April 2006
29th April. Academy Team News Hot footing it back from France and an England victory are the 5 Wolves Academy players, backing up from Thursday nights win in De Carpentras with matches against Leeds Rhinos. Gary Chambers has again named a strong side to face the Rhinos at Wilderpsool, kick-off 2.30pm, with the Wolves looking to maintain their unbeaten record and keep top spot in the league. Wolves: Chris Hull Kevin Penny Matty Blythe Antony Jerram Harry Archer Sam Gee Stephen Roper Mark Hilton Michael Johnson Danny Lima Andy Bracek Steven Pickersgill Paul Noone Ben Harrison Craig Cornelia Rick Jones Danny Aboushakra Dave Elliot takes his side to Headingley, kick-off 12pm, after 3 wins on the run for what is likely to be a real test against a well drilled Rhinos side. Craig Howard Vinny Finnegan Marc Shackley Kash Watkins Ashley Faulkner Anthony Rourke Nigel Scott Michael Cooper Craig White Jake Emmitt Lee Mitchell Tyrone McCarthy Paul Reynolds Danny Colquitt Lee Caldwell Ben Mellor Danny Brown
Player of the Month Henry Fa'afili has been named Warrington Wolves Player of the Month for March. The likeable New Zealander scooped the inaugural award at the club for his appearances in the Engage Super League and thanks to sponsors Prime Time Recruitment the club will now hold an event at The Halliwell Jones Stadium every month. The award itself is chosen by The Wolves coaching staff of Paul Cullen, Paul Darbyshire, Mike Forshaw and Gary Chambers, together they looked at criteria including not only match performance, but also professional day to day attitude in training and around the club. During March Henry ran in three tries and helped Warrington to their first win at Wigan for 13 years, the New Zealand test international was also part of The Wolves stunning comeback from 21 nil down at Wakefield. Head Coach Paul Cullen explained the decision behind the award: "Henry's performance on the field, on the training park and in the gym is superb. His conduct both on and off the field are exemplary and his holistic approach to Rugby League allows Henry to take this award. Congratulations to Henry, let's hope for more of the same." Henry is a favourite with the younger fans at The Halliwell Jones Stadium and during March he showed his bond with the supporters when he met up with a young fan recovering from a triple break of his arm. After training Henry spent time with the youngster signing photographs and chatting about his nasty injury. The youngster said it was a day he'll never forget and that's down to Henry's approach with fans. Henry Fa'afili said: "It's always a positive to win an individual award, however if the boys were doing the business on the field then I wouldn't get near the tryline. I think the performances of Chris Bridge and Paul Wood were excellent during March and they should also receive credit." The Kiwi is also one of The Wolves finest ambassadors when dealing with the media, his quote of the month came live on Talksport, former Newcastle United footballer Micky Quinn asked Henry where he developed his trademark leap to catch cross field kicks. Henry replies and I quote: "I've always been able to jump high to be honest, it started when I got home from school late and my Mum threw all sorts things at me, I'd have to leap pretty high to avoid them." Organiser of the event Corporate Sales Manager, Michelle Holmes, said: "We are delighted with the response of the business from across the region that turned out in force for the Warrington Wolves & Prime Time Player of the Month Award. The facilities at The Halliwell Jones Stadium allow us to hold events such as this and invite support from business and sponsors. "The support we receive helps the club progress on and off the field and we invite any potential sponsors to come along and enjoy events like this." Wolfmail
28th April. Team News Paul Cullen has named his initial 20 man squad to face Leeds Rhinos, May 1, kick-off 3.05pm Live on Sky Sports.
