September 2005
29th September. Nat Wood goes home to Australia next week happy thatWarrington Wolves have a successful future under coach Paul Cullen. The end of the Grand Final dream leaves Wolves' vice-captain without the finish to his playing career but he hopes his teammates and coaches will learn from their play-off defeat against Hull and push on to glory. He said: "If I sit and dwell on the fact my careers over I'd probably become depressed so I'm not going to do that. "I'll now cherish every moment that I've had with Warrington and I'm going to go home and see what happens from there. "I've had a couple of little offers to come back over here in a player-coach role but I'm not committing to anything yet. "I'm going home feeling satisfied with the year's work but at the same time not knowing what I'm going to be doing for the next 35 years of my life. "I'll probably go back to stripping.Wood said: "I've played in plenty of play-offs back home and you get used to dealing with it but to go out as we did against Hull is frustrating. "As players you just have to learn from it. I do feel for the boys but they've just got to strive to achieve better than what we've done this year. "I think we've done reasonably well this year considering the start of the year we had. "We've caused plenty of upsets, we've definitely entertained the fans. "I just hope all the boys I'm leaving behind enjoy themselves and have very successful careers. "And I hope that Cull (Paul Cullen) and all of the coaching staff gain a Challenge Cup or a Premiership success because they really deserve it. "They put in a lot of hard work and make a lot of sacrifices. "I'm sure Cull will go down in the history books as one of the greats. I think he is just in his teething years as a coach and he's learning from all of this just like the players are. I've no doubt Cull will have great success and I hope he does. "He's a champion bloke and he's helped me so much. He's let me be the person that I am and never put any shackles on me and so it has helped me to play pretty well. He's a great mate of mine and always will be." an added bonus for Nat Wood is that he will go down in the history books as the first player to score a Hat-Trick at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Paul Rauhihi who will feature in this years NRL Grand Final could appear at the Halliwell Jones Stadium well before he joins the Wire for next season, Rauhihi will play for Queensland Cowboys in this years game which will be shown live on Sky TV from 9.30 am Sunday. He couls also appear for New Zealand when the Kiwis take on England at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on November 6th KO 2.15.Rauhihi could end up playing against his soon to be team mates as Mark Gleeson, Paul Wood, Chris Bridge and Ben Westwood have all been named in England's train-on squad that will prepare them for their games against France and New Zealand. The Halliwell Jones hosted the final of last year's European Nations Cup a competition England are not involved in this year -and Wolves chief executive Andy Gatcliffe is pleased the stadium has been chosen to stage another international game. He said: "We've hosted the Challenge Cup semi finals and the European Nations Cup and proved how well the club can handle games like that. "And just months after we hosted football in Euro 2005, international sport is here again."
Paul Cullen did not hold back when he gave his assessment of the failure to progress past Hull, the fact that Hull ran away with the game in the final 11 minutes hit the team and Cullen in particular very hard, Cullen said: "The only thing that is relevant is absolute honesty in our post-game and season assessment. "And the bottom line is that as a unit we were not mentally tough enough to go one more round. "There have been many highs in the season and we've set a standard that we need to find again next year, which I've got no doubt we can do. "But the work we need to do is the work that is going to get us into the physical and psychological state where we can take a round, another round and then another round. "Unfortunately for us, our season finished in round 28 with a heroic effort and fantastic performance to back up our great win against Leeds with an even better win at Hull. Unfortunately, that was enough physically and mentally for some of our players." The last two league games,even with the arrival of Andrew Johns, were of such pace and intensity, that it finally took it's toll on one of the smallest squads in Super League. Cullen said: "Emotionally it is very difficult to factor and equate how much energy is expended in the build-up and aftermath of the Leeds and Hull games. "But Hull are a side that are probably two or three years in advance of where we are when it comes to building the mentalities into a group of players. "Let's not forget, Hull finished third last year and were knocked out of the play-offs very embarrassingly by Wakefield, who had scraped into sixth spot. The previous year they did not make the play-offs at all. "So they have tasted the pain that we tasted on Saturday night and it has served them well. Hull are a club that we aspire to follow. Those lessons in mental toughness are only learnt when you hit the floor, as we did in the final 11 minutes of Saturday's game." Cullen added: "As for the game itself on Saturday, the players were a little bit nervous, a little bit fractious and they pushed the final pass a little bit too much on the many occasions that we got through the Hull line. "On 69 minutes the score was still only 18-6. We'd bombed at least half a dozen chances in that 69-minute period and any one of those scores would have greatly affected that game. "And the fact that we lost Chris Leikvoll with a serious rib injury in the first tackle and fellow prop Mark Hilton with a recurrence of his back injury it took a lot of sting out of the Warrington go-forward. "We intended to win the game in the middle channels but with the loss of Leikvoll and Hilton we lost a massive amount of our impact and armoury. "I thought Paul Wood, aided and abetted by Danny Lima, did a great job in holding that middle channel and game plan but two props rolling against the quality of Hull's four made life exceptionally difficult. "We spent an awful lot of energy mopping up after mistakes and taking on the Hull pack in the middle of the field. "And that is the reason they ran in four tries in 11 minutes because once the game had gone, it had gone." The players have had the week off but will report to the club for training schedules etc.
Supporters' Trust: Player of the year, Brent Grose; hitman, Danny Lima; under 21s player of the year, Mike Johnson; under 18s player of the year, Rick Jones; under 16s player of the year, Mike Cooper; committee award, Nat Wood. Wolf Pack: Player of the year, Brent Grose; under 18s and under 21s player of the year, Chris Riley; most improved, Ben Westwood; unsung hero, Mark Gleeson; clubman, Mike Wainwright; committee award, Nat Wood; Brian McEvoy Award, Mark Gleeson.
24th September. Warrington 6 Hull 40 .Quite a night our local MP visited our little eerie at the top of the North Stand along with the Mayor and Mayoress, hand shakes all round ," How are you" they said" do you like the new stadium" ,"yes said I " after that the evening was all downhill as far as Warrington were concerned , Hull played out of their skins and deserved the win .Teams Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Bridge, Briers, Johns, Leikvoll, N. Wood, P. Wood, Swann, Noone, Clarke. Replacements: M. Gleeson, Westwood, Hilton, Lima. Hull: Saxton, Blacklock, Yeaman, Whiting, Raynor, R. Horne, Brough, Dowes, Swain, Carvell, McMenemy, Kearney, Cooke. Replacements: Tony, King, Thackray, Chester. Warrington (0) 6 Tries: Johns Goals: Johns Hull (18) 40 Tries: Blacklock 3, Yeaman, Chester, Whiting, Raynor Goals: Brough 5 Atn 12,243.
