November 2005
24th November. Home Kit In! The new Wolves 2006 Home Kit Warrington Wolves fans will be able to get their hands on the new home shirt today, as the 2006 strip went on sale in the clubs Wolfware shop this morning. The Wolves offered fans a unique opportunity of pre-ordering their kit online last Thursday at www.wolfwareonline.com and almost 300 shirts have been snapped up in advance of the launch tomorrow. Wolfware will be open from 9.00am – 8.00pm on Thursdays from now until Christmas for late night shoppers. Wolfware Hours are: Monday – Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9:00am-5.00pm Thursday 9:00am – 8:00pm. Sunday – CLOSED except for matchdays when it opens 3 hours before kick off
Warrington Wolves have today announced that they will play Bradford Bulls in a Pre-Season Friendly on January 2nd 2006. The game, which will kick off at 3.00 pm at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, and is part of the Wolves preparations for the start of engage Super League XI on February 12th. Bulls Coach Brian Noble said today: "I am delighted we have been able to arrange this game against high quality opposition. We are aiming to hit the ground running when we take on the Australian Champions. We will be fielding a very competitive side and it will give our supporters an early opportunity to see some of our new signings, including Stanley Gene and Adam Watene in action. It will also be a great opportunity for some of our younger players to show what they can do against a very good Warrington side." Warrington Coach Paul Cullen commented: "Our programme is about blending Senior, U21 and U18 players into a squad to compete in serious trial games over the Xmas and New Year period and is delighted to have the opportunity to pit them against such strong opposition as Bradford Bulls. This policy protects the international players and allows those recovering from operations to fully rest and rehabilitate for the forthcoming Super league season. It mixes new overseas and local recruits with established 1st team players and those who we are attempting to fast track; it also provides us with the opportunity to work combinations that may be used in Super League X1.
Bulls Coach Brian Noble said today: "I am delighted we have been able to arrange this game against high quality opposition. We are aiming to hit the ground running when we take on the Australian Champions. We will be fielding a very competitive side and it will give our supporters an early opportunity to see some of our new signings, including Stanley Gene and Adam Watene in action. It will also be a great opportunity for some of our younger players to show what they can do against a very good Warrington side."
"Squad: Stuart Reardon, Chris Riley, Ben Westwood, Paul Noone, Richie Barnett, Chris Bridge, Michael Sullivan, Danny Lima, Mark Gleeson, Paul Wood, Andrew Bracek, Ben Harrison, Simon Grix, Kevin Penny, Andy Mousdale, Danny Colquitt, Michael Cooper, Matty Blythe, Lee Mitchell, Anthony Rourke,
23rd November.Wolves Open at Home The Wolves will open their engage Super League XI campaign at home to the Salford City Reds on Sunday 12th February, Kick-off 3pm. The one fixture most Wolves fans will be looking for is the away game against new side Catalan Dragons. Saturday 6th May sees the Wolves visit the Aime Giral stadium to lock horns on foreign soil with the Southern French side. May is a tough month starting with Leeds at home before 2 away games back to back within the space of 12 days, including a long trip to France and then the ever-tough visit to Knowsley road to cap things off. A trip to the Capital in June to the renamed London side Harlequins Rugby League at the Stoop is also usually a highlight for the army of travelling fans, a 6pm kick-off on the Saturday evening should help the journey up but maybe not back home
. The Wolves initially appear 9 times in front of the Sky Sports Cameras:
* Rnd 3. Hull FC, 25th Feb @ Halliwell-Jones
* Rnd 4. St Helens, 3rd March @ Halliwell-Jones
* Rnd 6. Catalan Dragons, 18th March @ Halliwell-Jones
* Rnd 8. Bradford, 8th April @ Odsal
* Rnd 10. Castleford, 17th April @ Wheldon Rd
* Rnd 12. Leeds, 1st May @ Halliwell-Jones
* Rnd 16. Harlequins RL, 10th June @ The Stoop
* Rnd 19. Castleford, 1st July @ Wheldon Rd
* Rnd 21. Hull FC, 15th July @ KC Stadium
With promoted and new teams to play, a top 6 finish to defend and aim for it once again looks to be an exciting and interesting season for the Wolves.
