivals managed to strike late to take the points, despite the absence of Great Britain internationals Paul Sculthorpe and Sean Long. Saints could well have found themselves in front within the first three minutes but Willie Talau's touchdown was ruled out as video referee David Campbell spared Henry Fa'afili's blushes. The winger's decision to try and allow the ball to run dead appeared to be a costly one until the official decided Ade Gardner had pushed the Wolves man off the ball. St Helens were soon feeling even more aggrieved by the decision as Campbell awarded Fa'afili a try after he challenged Paul Wellens for a high kick. Lee Briers kicked the conversion to add to his earlier penalty to give the hosts an eight-point advantage that they appeared likely to hang on to going into half-time. They could well have added to their lead just before the interval when Mark Gleeson broke through the defensive line only to foolishly offload the ball into wide open space. Saints made sure they capitalised on the reprieve as two penalties put them close to the opposition's line and allowed Mick Higham to offload for youngster James Graham to burst his way over to score. The second half started off in similar fashion to the first 40 minutes as St Helens continued to struggle to produce the kind of attacking rugby they are renowned for. Briers' second successful penalty gave the home side a six-point cushion and they came close to scoring their second try of the evening on the hour mark as Jon Clarke's effort was disallowed by the video referee after a knock-on by Martin Gleeson. The man in front of the screen was having a busy evening as Maurie Fa'asavalu's celebrations at scoring were cut short when it was deemed two Saints had reefed the ball from a Warrington player. It appeared that the decision was to be the turning point in the contest as Warrington hit back with a try through Graham Appo. However the Saints showed their class in the closing stages as they managed to score a hat-trick of tries to take the spoils. Darren Albert grabbed the first as he dived over in the corner and the deficit was soon down to just two points as Mick Higham scorched his way through a tired Wolves line to score. The comeback was complete when Cunningham was in the right place at the right time to pick up a loose ball after Albert had knocked back a towering kick from Jamie Lyon. Engage Super League. Ht 8-4. Tries Warrington Tries: Faa'fili, Appo. Goals: Briers 4. St Helens: Tries: Graham, Albert, Higham, Cunningham. Goals: Wellens. Att: 12,098.
RD4 Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 18 man squad ahead of Engage Super League Round 4: v St Helens at the Halliwell Jones Stadium tomorrow night, 8.00pm kick off live on Sky. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 5. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers (c) 8. Chris Leikvoll 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton 11. Logan Swann 12. Mike Wainwright 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Ben Westwood 17. Danny Lima 18. Graham Appo 20. Warren Stevens 22. Steve Pickersgill 23. Andrew Bracek
RD4 Ticket Information Warrington Wolves v St Helens Friday 4th March 2005, kick off 8.00pm PRIME TIME (SOUTH) STAND: This stand is likely to sell out in advance of the game having only 250 tickets available as of 9.00am this morning. MARTIN DAWES STAND (EAST): This stand is also likely to sell out ahead of kick off tomorrow with only 484 tickets available. NORTH AND LEVER FABERAGE (WEST) STAND: There are tickets available in both stands. PLEASE NOTE THAT PAYMENT ON TURNSTILES WILL BE AVAILABLE TOMORROW NIGHT But please beware that tickets are at a premium for the PRIME TIME (South) Stand and the MARTIN DAWES (East) Stand and fans are advised to buy their tickets in advance to guarantee entry into these stands. For all ticket enquiries please call Wolfware on 01925 248888.