23rd September. Play Off Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 18-man squad to face Hull FC on Saturday night at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for the clubs first home play off game in Super League. 1 Brent Grose 2 Henry Fa'afili 3 Martin Gleeson 4 Toa Kohe Love 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 25 Chris Bridge 31 Andrew Johns U18s 23 Andrew Bracek 28 Chris Riley
U18's Playoff The Wolves Under 18's take on the might of the Leeds Rhinos in a curtain raiser to the main event on Saturday. Kick off is 3.30pm at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, come along early and see the future stars do battle.
Cullens Comment . Paul Cullen looks towards the clubs first home play off game in Super League this weekend and reviews the final round of the year.
WAS THERE EVER A POINT IN THE GAME THAT YOU THOUGHT THAT THE 2 POINTS WHERE SLIPPING AWAY? No, not at all. We have proven a number of times this year that the players can rally when under severe pressure. If we can come back from 30 - 6 after an hour at Bradford, we can dig in with the best.
IT WAS A GAME WITH MANY INCIDENTS OF ILL DISCIPLINE FROM PLAYERS, I.E. CHRIS BRIDGE - SIN BIN, PAUL NOONE - HIGH TACKLE AND BRENT'S 'TRIPPING', IS THAT A CONCERN FOR YOU? All games with such intensity will feature such incidents; our discipline was very good against Leeds and even better against a very dynamic and very determined Hull side. More from Paul in the news section of Wolf Web
22nd December.Ticketing Update: Hull FC Warrington Wolves has approximately 100 unsold seats in the executive area of the North Stand. The seats are now for sales at £ 22 for adults and £ 14 concession, i.e. seat only tickets. These tickets are now available in the Wolfware Shop. There are also standing tickets available in the West Stand, adults £14 and concession £8. The West Stand tickets are still available in the Wolfware Shop and online at www.wolfwareonline.com until 12 noon on Friday (for collection from Ticket Office on Saturday, after 3pm). Tickets will remain on sale at the Wolfware Shop until 3pm on Saturday and then from the Ticket Office until kick-off. All turnstiles will be ticket only.
Taking the Wire to fourth in Superleague is Paul Cullen's great achievement as a coach, he hopes to build on this by taking the Wire into the second playoff round,He said: "Fourth is the best we've done since I took over, so we've done since I took over, so it's at the top of my list of achievements so far, but we're not satisfied with that. "Fourth place was last week. This week we are looking forward to the play-offs - we are not By CHRIS FLANAGAN sitting back and accepting that was the best we could do. "No Warrington team has finished in the top four and had a play-off game in front of their own fans in the history of Super League, and if we are fortunate to progress to the next round, it would present another new situation for us. "This is the best chance of success we've had in the history of Super League because we've never been in this position before. "We are very proud and satisfied to be in this position and simply aim to make the most of it." Cullen reckons the team will have to play even better than at the KC if they are to get past Hull on Saturday.Cullen is wary of the additions to Hull's lineup with Horne and Moto Tony and Yeaman returning and knows his side will have to continue to improve with each match if they are to achieve their aim of making the Grand Final. He said: "I'm expecting a response from Hull after we beat them last week, and if they put Yeaman back in and move Faumuina into his natural position they are a different side to consider. "They have proven they can win big games, and anyone who can beat St Helens and Leeds in the Challenge Cup deserves respect. "But I've got no doubts in my mind that we can raise our game even further to overcome Hull, and we would need to improve in every game to reach the Grand Final. "We played very well last week, but I know there's more to come from our. team and we'll have to be better on Saturday." "It is pleasing to be hitting form now," he said. "Peaking teams is not an exact science, because many things can adversely affect the performance of the team and sometimes it doesn't take an awful lot to rock the boat. "But when it hasn't been going our way we've handled the situation, as we did at Hull on Friday when we came up with a lot of answers to the questions asked by their forward line. "Now it's knock-out football and you get one chance and one chance only, but after 28 rounds we're as ready as we're going to be. "The town of Warrington has bought into this momentum and we need to make it continue." Further evidence of the town's interest in the club came when, after taking 2,379 fans to Humberside last Friday, tickets for Saturday's play-off clash sold out on Tuesday. The game, screened live by Sky, is likely to be Wolves' final home match of the season unless they defeat Hull and London pull off an upset at Bradford in the weekend's other play-off tussle. Fans arriving early at The Halliwell Jones on Saturday will get another chance to watch the under 18s in action when they take on Leeds at 3.30pm. Wolves set up the Junior Academy Championship elimination play-off semi-final clash by defeating Hull 66-28 at the weekend. Play-off dates: Sep 23, Bradford v London {Elimination Play-Off); Sep 24, Warrington v Hull (Elimination Play-Off); Sep 30, St Helens v Leeds {Qualifying Semi Final); Oct 1, Bradford or London v Warrington or Hull (Elimination Semi Final); Oct 7, Loser of Qualifying Semi Final-v Winner of Elimination Semi Final (Final Eliminator); Oct 15, Winner of Qualifying Semi Final v Winner of Final Eliminator (Grand Final).
WARRINGTON bound winger Richie Barnett will be trying his best toexit his new club from the playoffs if he is named in Hull's line-up for Saturday's play-off game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Barnett, whoplayed on the left wing as Hull lost at home to Wolves on Friday, is very pleades at agreeing a deal to join Warrington in 2006, but he knows he still has a job to do for Hull until this season is over. Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, he said: "It's very important that I stay focused on Hull because it's a crucial game and I'll be trying my hardest to stop Warrington. "It will be difficult because Warrington is a tough place to go, but we'll be working extra hard to make sure we prepare well and put last week's defeat right. "Everyone is up for it and the loss was a bit of a wake-up call Warrington played really well and were more enthusiastic than us, and that's something we've got to get right." Barnett was happy with his performance on Friday in his first game back from a foot injury, but will have to wait to see if he is selected on Saturday with Motu Tony, Kirk Yeaman and Richard Home back in the frame. But he is glad that Warrington are Hull's play-off opponents and will be willing them on in the later rounds if he cannot get the better of them this weekend. He said: "I'm glad to be playing against Warrington, because although I'm still at Hull and want to do well for them, I get the chance to show Paul Cullen what I can do. "If Hull get knocked out I will definitely want Warrington to do well, because I think they deserve a chance. "The big four have always been the ones to get to the Grand Final but with our Challenge Cup result this year it's been proven that other teams can beat them. "Maybe we have paved the way for people to beat the big teams, because it just shows that if you play well on the day you will get your rewards."