Stuart Reardon
Simon Grix
Brent Grose
Henry Fa'afili
Chris Leikvoll
Michael Sullivan
Lee Briers
Jon Clarke
Paul Rauhihi
Danny Lima
Martin Gleeson
Paul Wood
Rob Parker
Paul Noone
Ben Westwood
Logan Swann
Mike Wainwright
Richie Barnett
Mark Gleeson
Toa Kohe-Love
Wolves' Rookies Impress in England Victory Gary Chambers led England Under 18s to a 36-15 victory at The Complexe Sportif , De Carpentras last night. The Warrington Wolves Senior Academy coach saw his side grind out a gutsy win over the channel as the country's batch of junior academy talents showed the game is in good hands. Five young Wolves' star featured in the game with three registering on the scoreboard. Ben Harrison, who only found his passport just hours before the trip crashed over for a try, as did Danny Colquitt and Kevin Penny. Centre Matty Blythe impressed throughout and back rower Anthony Rourke helped step up the tempo of the performance as a replacement. Speaking from France Chambers told warringtonwolves.com, "We are pleased with the victory over a talented French side, we didn't start all that well to be honest, however as the game went on we showed our quality. All of the Warrington lads performed well, they have been a credit to the club whilst on international duty." The England Under 18s next challenge comes against the Australian Combined High Schools and the Australian Institute of Sport.
A Right Good Read Pick up a copy on gameday If you want all the latest news from The Halliwell Jones Stadium on a matchday then pick up a copy of the official matchday magazine from Wolfware or from our sellers based on the concourses. For this season we have improved the look, feel and contest of our matchday publication to make it a must read for Wolves fans. The new matchday magazine format features a glossy new cover and poster, and inside we bring you exclusive player and coaching staff interviews with the real stories from the club. Our team of writers will also bring supporters informed, witty and professional views on all things oval. This week Paul Cullen gives his thoughts on squad selection, Martin Gleeson gives fans an insight into his game while several Wolves stars give their views on the burning issues. Our trusted scouts have done all the research on the visitors from Yorkshire and the popular features still remain including a ticketing bulletin along with news from the Past Players and The Foundation. The bumper new 56 page issue costs £3, but offers great value as well as an entertaining read for spectators. Leading columnists in Rugby League have again signed up to give their opinions of another season of thrills and spills from the Engage Super League and Powergen Challenge Cup and will give all latest player team updates and breaking stories as well as the information and statistics on the season so far. We have added some new features and we will also be going behind the scenes at both the training ground and dressing rooms to give you the real news behind matchday at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
27th April. Home Match Tickets: Engage Super League Round 12 Vs Leeds Rhinos, at The Halliwell Jones Stadium Monday 1st May, 3:05pm kick-off The feel good factor is back at The Halliwell Jones Stadium after a thrilling victory over World Club Champions Bradford Bulls on Sunday. After back to back wins against opposition from Yorkshire, The Wolves will be hoping to complete a treble over the White Rose County on Bank Holiday Monday (May 1st) when another heavyweight make the trip over The Pennines. The May Day clash sees Leeds Rhinos, currently second in the Engage Super League table travel to Warrington to face a resurgent Wolves side brimming in confidence after a 27-4 triumph over The Bulls. Once again another bumper crowd is expected to swell thanks to the huge and vocal Rhinos following, their trademark chants will only add to the unique atmosphere at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. The Wolves are hoping for a crowd of around 12,000 as Paul Cullen's men go in search of league consistency and two crucial points. Tickets are still available from Wolfware (9am-5pm) and from the ticket office on the day of the game, availability is as follows (correct at: Thursday, April 21st 3pm). East Stand: 50 tickets remaining on sale North Stand: 400 tickets available, South Stand: 400 tickets on sale, West Stand: Tickets on sale or fans can pay on the gate (turnstiles open at 1.30pm)
Paul Cullen has thrown down the gauntlet to his players to beat Leeds on Monday as they did the last time the teams met in Septemberwhen Wire ran out winners 33-16 on Andrew Johns debut for the club. The team got a lot from his spell at the club and a lot was learned says Cullen, Paul also revealed that he has weekly conversations with Johns in which all aspects of rugby league are discussed.
Toa Kohe-Love is in with a strong chance of playing against Leeds after missing the Bradford game with knee ligament trouble, Chris Bridge is definately out he is being given more time to get over an impact injury to his ankle.Michael Sullivan left the field with aback injury against Bradford but has fully recovered and will play .
Lee Briers kicked his 48th drop goal on Sunday against Bradford and in doing so passed Steve Hesfords club record of 47 which has stood for 22 years.
23rd April. Warrington 27 Bradford 4.Wolves boss Paul Cullen: "It was an outstanding effort against a very good team in a decent run of form. "They have world-class players and are a world-class club, so that was a world-class win. "Guts, determination and scrambling defence were the order of the day. One to 17 were completely committed and we are disappointed we didn't 'nil' them."