17th November. RICHIE Barnett became the first of Wolves' new signings to start pre-season training on Monday. The ex Hull winger commenced his build-up to Super League XI by joining his new teammates Toa Kohe-Love, Simon Grix, Henry Fa'afili, Chris Bridge,Paul Noone, Chris Riley,Andy Bracek, , Steve Pickersgill, and Ben Harrison. All squad-members who are free of injury with the exception of Brent Grose, Martin Gleeson and Paul Rauhihi, will start training in early December. Chris Leikvoll is recovering from a shoulder operation in Australia, while Mark Hilton, Jon Clarke, Mike Wainwright and Rob Parker are all resting after injuries. Paul Cullen, has revealed that unavailability prevented Karl Harrison from calling Clarke and Noone into the England squad recently, and adddedthat all other injured players should be ready in time for Wolves' first Super League game, which to take place on February 12th. He said: "No one is doubtful for the start of the season, but some players won't be anywhere near peak condition for the trial matches in January and the opening few weeks of the season because they are recovering from operations. "But the older props don't need to be in top form in February, as Bradford showed this year by peaking in the play-offs."
There is good news for Ex Wire player Nathan Wood his neck injury is not as serious as first thought . Nat was found to have a broken neck last month but it is not expected to prevent him from leading a normal life.
Brian Bevan made his Warrington debut 60 years ago today.17th November marks the sixtieth anniversary of Brian Bevan's debut for Warrington. Bevan played on the right wing, as A.N.Other, for Warrington against Oldham at Wilderspool, in place of the injured Albert Johnson. Warrington won the match 12 - 3. Bevan did not score a try but a side steeping run created a try for his centre Les Jones. The Warrington team that day was: Belshaw, Bevan, L.Jones, Higginbottom, Ratcliffe, Helme, Fairclough, H.Jones, Cotton, Miller, Bennett, Gregory, Taylor. Brian Bevan was in the Australian Navy and whilst on leave contacted Bill Shankland to fix him up with a trial. Both Leeds and Hunslet did not respond to Shankland's request for a trial for the young Australian, however Warrington did and Bevan played for the "A" team on 10 November 1945. He scored a dazzling try in a 23 - 8 victory over Widnes at Wilderspool. Immediately after the Oldham match Warrington signed up the young winger on a three year contract. Brian Bevan returned to the Australian Navy and was demobbed in January 1946. He returned to Warrington in August 1946 to begin his three year contract (he stayed 16 years at Wilderspool). The rest is history as Bevan went on to amass a career record of 796 tries, 225 more than his nearest rival, Billy Boston. Brian Bevan is the only player to be inducted into both the British and Australian Halls of Fame. He was truly a Legend of Rugby League.
Former Wires player Nigel Vagana reckons new signing Michael Sullivan will fill the void left at the club after the departure of Nat Wood. Says Vagana, ""Sully's very smart, he's very quick at dummy half and has got good speed off the mark," said Vagana. "And with Paul Rauhihi signing up as well, if he can get offloads from him or a quick play-the-ball then he's going to be dynamite. "I think it's going to be a great move for Sully, he'll love it over here and I think the fans will really take to his style of play. He actually plays quite like Nat Wood. "I know a lot of people were disappointed that Nat won't be there anymore, but when Sully comes along he'll fill the void." "Sully's a top bloke," he added. "I got on really well with him at Cronulla and we're a bit sad that he's leaving, but it's part of the business we're in. "We had a good season this year and played really well as a team, and Sully was a part of it. "Every time he came on he made an impact and that's what his job was at Cronulla. "But he's a half back by nature, that's how he grew up playing and once he goes back to that spot he'll slot right back in there every time. "He'll be good for Warrington and the boys will take him on board there." Sully consulted Vagana before commiting himself to Warrington, He said: "I told him about what it was like when I was there, and a couple of players from those days are still there." "I get on really well with Wedge (Mike Wainwright) and every time I come over I see him. He was fantastic when I was there and is a top bloke. "At the end of the day it was still Sully's decision, but I've nothing bad to say about War-rington. "Every time I think about them I've got fond memories and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a shame I only had one season there but that's the way it panned out. "He's going to do a good job for them. They're a club that are going to be in the play-offs and you want to go to a team that is involved with the big games at the end of the season."