21st September. Ticketing Bulletin Home Playoff Ticket update: Playoff fever has hit the Warrington public as Wolves supporters have quickly snapped up all 9,000 available tickets in record time. North, East and South Stands completely sold out by the end of the first day of general sales, meaning that many fans were left without a ticket for the Wolves' 1st ever home playoff tie. Therefore, due to overwhelming demand, the Wolves have reclaimed a third of the West Stand tickets from Hull, and these are available to purchase from the club shop now. All 1,000 extra tickets are expected to sell out before the weekend and fans are encouraged to purchase early to avoid disappointment. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.wolfwareonline.com.
Play Off Team News Paul Cullen has named his 20 man squad to face Hull FC in the Engage Super League Play-Off on Saturday 24th September 2005, kick off 6.00pm.
1. Brent Grose
2. Henry Fa'afili
3. Martin Gleeson
4. Toa Kohe Love
6. Lee Briers (C)
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
23. Andrew Bracek
25. Chris Bridge
28. Chris Riley
31. Andrew Johns
RESTED: 5 Dean Gaskell 19 Daryl Cardiss 21 Simon Grix 22 Steve Pickersgill 27 Ben Harrison
20th September.Ticket Update: Play Off All stands are now Sold Out (with exception of some of the North stand tickets still at the printers), the tickets for the West Stand have gone on general sale to Hull fans today.
North Stand: Sold Out
South Stand: Sold Out
East Stand: Sold Out
West Stand: All tickets to Hull
(Note: Season Ticket Holders with tickets 74-111 we have not received these from the printers yet and they are due Wednesday and will be reserved for Season Ticket Holders until Thursday 5pm). In addition, any unsold hospitality tickets, the seats will be made available for purchase on Friday 23rd September from 12noon. Tickets are no longer on sale online.
Wolves centre Martin Gleeson has been named in this years 2005 engage Super League Dream Team along with players from St Helens, Leeds, Hull and Bradford. The team is chosen by a panel of Rugby League media who regularly cover the engage Super League competition and is based on form throughout the 28 Round Regular season. There are 10 players within the 2005 selection who qualify to play for Great Britain including newly appointed captain Jamie Peacock. There is also one former Kangaroo tourist and one New Zealand international within the line-up.
The 2005 engage Super League Dream Team,
Full Back - Paul Wellens (St Helens)
Wing - Mark Calderwood (Leeds Rhinos)
Centre - Jamie Lyon (St Helens)
Centre - Martin Gleeson (Warrington Wolves)
Wing - Darren Albert (St Helens)
Stand Off - Paul Cooke (Hull FC)
Scrum Half - Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos)
Prop - Jamie Thackray (Hull FC)
Hooker - Keiron Cunningham (St Helens)
Prop - Paul Anderson (St Helens)
S/Row - Jamie Peacock (Bradford Bulls)
S/Row - Ali Lauitiiti (Leeds Rhinos)
Loose Fwd - Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos)
Ticket Update: Play Off At close of play today the following tickets are left for Saturday’s match against Hull FC: North Stand: 500 tickets available (Note: Season Ticket Holders with tickets 74-111 we have not received these from the printers yet and they are due Wednesday and will be reserved for Season Ticket Holders until Thursday 5pm). In addition, any unsold hospitality tickets, the seats will be made available for purchase on Friday 23rd September from 12noon. Martin Dawes Stand: 20 tickets left West Stand: All tickets have been sent to Hull FC South Stand: Sold Out Please note that the club will not be taking any telephone orders. The only tickets available online will be North Stand – www.wolfwareonline.com from 9.00pm. Any tickets left will go on sale from Wolfware 9.30am.
17th September.Hull 16 Warrington 30.Warrington held off a battling Hull side to seal a gripping victory and climb to third in the Super League. On Johns's withdrawel Cullen said"It was purely precautionary and a little bit of insurance for next week. "John Kear will produce one or two aces and we want to make sure the main ace up our sleeve is fit and fresh. "I was delighted with our effort. Our defence tonight was superb."Hull: 16 (6) Tries: Kearney, Blacklock (2) Goals: Cooke 2 Warrington 30 (16) Tries: Swann (2), Grose, Kohe-Love (2) Goals: Johns (5) Hull: Saxton, Blacklock, Faumuina, Raynor, Barnett, Whiting, Brough, Dowes, Swain, Carvell, McMenemy, Kearney, Cooke. Replacements: King, Thackray, Chester, G. Horne. Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Bridge, Briers, Johns, Leikvoll, N. Wood, P. Wood, Swann, Noone, Clarke. Replacements: Hilton, M. Gleeson, Lima, Bracek. Attn 15,763
15th September. Engage Super League X Play-offs - Ticketing Play-Off Ticketing Warrington Wolves Play-off venue will depend upon Friday's result at Hull. A win will guarantee a home Play-off match, defeat will result in a trip to Hull. The opponents will be determined after all matches have been played this weekend. Play-off tickets will be available as follows: Home Play-Off Match- Either Friday 23 September v London or Wigan or Saturday 24 September v Hull Tickets will go on sale for current season ticket holders from Saturday 17 September from 11am to 3pm and Sunday 18 September from 11am to 3pm. North Stand tickets will be on sale from the Ticket Office, please bring season ticket book as voucher 15 is required. Martin Dawes East Stand and Prime Time South Stand Tickets will be on sale from the North West concourse (cash only). Tickets will go on general sale from Monday 19 September from 11am. Lever Faberge West Stand tickets will not be on sale until Monday, tickets for this stand will be split between Warrington and visiting fans. Or Away Play-Off Match at Hull Saturday 24 September Tickets will go on sale from Tuesday 20 September from 10am to current season ticket holders. They will then be available on general sale from Wednesday 21 September. Normal Engage Super League prices apply to all options.
Paul Cullen gives his views on the match against Leeds Rhinos and the final round of the regular Super League season this Friday. WAS IT EVERYTHING YOU DREAMED OF ON SATURDAY NIGHT AGAINST LEEDS? No, I actually I dreamt that I went full length to score the winning try diving under the sticks. Unfortunately, I woke up in the wardrobe.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO GO ONE BETTER AND DO IT TWO WEEKS IN A ROW AGAINST HULL? My continuing to train and prepare like we have done for the last two weeks and by treating Hull FC and John Kear with the respect that they deserve any team that can beat St Helens in a semi final and Leeds in a Final need to be acknowledged and we have done that this week in our preparation.