3rd March. WARRINGTON Wolves will need their supporters' vocal backing more than ever against St Helens tomorrow, Friday. Assembling enough able bodies to take to the field has been a challenge in itself this week, to go along with formulating a plan for defeating the in-form Challenge Cup holders. Wolves had only 15 fit troops on Tuesday, when, under new Rugby Football League rules for this season, Wolves had to name their intended squad of 20 players. With Paul Cullen's men having only one win from three outings so far, and with fans booing players off the field in their last home appearance against Leigh, Wolves could be viewed as being 'up against it' as they go in search of only a second win against Saints in nine seasons of Super League. Cullen has taken great heart from the team's performance in defeat at Hull and also the posi-tivity of the supporters, after Cullen's call in last week's War-rington Guardian for the fans to get behind the team. Cullen said: "We have a horrendous injury list but we are still very buoyant and greatly looking forward to the game against St Helens. "It's never easy playing against Saints. It's always a highly charged and a very fast game. "They have a lot of talented players but we are greatly encouraged by our performance at Hull FC. "We were very competitive against what is a very good Hull team and we need to continue to work on the good points that we took from that game. "The supporters were absolutely outstanding at the KG Stadium and we need good support again on Friday. "These are difficult times for us. When you've got a lot of injuries and your backs are against the wall that's the time that you need your support the most." Wolves currently have one suspended player in Phil Berry and nine nursing injuries. Six of those are certain to miss tomorrow night's 8pm Super League clash at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, including key first teamers Nathan Wood (knee), Paul Wood (ankle ligaments) and Paul Noone (knee). Daryl Cardiss (back/hamstring), Chris Bridge (ankle) and Simon Grix (broken leg plus a fractured and dislocated ankle) have also been ruled out of the reckoning while Toa Kohe-Love (shoulder), Graham Appo (knee ligaments) and Mark Hilton (shoulder) are rated as doubtful. And to make matters worse, Cullen fears that the knee injuries that Nathan Wood and Noone sustained at Hull are serious. He is also growing increasingly concerned about Cardiss' long-standing hamstring problem, the root of which has been found to be a slipped disc in his back. It looks likely that they will need to delve into their under 21s ranks for the Saints game. The club have players in mind to make the step up but Cullen said they are unable to reveal their identity at this stage due to RFL red tape. However, the club did reveal that Jon Clarke is likely to start at scrum half Steven Pickersgill is in line to make his Super League debut and Andy Bracek is set to start his first competitive game in the second row. Logan Swann will probably move to loose forward to accommodate Bracek into the team and winger Nicky Royle, who played full back in the under 21s' victory over Leeds on Saturday, is also in Cullen's thoughts for the game.
Wolves' probable team, providing that Hilton, Kohe-Love and Appo fail to recover in time from their respective injuries: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Ben Westwood, Dean Gaskell; Lee Briers, Jon Clarke; Chris Leikvoll, Mark Gleeson, Danny Lima, Andy Bracek, Mike Wainwright, Logan Swann. Subs: Warren Stevens, Steven Pickersgill, Nicky Royle and an unnamed under 21s player. Wolves have no plans t6 bring in any fresh faces prior to Monday's Challenge Cup signing deadline. By DAVE LAWRENSON Warrington Guardian
WOLVES' record signing Martin Gleeson will be the focus of media attention when he plays against his former club Saints for the first time. It will not be forgotten among the hoards on the terraces though that the Engage Super League X round four clash will feature other confrontations between players who have also spent time with the opposition. This extra spice for a tricky 'derby' means it will not only be the hot dogs that are tasty at The Halliwell Jones Stadium tomorrow night, Friday. Gleeson won Super League and Challenge Cup honours with St Helens before his £270,000 move last summer and he will be intent on convincing his ex-teammates and continued friends that he made the right decision. The other connections between the two clubs will be just as keen to make an impression. Wolves' skipper Lee Briers signed from Saints when Darryl Van de Velde was at the helm. Playing against Saints, who remain his hometown club, are his favourite matches of the year. Saints' skipper Sculthorpe went the other way, leaving Warrington for Knowsley Road in a £370,000 deal in 1997 but he, along with scrum half Sean Long, will not be playing after collecting leg injuries. Talented England Academy back rower Andy Bracek was snapped up by Wolves from Knowsley Road in the off season and made his debut in the defeat at Hull. Nick Fozzard is in his second year with Saints after leaving Wolves for increased money. He was previously teammates with Gleeson at Huddersfield and St Helens. Saints coach lan Millward spoke this week about Glee-son's departure from Knowsley Road. He said: "Martin is a fantastic player and a great bloke and I did not want to see him go, but we have both got to move on." If last season's games are anything to go by, the fans could be in for a thrilling points spree. Millward said: "Games against Warrington are usually very high scoring, but we played there twice last season and won them both. "It will be interesting to see how we handle life without either Long or Sculthorpe, because we had a long spell without them last season." Millward also spoke about discontent among a section of Wolves fans who are eager for the club to break into the top five. Millward said: "I like Paul Cullen, but Warrington have put a lot of pressure on themselves because of the way they have recruited and spent money. "With expectation comes pressure, but also results. I have experienced that every week at Saints, so this is just another part of Paul's education of expectation and I am sure he will handle it. "Warrington fans have heard a lot of positive noise, but what they want to see is some positive action." Source Warrington Guardian.