.Mike Wainwright Testimonial Warrington Wolves -v- Salford City Reds Sunday 29th January 2006, K.O 3pm Enjoy Match-day Hospitality at it's finest! Martin Dawes Hospitality At Affordable Prices. Price Includes: *Superb 3 Course meal, provided by our renowned caterers Heathcotes *The Opportunity to meet the players. *Stand-up Comedian *Fun Quiz *Reserved Padded Seating behind the sticks in the East Stand. *Stadium Car Parking. *Bar Facilities. All For The Amazing Price of £40 Per Person +vat To Book Your Place Call Kyle On 01925 248880
Pre-Season Friendlies Warrington Wolves can confirm the following fixtures have been put in place for the pre-season of Engage Super League XI: WIRE FM BOXING DAY CHALLENGE Monday 26th December 2005 Widnes Vikings v Warrington Wolves Halton Stadium, Widnes Kick off 3.00pm Wednesday 11th January 2006 Swinton Lions v Warrington Wolves Sedgley Park RUFC, Whitefield Kick off 7.30pm Ticketing information will be forthcoming
11th November.4 Make the England Academy U17s Warrington Wolves are delighted to announce that four of their players have been named in the England Academy U17s. The players are Chris Riley, 17, Ben Harrison, 17, Danny Colquitt, 16 and Michael Cooper, 16. Chris Riley, winger/fullback made his debut for the Wolves first team against Huddersfield Giants (12th August 05) and scored his first try against Widnes in the Wolves historic win of 16-60 at the Halton Stadium. Chris has featured in both Academy Teams for the Wolves last season having started in the Foundation Academy in 2004. Ben Harrison, 17 year old forward who has played consistently for both Academy teams since joining the Wolves Foundation from Barrow Island ARLFC in March 2004. Ben who last season completed his A-level studies a year early took up the opportunity to train with the first team and is just awaiting his debut. He also captained England Schools Under 16's last season. Danny Colquitt, a renowned hard working back rower who signed from Blackbrook in St Helens to the Foundation Academy last season has played for both Academies last season. Michael Cooper, a big strong hard hitting frontrower, who signed from local club Latchford last season to the Foundation Academy and is pushing forward into the Junior and Senior Academies. Junior Academy Coach Dave Elliott commented, "This is a great honour for the lads to gain international recognition for their talents and hardwork in all the academies at the Wolves this season. It is also an achievement for Michael Cooper who is in the age group below Colquitt, Harrison and Riley to achieve recognition so early in his career." The two internationals against the AIS, who are coached by ex-Warrington Coach Brian Johnson will be hosted by Castleford Tigers at the The Jungle on Friday, November 25 (Kick off 7.00pm.) and St Helens at Knowsley Road on Wednesday, November 30 (Kick off 7.00pm). They will also compete against GB U18`s amateur team on Monday 21st November, 7.00pm at Spotland, Rochdale.
Pre-Order Wolves Home Kit Warrington Wolves are offering their fans the unique opportunity of pre-ordering their home kits before they go on general sale on Thursday 24th November from 9.00am in Wolfware in the North Stand of the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The kits will preview online at www.wolfwareonline.com from Thursday 17th November and pre-orders* can be booked online or at Wolfware at the stadium or call 01925 248888. This season's shirt will continue to retail at the following prices: CHILDREN Small Boys - Large Boys @ £32.00 Youths - £35.00 Baby/Toddler Full Kit @ £29.50 ADULTS Small - XXL @ £42.00 XXXL @ £45.00 XXXXL @ £47.00 XXXXXL @ £50.00 The shorts will retail at: CHILDREN Small Boys - Large Boys @ £17.99 Youths @ £17.99 ADULTS Small - XL @ £18.99 The socks will retail at: Children @ £7.99 Adults @ £8.99 WOLFWARE OPENING TIMES: Monday - Saturday, 9.00pm - 5.00pm TELEPHONE: 01925 248888 *For those wishing to have their shirts delivered to their home there will be a charge on pre-orders online. Warrington Wolves can not guarantee postal delivery for the 24th November. For those wishing to collect their pre-orders from Wolfware there will be a designated collection point announced closer to the launch date.