WHERE YOU IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY THAT THE TEAM LIFTED THEMSELVES TO THE OCCASION? Very much so and more importantly the way they were not intimidated by the occasion and the performance of Andrew Johns, not one of them stood back and waited for Joey to win the game for them, they all stood up and they all contributed.
DO YOU THINK THEY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO DO IT 4 MORE TIMES TO GET THE TEAM TO THE GRAND FINAL? We have proven a number of times this year and probably for the first time in the history of Super League that we can win consecutively and improve whilst doing so. We have to do that again and be even better at it this time.
YOU HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT YOU ARE RELEASING DARYL CARDISS AT THE END OF THE SEASON, ARE YOU HOPING TO MAKE ANOTHER SIGNING FOR NEXT SEASON? Not in that position, but the books are not closed. Wolfweb.
Rd28 18 Man Squad Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 18-man squad to face Hull FC on Friday night. 1 Brent Grose 2 Henry Fa'afili 3 Martin Gleeson 4 Toa Kohe Love 6 Lee Briers 7 Nathan Wood 8 Chris Leikvoll 9 Jon Clarke 10 Mark Hilton 11 Logan Swann 13 Paul Noone 14 Mark Gleeson 16 Paul Wood 17 Danny Lima 23 Andrew Bracek 25 Chris Bridge 28 Chris Riley 31 Andrew Johns
INJURIES 12 Mike Wainwright - foot injury sustained in RND24 v Huddersfield Giants (12/08/05) 15. Ben Westwood - ankle injury sustained in RND 26 v Salford City Reds (04/09/05) Daryl Departs Daryl Cardiss will leave Warrington Wolves at the end of this season by mutual agreement. Daryl having returned to full fitness is seeking a fresh challenge and the Club thank Daryl for his service and wish him well for his future.
Paul Cullen and Andrew Johns are convinced there is more to come from the Warrington team after the performanc of the team when they played and beat Leeds 33-16 last Saturday. The trip to a possible Old Trafford appearance continues at the KC stadium on Friday night when only a loss will mean an away tie in the first round of the playoffs, Johns has made the most of a full week in the UK with a rest and a full weeks training with the squad, Said Joey "He said: "I think we showed on Saturday night that the potential is there to go all the way. It is up to everyone to keep up the high standards and keep pushing themselves. "The big challenge for me is to repeat my performance or play better this Friday. "For me, it's a new experience each week I've never been to the KC Stadium and I haven't really seen too much of the Hull players so each week is a big learning curve. "For the team as a whole, there is room for improvement compared to the display against Leeds but it was a big occasion and a big crowd, and I always knew we would win, "But we've got to back that up against Hull and that is the test. This week we're away from home, Hull will generally get any 50/50 calls and we're going to be up against it. This game will be the true test of character for the side and for individuals." Cullen is not expected to risk Ben Westwood (ankle), Mark Hilton (back) or Mike Wain-wright (foot) at Hull even though the fitness of all three players has improved since they were ruled out of the Leeds game such is his belief in the squad that beat Leeds."The players that faced Leeds have all earned the right to play, and we go to Hull confident and looking to build on that performance," said Cullen. "We hope to benefit from a fresher Andrew Johns this week, and there are 16 other players around him that are now used to the quality of his contribution and delivery. "Regardless of results in the play-offs, we have scored more points and won more games than we have done before in Super League and we, want more - we're still aiming for third. We've never been able to offer our supporters a home draw in the play-offs before and we're desperate to do that. "We were in the top four when the deal for Andrew Johns was done and we intend to still be there after round 28, then we feel we are in as good a anyone "On Andrew Johns Paul added."He made the deal worthwhile after one game he was that good and the night was that special." Hull coach John Kear was at the game on Saturday, but felt that the experience would not really help him to stp the threat of Johns on Friday . He said: "I thought Johns' contribution was immense. I didn't really learn too much though I think everyone knows how he plays, it's just a massive task trying to stop him because he's obviously a very gifted player."
Cullen was full of praise for Brent Grose after the full back received Wolves' Player of the Year award on Tuesday, Dave Ashton won the under 21s award and Danny Colquitt the under 18s honours. "I've been absolutely delighted with Brent's performances and also his attitude," said Cullen. "He's a joy to work with and I couldn't ask anything more from a full back."
Wolves' under 21s were knocked out of the Senior Academy Championship play-offs after losing 32-12 at Bradford on Thursday. The under 18s host Hull in the Junior Academy Championship play-offs at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Satururday KO 2,30.
ANDREW Johns wants to play at The Halliwell Jones Stadium again. Johns is hoping to put in another exceptional display as Wolves go to Hull's KC Stadium tomorrow, Friday, needing at least a draw to get a home tie in the first round of the play-offs. And besides giving Wire a better chance of progressing towards the Grand Final, Johns wants a result to give himself another chance to play at the stadium where he received a rapturous welcome against Leeds on Saturday. He said: "It was an honour to receive such support. You get a real kick out of people chanting your name, and it's a different crowd to what you have at home. "The crowds at home just sit and watch, whereas here there's just constant noise - 13,000 here sounds like 60,000 "back home -and it was a great atmosphere and a pleasure to play in front of. "I'd like to thank everyone for being so welcoming to me and my partner. "They've been stopping us in the supermarket and wishing us all the best, and hopefully we can get a home semi and do it all again next week." Johns described the Leeds game as 'right up there' among the best matches of his glorious career, and despite the pressure on him to perform he says he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. And after Wolves' fantastic display Johns now believes the big challenge is consistency and said: "Anyone can do it as a one-off, but the champion teams can do it four or five times in a row."
Wolves chief executive Andy Gatcliffe says drawings have been commissioned to look at providing more executive seats above the South Stand while increases in other parts of ground are also being looked at. He said: "More development is in the pipeline. "We always said we would look at the capacity after five years but we are now looking at what we can do in the South Stand. "It was packed with 4,000 fans on Saturday and what a spectacle. But we have had drawings for executive seating above the standing area with a function room. "Now we have to look at the costings." A crowd increase of 11 per cent on last year's figures, which follows a 38.2 per cent increase for the first year at the Halliwell Jones after leaving Wilderspool Stadium. And this growth is happening without the club having won silverware since their Regal Trophy success of 1991. Mr Gatcliffe said that the stadium was also now enjoying nationwide recognition following the good gates and the success of the summer's women's European football championships. He added: "The Halliwell Jones Stadium is like no other ground in the country. As well as the rugby and football, there are more than 20 health services and an educational foundation too. "What is so remarkable about the attendances is that this is an increase on last year's increase."