2nd March. Stevo Signs! Larger-than-life TV personality Mike 'Stevo' Stephenson will signing copies of his new book in the WolfWare shop from 5.30pm to 6.30pm this Friday, prior to the St Helens match. A World Cup winner with Great Britain back in 1972, Stevo enjoyed a successful playing career in the UK and Australia before stepping in front of the cameras and behind the microphone as Sky kicked off a new era in the 13-man code. In this, his first Super League Diary, Stevo reflects on a tremendous season of ups, downs, twists and turns in the Greatest Game Of All. Stevo's fun narrative guides you through a round-by-round review of the year, offering forthright opinion and previously untold behind-the-scenes stories. Plus, he selects his form team of the season, and dishes out his 'Heroes & Zeroes' gongs.
1st March. Team News Rd4 Warrington Wolves v St Helens, Friday 4th March, 05. Kick Off 8.00pm Due to injuries Paul Cullen has named a 19 man squad, those with an asterisk require a late fitness test: 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love* 5. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers (C) 8. Chris Leikvoll 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton* 11. Logan Swann 12. Mike Wainwright 14. Mark Gleeson 15. Ben Westwood 17. Danny Lima 18. Graham Appo* 20. Warren Stevens 22. Steve Pickersgill 23. Andrew Bracek 26. Nicky Royle INJURIES 4. Toa Kohe Love - shoulder injury sustained in Rnd2 v Leigh (20/07/05) 7. Nathan Wood - knee injury sustained in Rnd3 v Hull (27/02/05) 8. Mark Hilton - shoulder injury sustained in Rnd3 v Hull (27/02/05) 13. Paul Noone - knee injury sustained in Rnd3 v Hull (27/02/05) 16. Paul Wood - ankle injured in Rnd 1 v London Broncos (13/02/05) 18. Graham Appo - knee injured in training pre Rnd 2 v Leigh Centurions (20/02/05) 19. Daryl Cardiss - hamstring pre-season injury sustained pre-Boxing Day friendly v Widnes (26/12/04) 21. Simon Grix - fractured fibula/ankle socket, dislocated ankle and torn ligaments sustained in U21s grading fixture v Leeds Rhinos (26/02/05) 25. Chris Bridge - ankle injury on going pre-signing on 20/01/05
Cullens Comment Paul Cullen looks at the Round 3 loss to Hull and towards this Friday's visit by St Helens to the Halliwell-Jones Stadium. HULL FC: WHAT HAPPENED? We competed very well for the vast majority of this game and are greatly encouraged by aspects of our performance. Conceding 6 points on 39 minutes and 6 points on 79 minutes pushes the score board away from us but we nullified a very potent attacking threat from a very good side for considerable periods during a high speed, high quality game. WAS THERE FOR YOU IMPROVEMENT ON THE LEIGH PERFORMANCE? A 23% improvement on our completion rate and a 50% reduction on our error count is very self explanatory. HOW DO YOU BOUNCE BACK FROM A DEFEAT? By continuing to improve all aspects of our performance. IS IT HARD TO REMAIN POSTIVE? It is very easy to be negative but we don't work that way!
Gleeson Ready for Saints When Martin Gleeson signed for the Wolves it was a real coup for the club, making him the clubs record signing. A Great Britain International he starred in the tri-series against Australia and New Zealand with some superb performances. This week sees him face his old club for the first time since leaving. HOW HAVE YOU SETTLED IN AT WARRINGTON? Really well, the lads are a great bunch and have made me feel part of it; it helps with having our kid here as well. WHAT HAVE BEEN THE DIFFERENCES IN TRAINING? Not a great amount, the intensity levels are the same. The only difference is the obvious ones: different coaching setup and players. But still as tough! HAS IT BEEN HARD GETTING BACK INTO TRAINING AND PLAYING AFTER BEING OUT OF ACTION FOR SO LONG? No, I have been playing since I was eight years of age and 4 months out of the game was nothing. The hardest part of it was training on my own and watching from the sidelines. I am not a great spectator as I wanted to be part of the action. WHAT WAS THE HARDEST ASPECT OF THE BAN? The fine!