Cullen Signs in for Wolves Fans Warrington Wolves head Coach Paul Cullen will be getting into literary mood on Saturday 19th November and signing copies of a brand new Rugby League book at the Warrington branch of W.H.Smith. Paul will be at the store in Golden Square from 11 am to 12 noon to sign copies of the recently published Rugby League Journal Annual 2006 and all fans will be welcome to get their copies of the book autographed and have a chat with the Wolves coach at the same time. Cullen has written an extensive foreward for the Annual which also includes lots of features of special interest to Warrington fans. The Rugby League Journal Annual 2006 is sure to be very popular with all Rugby League fans in the run up to Christmas, packed with great features and pictures which mix the past with the present in the game, and copies personally signed by Paul Cullen on Saturday will be extra special. Copies of the book are also available in the Wolfware shop. WOLFWARE OPENING TIMES: Monday - Saturday, 9.00pm - 5.00pm TELEPHONE: 01925 248888
Wolves Chairman Receives Highest Honour of Warrington. Warrington Wolves would like to send their public congratulations to their Chairman, Lord Hoyle of Warrington who was appointed an Honorary Freeman of the Borough at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on Friday 11th November 2005. The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that a Council can award and Lord Hoyle has received this honour based on his services to the Borough of Warrington. The former MP for Warrington was awarded the freedom of Gibraltar in September 2004 and was selected for this honour after his work to promote the self determination of Gibraltarians.
10th November.Wolves Team Up with Puma for SL XI Warrington Wolves are delighted to announce a tie-in with leading sportswear manufacturer Puma via Puma licensee Genesis. Next season Wolves will be playing in Puma branded kit provided by Genesis, who also supply the Great Britain team with their kit and training wear. Wolves and Genesis have been working together for over 4 years. John Howarth, Sales Director for Genesis, comments: "We have a good relationship with Warrington Wolves and are absolutely delighted to be providing high quality Puma branded kit and training wear for players and fans next season. As the official Puma licensee in ball sports we offer a complete package that stems from the highest quality design and manufacture." Dave Hutchinson, Director of Commercial Development, Warrington Wolves, comments: "We have enjoyed a good working relationship with Genesis over the past 4 years, and are delighted with the move to offer Puma branded kit and training wear next season and look forward to the launch later this month." Fans will be able to Pre-order their shirt from Thursday 17th November online. Shirts will be available for purchase and collection from Wolfware on Thursday 24th November.
2nd November. Record Number of Season Ticket Sales Warrington Wolves are delighted to announce that for the 3rd consecutive year at The Halliwell Jones Stadium the club is at record levels for season ticket sales. At present the club has sold an extra 1,000 tickets for the same period last year and with 5,550 sold in total, we are now firmly establish as having one of the largest season ticket fan bases in Super League. Amazingly the Martin Dawes East Stand is almost completely full with season ticket holders as less than 200 seats are now available, up an astounding 93% on the same period last season. Also, the Halliwell Jones North Stand has seen an impressive rise of almost 20% meaning that in total season ticket sales are up a staggering 25%, compared to a rise of just 10% last year. As a result of the remarkable support shown by fans in the last 12 months, the club are delighted to announce an extension to our Earlybird Deadline of 1 week to Monday 7th November 2005. Our fantastic Earlybird discount means you save up to 20% on the standard season ticket price, the equivalent of having 4 free games over the season. It now looks likely that all stands will now 'sell out' quickly next season meaning that a season ticket is now the only way to guarantee entry and ensure the best available seats in the stadium. Dave Gittins, Ticketing Manager comments: "To have sold 5,550 season tickets at this stage of the year is phenomenal and certainly puts us in the top two or three clubs in Super League with respect to our fanbase. This tremendous feat is testament to the passion of Warrington supporters and I genuinely believe that we have the greatest supporters in Super League." Wolfware is open Monday-Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm or call 01925 248888 for more information.
Rauhihi Visits Wolves Warrington Wolves latest recruit Paul Rauhihi called into The Halliwell Jones Stadium yesterday on his first visit to Warrington as the New Zealand moved camp to Manchester for the Tri-Nations this week. We caught up with him to find out what he thought of The Halliwell Jones Stadium and the Tri-Nations so far.