14th September. Warrington have released Daryl Cardiss, having failing to make the First team after coming back from injury in May.
13th September.Rd28 Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 20-man squad to face Hull FC on Friday night for the final round of the engage Super League. 1 Brent Grose 2 Henry Fa'afili 3 Martin Gleeson 4 Toa Kohe Love 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 23 Andrew Bracek 25 Chris Bridge 28 Chris Riley 31 Andrew Johns.
Best for 50 Years! Capping the regular season off with a capacity crowd and a win over reigning World Champions Leeds Rhinos on Saturday night has given the club it's best season for 50 years. The 13,024 crowd at the Halliwell-Jones Stadium pushed average attendances for the season to 11,003, the highest league average since 1955/6, when as reigning champions the average at Wilderspool was 12,322. The 55/6 average was considerably boosted by a crowd of 26,088 against St Helens. 12 of 14 gates this season have been in excess of 10,000, with season tickets going on sale this week it's hoped the average gate may be even higher for Super League XI
Season Ticket Launch A Success. Monday night saw the successful launch of the Martin Dawes East Stand season tickets for Super League XI, with 900 season tickets being purchased. Tickets for the North Stand and Prime Time South Stand were launched for the first time via the Wolfware Online Shop, over the last weekend and over 100 have already been sold. This makes sales of over 1,000, which in comparison is double the launch night sales for Super League X season tickets. Warrington Wolves are looking to increase their record breaking 6,500 season ticket sales of last season.
10th September.Warrington 33 Leeds 16.Andrew Johns made a sensational Super League debut, kicking five goals and a drop goal as Warrington stunned Leeds at the Halliwell Jones. A packed house turned out to see the Aussie legend, and he didn't let the Wolves faithful down with a scintilating display as Warrington honed in on the play-offs. The 31-year-old scrum-half, reputed to be on £10,000 a match for his short-term stint in Super League, was full value for the money as he played the full 80 minutes just four days after stepping off a plane from Sydney. Widely acknowledged as the best player in the game, Johns displayed his full bag of tricks and inspired his new team-mates to new heights as they claimed the points to lift themselves into third place. The Newcastle and New South Wales legend predictably carried off the man-of-the-match award for a masterly display in which he created a try for second rower Logan Swann and had a hand in two of his side's other four touchdowns. Johns could hardly have made a better start as his opposite number Rob Burrow spilled the ball from his spiralling kick-off and, from the scrum, the Australian provided quick ball for skipper Lee Briers to combine with Martin Gleeson to get winger Henry Fa'afili over for his 23rd try of the season after just 69 seconds. Johns then displayed pin-point accuracy to land the conversion from the touchline to give his new club a 6-0 lead. Leeds drew level when full-back Richie Mathers dummied his way over after eight minutes and he reached the line a second time six minutes later only to be turned on his back. The visitors also ought to have made more of a clean break by Andrew Dunemann, chosen to start the game ahead of hooker Matt Diskin, but the Wolves soaked up the pressure and, after Johns had edged them back in front with a 22nd-minute penalty, they scored again when Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson easily went past the inexperienced Lee Smith to touch down. Johns' third goal from as many attempts made it 14-6 and it was going according to the script when full-back Brent Grose took a pass from the scrum-half and handed off Kiwi second-rower Ali Lauitiiti to score the Wolves' third try five minutes before the break. Johns was off target for the first time with the goalkick and the Rhinos struck back either side of half-time to cut the deficit to just two points. In first-half injury time, half-back Danny McGuire fended off Paul Noone to send fellow substitute Diskin over and then Lauitiiti produced some typical magical handling to create an opening for winger Marcus Bai. Sinfield was off target for the first time with the boot and the Rhinos suffered a blow when Lauitiiti limped off. Warrington increased their lead after 48 minutes when Johns split the Leeds defence with a superb sidestep past Danny Ward and Swann was in support to claim the try. Johns then added a penalty after Bai had been adjudged offside after making an interception and put over a drop goal before converting Nathan Wood's last-minute solo try. Sky SportsTeams Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Bridge, Briers, Johns, Leikvoll, N. Wood, P. Wood, Swann, Noone, Clarke. Replacements: Riley, Bracek, M. Gleeson, Lima. Leeds: Mathers, Calderwood, Walker, Smith, Bai, Sinfield, Burrow, Jones-Buchanan, Dunemann, Ward, Lauitiiti, Poching, Ellis. Replacements: McGuire, Diskin, Scruton, McDermott. . Warrington 33 (18) Tries: Fa'afili, Gleeson, Grose, Swann, Wood Goals: Johns 6 Drops: Johns1 Leeds 16 (12) Tries: Mathers, Diskin, Bai Goals: Sinfield 2 . Att: 13,024 .
9th September. Rd27 18 Man Squad Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 18 man squad to face Leeds Rhinos on Saturday night at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe-Love 6. Lee Briers (C) 7. Nathan Wood 8. Chris Leikvoll 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton 11. Logan Swann 13. Paul Noone 14. Mark Gleeson 16. Paul Wood 17. Danny Lima 23. Andrew Bracek 25. Chris Bridge 28. Chris Riley 31. Andrew Johns (D)
Rd27 Ticketing Update Engage Super League Round 22: Vs Leeds Rhinos Saturday 10th September, 6:00pm KO Less than 400 tickets now remain for Saturday's final home game of the season at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Andrew Johns has spent the week training with his new team-mates and he is sure to have an enormous impact on this historic clash with the current Super League Champions. The East and South Stands sold out weeks ago, demonstrating how eagerly awaited this fixture is. If you haven't already purchased one of the hottest tickets in town, don't panic as they are still on sale from the club shop or online at www.wolfwareonline.com. Any remaining tickets will be available from 9am on Saturday; however they are all expected to sell-out well in advance of the 6pm kick off. Ticket Office Manager, Dave Gittins comments: "Since the Rhinos sold all their allocation of tickets yesterday, our remaining tickets have been selling at an astonishing rate as our shop is now taking numerous orders from Leeds fans unable to purchase from Headingley. The last of these tickets look certain to sell out well before kick off tomorrow so we urge all Warrington fans still without tickets to purchase one today or early tomorrow to avoid the disappointment of missing a bit of Andrew Johns magic on the field."
8th September.Wolves Double Signing Warrington Wolves have signed Stuart Reardon from Bradford Bulls and Richie Barnett Junior from Hull FC for the Engage Super League XI season. Stuart, 23 has signed a 3 year deal with the club and will join the team pre-season along with Richie. Richie Barnett Jnr 2 year deal Richie, 24 a winger has signed a 2 year deal with the club and is expected to bring an intelligent approach to the game combined with his immense speed. Richie signed for Hull from Gateshead Thunder in 2004 after playing two seasons with the club making 33 +1 appearances and scoring 12 tries, the former Leeds Metropolitan University student who has represented Great Britain students, crossed for fourteen tries in seventeen starts and six appearances off the bench. That in it self in a phenomenal strike rate at whatever level you play the game. This season Richie has been on loan to Widnes Vikings playing 4 games and scoring 2 tries to gain invaluable first grade game time. Stuart Reardon 3 year deal Stuart, a fullback/winger is a Bradford local who signed to the Bulls from West Bowling ARLFC in 2000 and burst onto the scene in 2003 in spectacular style. Covered the full back role in the absence of Mick Withers and his performance in the Grand Final that year earned him the coveted Harry Sunderland Trophy as the Man of the Match. Last season saw him feature mainly on the wing and his performances saw him selected for the Tri Nations Series in which he made an outstanding contribution. He has already represented England 'A' and has been called into the Great Britain training squad. Reardon, who has scored 32 tries in 78 appearances for the Odsal club, had loan spells at Featherstone and Salford earlier in his career but firmly established himself in the Bradford line-up this season. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented on his new duo: "Stuart Reardon delighted to add another international three quarter to the Club, Stuart has proved that he has the ability to play and win Grand Finals and compete at the highest international level at 23 we believe that his best years are yet to come. "Richie Barnett has tremendous pace and natural instinctive winger, a great physical presence and proven try scorer at only 24 his best years are yet to come."
Noone Re-signs Paul Noone as taken up his one year option with the Club and will compete in Engage Super League XI with the Wolves. Paul Commented on the 1 year extension, "It was a relief that the club have taken me up on my one year option, I am looking forward to next season which I hope will be injury free as this season I have had a run of nasty injuries. I want to be given the chance to push for a longer contract at the end of next season." Coach Paul Cullen commented, "Delighted to continue our working relationship with Paul Noone, technically and tactically very proficient and has been of great value to the club so far and we greatly look forward to Paul making an even bigger impact for 2006 and hopefully beyond."
Cullens Comment Head Coach Paul Cullen looks towards this weekends fixture and the debut of Andrew Johns and the signing of Stuart Reardon and Richie Barnett jnr for next season. IT’S BEEN A BUSY WEEK OFF THE FIELD WITH THE ARRIVAL OF ANDREW JOHNS AND THE SIGNINGS OF STUART REARDON, RICHIE BARNETT JNR AND THE RE-SIGNING OF PAUL NOONE. HOW HAVE YOU KEPT YOUR MIND ON THIS WEEK’S GAME? We have simply prioritised making the most efficient use of the fit and able bodied players available. LEEDS, DO YOU THINK THAT YOU NOW HAVE THE MAN POWER TO OVER TURN THEM? I certainly hope so, they had their defensive qualities thoroughly examined and questioned in the last three games and they have to overcome the Andrew Johns situation. The Rhinos position going into this game is unique and so is ours. LOOKING BACK TO SALFORD ON SUNDAY, WHERE YOU HAPPY WITH THE RESULT? Very pleased with the two points, very pleased with the second half effort, very pleased with Nathan Wood’s game saving contribution in the first 40 and very satisfied that we have the ability to correct and improve in the heat of the game. WHAT IS THE INJURY NEWS THIS WEEK? Ben Westwood is our only concern with an ankle that he has rolled twice in two consecutive games. HOW HAS ANDREW JOHNS FITTED INTO TRAINING THIS WEEK? As if he has been here all season. WHY REARDON? Stuart Reardon, I am delighted to add another international three quarter to the Club, Stuart has proved that he has the ability to play and win Grand Finals and compete at the highest international level at 23 we believe that his best years are yet to come. WHY RICHIE BARNETT JNR? Richie Barnett has tremendous pace and natural instinctive winger, a great physical presence and proven try scorer at only 24 his best years are yet to come. AND FINALLY WHY PAUL NOONE? Delighted to continue are working relationship with Paul Noone, technically and tactically very proficient and has been of great value to the club so far and we greatly look forward to Paul making an even bigger impact for 2006 and hopefully beyond. WHILST ANNOUNCING CAPTURES FOR 2006 DOES THIS FORCE ANY RELEASES? Unfortunately Dean Gaskell has not been offered a place in our squad for next year. He is a player that still ahs great potential and a player who we sincerely hope continues to improve and reap the benefits of all the hard work he puts in.
7th September. Wolves Launch 2006 Season Tickets Following a successful Super League X campaign, Warrington Wolves are delighted to announce the launch of our eagerly awaited 2006 Season Tickets. They will be available for purchase at the club shop from 11am on Tuesday 13th September, with current North Stand ticket holders having until the 3rd October to renew their present seat.
Adult prices start at £150 in the South Stand, £170 in the East and £220 in the North Stand. Junior Wolfpack season tickets start at £50 South, £55 East and £70 North, which includes both home AND away games.
The Super League XI season will see a number of changes to stadium policy at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, most noticeably the implementation of a no smoking policy throughout, and also the East Stand will revert to reserved seating. Therefore an East Stand Renewal Night will be held from 4pm to 8pm on Monday 12th September, in the Hospitality Lounge of the Martin Dawes Stand, for current East season ticket holders only. The purpose of this night is specifically for the renewal of East Season Tickets and seat choice for the forthcoming season. All current season ticket holder are asked to bring along their 2005 season ticket to speed up the renewal procedure.
Exclusive Internet Facility If you would like to avoid the hassle and queues of purchasing in person from the club shop, then take advantage of our secure online ticketing facility at www.wolfwareonline.com. This exclusive service will be available from Thursday 8th September for North and South renewals.