WHAT ARE YOU FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE HALLIWELL JONES STADIUM? It looks like a good set up.
HOW HAS THE TOUR GONE FOR YOU PERSONALLY? All right, so far, but I am starting to realise how long it is and I am starting to miss the family a bit.
WHAT HAS BEEN A GREATER ACHIEVEMENT - BEATING THE AUSSIES OR ENGLAND? I would have to say beating the Aussies, as they are our neighbours and it's the equivalent of a local derby here. Also when you compete against these guys week in and week out then it is always pretty satisfying to put a win over on them.
HOW DID YOU RATE MARTIN GLEESON ON SATURDAY NIGHT? That's a tough question having played against only once, but I think that he had a solid performance and I am looking forward to playing alongside him.
SO WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU NEXT SEASON? You will have to wait and see!
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SCORE ON SUNDAY'S GOING TO BE - ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND? New Zealand is going to win definitely.Source Wolfweb
1st November. Wolves No Smoking Campaign Behind Lord's Push On Wednesday 2nd November 2005, Warrington Chairman Lord Hoyle of Warrington will ask the following question in the House of Lords of Her Majesty's Government; "What steps they are taking to persuade the owners of sports stadia to make these non-smoking areas." This comes on the back of the Halliwell Jones Stadium, home to Warrington Wolves taking the initiative to be a No Smoking venue from 1st January 2006; in readiness for Engage Super League XI season. This move is part of the club's Award winning Community Programme to improve knowledge of health and wellbeing and also comes after requests from fans to consider the option to improve their enjoyment of the sport in a smoke free environment. The fans of Warrington Wolves started a campaign via the club's website forum to draw attention to the fact that they disliked smoking at the stadium and that it ruined their enjoyment of coming to the stadium. As a result of this campaign the Wolves issued a questionnaire to the fans at the end of Tetley's Super League IX asking for their view on The Halliwell Jones Stadium becoming a No Smoking environment. An overwhelming 63% of the 8,294 returned questionnaires wanted to see the stadium become a No Smoking zone. The club is continually striving to improve the matchday enjoyment for the fans and as a result will be introducing a complete ban on smoking in all areas of The Halliwell Jones Stadium for the start of the Super League XI, giving fans therefore a season's notice on change. The importance of health is at the forefront of the Wolves in 2005 with the opening of the new NHS/PCT Health Centre in the Martin Dawes Stand. After much research into the subject of No Smoking and the effects of passive smoking, the club feels that the health of its fans to be very important, given the effects of passive smoking which includes eye irritation, headache, cough, sore throat, dizziness and nausea. These unpleasant side effects ruin many fans enjoyment when attending a game and with the increasing number of children coming to games the club has decided to act now rather than wait for the results of the government's White Paper on Public Health to become legislation at the end of 2008.
New Community Dance Team for the Wolves The new Warrington Wolves Community Learning & Sport Foundation is developing a new Community Dance team. This will help promote health and physical activity amongst girls and will work with Warrington Wolves to promote and increase female participation in sports through Sport England's Girlpower project. As a Registered Charity, The Foundation focuses on using the positive power of sport to promote active participation in sport and learning, with the ultimate aim of helping to improve the quality of life for everyone involved, working with the local community through innovative sporting and educational programmes. With support from the highly successful Wolves Community Team, this initiative is regarded as an important weapon for tackling children's inactivity. Following the success of the clubs Primary LINK Programme, which delivers coaching into all Warrington's Primary Schools, the Cheerleading/Dance concept is being incorporated into the same "winning formula". The Wolves would like to thank both IndepenDance and the Starlites, who have done such a tremendous job entertaining the crowds at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. It is hoped that these two excellent dance groups will continue to perform on match days. During the next few weeks the Wolves will be developing the new team and inviting girls of all ages, including members of the current teams, to join us. Existing members of Independance and the Starlites can remain with their present teams as we feel the new organisation will compliment the established groups. The Wolves will also be advertising for a choreographer/coach to work with the club on this new initiative and would be delighted to hear from anyone who may be interested. Call the Community Team on 01925 248894.