Key Season Ticket Dates *12th September - East Stand Renewal Night and seat choice for east season ticket holders only (4pm-8pm)
*13th September - All other season tickets available for renewals only, and South tickets available to non-season ticket holders
*26th September - East Stand seats become available to current South and North Stand season ticket holders
*3rd October - Seat renewal deadline. All un-renewed seats in the North and East Stands become available to non-season ticket holders
*1st November - Earlybird deadline
*22 December - Wolfpack Earlybird deadline Age Criteria ------------ Wolfpack - Aged between 5-16 (year 11 at school). Please note a photocopy of a birth certificate is required Student - Aged 18+ and in full time education. Any person in part-time education will not qualify of our student rate. A photocopy of a college/university card showing course dates or a college letter of confirmation is required. Concession - Aged 60 years or over.
Rd27 Team News Head Coach Paul Cullen has named his 20 man squad to face the Leeds Rhinos on Saturday night in Round 27 of the engage Super League at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. 1. Brent Grose 2. Henry Fa'afili 3. Martin Gleeson 4. Toa Kohe Love 6. Lee Briers (C) 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 23. Andrew Bracek 25. Chris Bridge 28. Chris Riley 31. Andrew Johns (D)
Bevan a Legend in Oz Brian Bevan - Legend in AustraliaBrian Bevan was yesterday inducted into Australia’s NRL Hall of Fame at the Dally M Awards ceremony in Sydney. In doing so he becomes the first player to be a member of both the RFL and NRL Hall of Fame. This is a remarkable recognition of an Australian who played his rugby in England. Bevan is rugby league’s record try scorer with a phenomenal 796 tries in 688 matches in a 20 year career in England. His tryscoring feats are legendary and it is a measure of this that his nearest rival, Billy Boston trails 225 tries behind Bevan. Brian Bevan spent 18 seasons at Wilderspool scoring 740 tries in 620 matches. His many highlights include three Championships and two Challenge Cup victories, including the famous 1954 replay at Odsal and so many memorable tries. He becomes the fourth Warrington player in the NRL Hall of Fame, joining Harry Bath, Dave Brown and Bobby Fulton. Warrington Wolves did not forget their most famous player in the move from Wilderspool Stadium to the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The well known Bevan statue came with the Club on its stadium move and a specially constructed “Bevan Wall” is a reminder of the Great Man’s achievements.
6th September. Happy birthday to me. Rd27 Ticket Update Engage Super League Round 27 Vs Leeds Rhinos Saturday 10th September, 6:00pm KO As he lands in England, Andrew Johns fever has hit Warrington and as predicted ticket sales for the final home game of the season are selling at an astonishing rate. There are now fewer than 800 tickets remaining for the West Stand which has been split 50:50 with Leeds fans. However, as Leeds now have fewer than 200 of their allocation remaining, demand is sky-high and we are expecting the stand to sell out before the weekend arrives. Dave Gittins, Ticket Office Manager comments: "All fans wishing to witness Andrew Johns' Wolves debut are strongly advised to purchase tickets without delay as a total sell-out is pretty much guaranteed. Saturday should be an amazing day and I am sure that he will be bowled over by the greeting of a full house at The Halliwell Jones Stadium." Tickets are available now from Wolfware, the ticket hotline on (01925) 248888 or online at www.wolfwareonline.com
Andrew Johns arrives. Andrew Johns arrived in Warrington today to begin his first training session with his new team mates and get ready for this Saturdays match against reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhions. After a very long trip, with three changes of plane, he arrived in the country this morning and after concerns in the media that a knock to the shin might put him in doubt for this weekends game he is looking forward to his debut.
5th September.The Reds led 16-12 at the break but tries from Martin Gleeson, Chris Bridge and Lee Briers put Warrington 26-16 up with six minutes to go. Karl Fitzpatrick's try gave the Reds hope but Chris Leikvoll's score won it. Afterwards, Warrington boss Paul Cullen picked out Wood for particular praise, and said he would be in next week's squad against Leeds, despite the imminent arrival of Andrew Johns. "Nathan's guts and fighting qualities were our saving grace. Nat Wood was the difference between the teams From Andy Have your say on Five Live "Salford have to be congratulated for an outstanding first half when we were a little bit too pretty with too many of our players trying to push the final pass." He also played down reports Johns had suffered an injury in his final game back home in Australia for Newcastle. "I have spoken to Andrew and there are no problems. It was nothing more than an impact injury and he played an outstanding game." Warrington (12) 32. Tries: Westwood, N. Wood, M. Gleeson, Bridge, Briers, Leikvoll. Goals: Bridge 4. Salford (16) 22.Attn 9,619. Tries: Stewart, Sibbit, Littler, Fitzpatrick. Goals: Charles 3. Teams Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Bridge, Briers, N. Wood, Leikvoll, M. Gleeson, P. Wood, Swann, Westwood, Clarke. Replacements: Noone, Lima, Hilton, Riley. Salford: Fitzpatrick, Langi, Stewart, Littler, Hodgson, Beverley, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Highton, Brocklehurst, Sibbit, Charles. Replacements: Haggerty, Baldwin, McAvoy, Clough.
Warrington Wolves can confirm that Andrew Johns, who will be on loan to the club from Newcastle Knights, has been given squad number 31. Andrew Johns merchandise with his new squad number is now available in the Wolfware shop and on wolwareonline.com. Johns, who is 31 - a tie in with his squad number, is due to fly in to the UK early next week to meet his new team mates and begin preparation for the Round 27 clash with the reigning Super League and World Champions Leeds Rhinos. Tickets for the game can be purchased from Wolfware at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on (01925)248888 or via wolfwareonline.
4th September. Rd 26 18 Named Paul Cullen has named his 18 man squad to face Salford City Reds on Sunday at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. 1 Brent Grose 2 Henry Fa'afili 3 Martin Gleeson 4 Toa Kohe Love 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 23 Andrew Bracek 25 Chris Bridge 28 Chris Riley INJURIES -------- 5 Dean Gaskell - groin injury sustained in RND21 v London Broncos (17/07/05) 12 Mike Wainwright - foot injury sustained in RND24 v Huddersfield Giants (12/08/05) 18 Graham Appo - shoulder injury sustained in Rnd23 v St Helens (05/08/05) Wolves U18's -v- Salford City Reds U18's
As a curtain raiser to the Round 26 Super League match the Wolves Under 18's take on their Salford counterparts at the Halliwell Jones on Sunday, Kick-off is 12.30pm.
1st September. Paul Cullen has named his 20 man squad to face Salford City Reds in Round 26 of engage Super League on Sunday at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. 1 Brent Grose 2 Henry Fa'afili 3 Martin Gleeson Toa Kohe Love 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 19 Daryl Cardiss 22 Steve Pickersgill 23 Andrew Bracek 25 Chris Bridge 28 Chris Riley INJURIES 5 Dean Gaskell - groin injury sustained in RND21 v London Broncos (17/07/05) 12 Mike Wainwright - foot injury sustained in RND24 v Huddersfield Giants (12/08/05) 18 Graham Appo* - shoulder injury sustained in Rnd23 v St Helens (05/08/05) *De-registered to allow Andrew Johns to play in Round 27 v Leeds Rhinos (10/09/05) U21s 21 Simon Grix 26 Nicky Royle 27 Ben Harrison
Paul Cullen gives his views on the break in between the Challenge Cup and Super League and who will be de-registered. HOW HAVE YOU AND THE TEAM SPENT YOUR WEEK'S BREAK? Light duties, pre-Challenge Cup Final those who needed to train did, those who didn't were rested and a normal weeks preparation post Cup Final. HAVE THE BREAKS FOR THE POWERGEN CHALLENGE CUP THIS YEAR THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER BEING BENEFICIAL OR A HINDERANCE TO GAME PREPARATION? They have been of great benefit to date and hopefully will be even more so as the grind of the play-offs swings into full force. WAS IT THE EXPECTED OUTCOME OF THE CHALLENGE CUP FOR YOU? No team is unbeatable. HOW HAVE THE INJURIES PROGRESSED - DEAN GASKELL AND MIKE WAINWRIGHT? Both are doubtful for the Salford game. HAVE YOU MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION ABOUT WHICH PLAYER IS TO BE DE-REGISTERED TO ALLOW ANDREW JOHNS TO PLAY? It will be Graham Appo who will be de-registered due to his shoulder injury. It is an unfortunate time of season for Graham to get injured. The option is there for Graham to be still available for us if any one of the three overseas players gets injured. Whether Graham wants to take up that option, or chooses not to do because it is too difficult for him, is his decision and we'll support him either way. Contractually he is secure and he won't lose out financially in this situation. WE NEED ONE MORE POINT TO CONSOLIDATE OUR PLACE IN THE TOP SIX, DO YOU THINK SALFORD WILL BE AN EASY CONTEST ON SUNDAY? Playing Salford is never easy as we found out on Good Friday, but our preparation is about what we intend to do. WE HAVE SEVERAL PLAYERS OUT OF CONTRACT AT THE END OF THIS SEASON IN PARTICULAR DEAN GASKELL AND PAUL NOONE, WILL YOU BE RETAINING THEM OR RELEASING THEM? Any announcements will be made at the appropriate time.
Graham Appo will be the overseas Wolves player who makes way for the arrival of Andrew Johns. Appo's current shoulder injury was threatening to leave him unavailable for a third successive game this weekend and so Wolves have de-registered him for the time being. Only three imports are allowed on Wolves' quota but if Johns, Nathan Wood or Brent Grose become sidelined between now and the end of the season then Appo will be taken back on. Wolves' head coach Paul Cullen said: "It is an unfortunate time of the season for Graham to get injured. "The option is there for Graham to be still available for us if any one of the other three overseas players becomes injured. "Whether Graham wants to take up that option, or chooses not to do because it is too difficult for him, is his decision and we'll support him either way. "Contractually he is secure and he won't lose out financially in this situation." Less than 1,500 tickets are available for the Leeds game on Saturday week when Johns is expected to play for the Wire against Leeds in a game televised on Sky.
Stuart Reardon is tipped to join Wire for next year but Wire policy is not to comment on such matters and they will not confirm or deny.
Joey Johns is an expert surfer and is expected to keep his hand in by surfing over Latchford Wier which is in particularly good flow at the minute with the recent rain.
WOLVES will start with the same 13 against Salford City Reds that hammered Widnes Vikings 60-16 last time out. Chris Bridge will keep his place on the left wing and Paul Wood will start at prop ahead of Mark Hilton when Salford visit The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 3pm. The only change is the likely return of Paul Noonewho could replace Andy Bracek on the subs bench after recovering from a back strain. Mike Wainwright and Dean Gaskell are likely to need another week to shake off their foot and groin injuries. Paul Cullen said that Bridge deserves a starting place, evenaway from his recognised half back position. He said: "He is a talent that you've got to get on the field, whether that be left wing, left centre, left half back or even in the back row at some point. "He needs to be on the field because he scores tries and he kicks goals, plus he has great presence and composure about him - as seen against Widnes in our last game. "He showed great ability in getting the ball from a very good kick by Stephen Myler amid a very good chase by Widnes' right edge. He had the composure to pick up the ball six inches from the dead ball line and fire out a superb pass to Brent Grose, who went 107 metres for a try. "That ability can't be used when sat in the stand and so the key is to get him on the field."Wolves want carry on the work after a good win at Widnes Cullen said: "We'll be tested more this week than we were against Widnes, with all due respect. "We proved categorically in our last performance against Salford that 'Good' Friday (42-10 defeat at The Willows) was a long time ago. "But we cannot and will not underestimate the Salford side, who produced a very good performance in their previous game to thrash Wakefield 37-0." "They need some positives to finish their season and that's what we're wary of." Possible team to play Salford: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Chris Bridge; Lee Briers, Nathan Wood; Chris Leikvoll, Mark Gleeson, Paul Wood, Logan Swann, Ben Westwood, Jon Clarke. Subs: Chris Riley, Mark Hilton, Paul Noone, Danny Lima.
Next Saturday sees the Wolves debut of the Worlds Greatest Player, Andrew Johns, and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to guarantee entrance to this momentous occasion. A full house of over 13,000 is anticipated for this final home game of the season, and as expected current sales have already surpassed the record set at the previous home game against St Helens. With less that 100 tickets now available for the East Stand, 500 for the South and 400 in the North, it means that there are now fewer than 1,000 tickets remaining for the ‘traditional’ home areas. However due to the high volume of tickets sold and the uniqueness of the game, West stand tickets have been split 50:50 split between Wolves and Rhinos fans. Dave Gittins, Ticketing Office Manger comments: "We recognise that the debut of Andrew Johns in Primrose and Blue will be a unique occasion in our history and the interest not only from Wolves fans but from rugby league fans in general has been amazing. It is completely unheard of for us to have so few North Stand seats remaining, and also the East Stand looks likely to sell-out by tomorrow, with the South Stand almost certain to go by the end of the weekend. We encourage all fans to purchase tickets in advance to avoid the disappointment of missing this great event."