Teams Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Reardon, Barnett, Briers, Sullivan, Rauhihi, Clarke, Wood, Swann, Wainwright, Westwood. Replacements: Grix, M. Gleeson, Parker, Leikvoll. Bradford: Withers, Bai, B. Harris, Hape, Vainikolo, I. Harris, Deacon, Fielden, Newton, Lynch, Ferres, Johnson, Langley. Replacements: Henderson, Gene, Kopczak, Vagana.
Scorers Warrington (10) 27 Tries: Gleeson 2, Westwood, Wood, Briers Goals: Briers 3 Drop goals: Bradford (4) 4 Tries: Bai. Attn 10.822.
No Smoking Stadium Warrington Wolves would like to thank the vast majority of fans who smoke for observing the 'No Smoking' policy within The Halliwell Jones Stadium. The Halliwell Jones Stadium became a No Smoking venue this year as 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 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 introduced 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 of the change. The importance of health is at the forefront in 2006 with the 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 felt that the health of its fans was very important, given the effects of passive smoking which includes eye irritation, headache, cough, sore throat, dizziness and nausea. These unpleasant side effects it has been said ruins 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 2007. It is unfortunate that in recent weeks, a small number of fans have chosen to ignore the No Smoking policy, and when approached by club stewards and requested to stop smoking, the stewards have been both verbally and physically abused. This situation cannot and will not be tolerated by the club. Warrington Wolves will now therefore pursue stadium banning orders against those fans that are continually smoking in conjunction with police officers from Cheshire Constabulary. To all those Wolves fans that observe the No Smoking policy at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, thank you from your family club.
Another Academy Double After tough encounters against their Bradford counterparts two weeks ago, both Junior and Senior Wolves Academy teams have again come away with the win under their belts. Two keenly fought contests ended with the Wolves taking the spoils as the Junior Academy picked up a 28-16 win, with tries by Tyrone McCarthy, Danny Brown, Paul Reynolds, Danny Colquitt and two for Kash Watkins. The Senior Academy had a full blooded match with the Bulls coming back strong in the second half to bring it within 8 until the Wolves hit home with tries from Lima and Archer to seal the well deserved win at 36-22 and continue their unbeaten run in the League. Fixtures and match reports for both games are available on the relevant Fixtures section of Wolf Web.
22nd April.Academy Double Header Warrington Wolves Junior and Senior Academy take on their Bradford counterparts in a double-header at Wilderspool this afternoon. The young Wolves did the double over the Bulls a couple of weeks back and the Yorkshire side will no doubt be looking for some payback. The action starts at 12.30pm with the Junior Academy and is followed at 3pm with the Senior Academy. Senior Academy coach Gary Chambers has named a strong side with some first team squad members Chris Riley, Mark Hilton, Danny Lima, Ste Pickersgill and Andy Bracek all looking to catch Paul Cullens eye. Senior Academy squad: Chris Riley Kevin Penny Matty Blythe Antony Jerram Harry Archer Sam Gee Stephen Roper Mark Hilton Michael Johnson Danny Lima Ben Harrison Steven Pickersgill Andy Bracek Chris Hull Craig Cornelia Rick Jones Danny Aboushakra Junior Academy coach Dave Elliot will be looking for a third win on the bounce from his young charges after a 56-0 hammering of the City Reds last week. Junior squad: Nigel Scott Kash Watkins Craig Howard Marc Shackley Vinny Finnegan Antony Rourke Craig White Paul Reynolds Joe Gandy Jake Emmitt Lee Mitchell Tyrone McCarthy Danny Colquitt Richard Chatfield Danny Brown Lee Caldwell Ben Mellor
Ticket News Another bumper crowd is on the cards at The Halliwell Jones Stadium as Warrington Wolves play host to the Engage Super League and World Club Champions Bradford Bulls on Sunday, April 23. With limited availability left in the East, South and North Stands the club will operate a pay-on-the-gate system on the West Stand for all supporters to encourage fans to mix together and enjoy the thrill and spills of the Engage Super League. Once again supporters are urged to buy early to avoid disappointment as the club prepare for an attendance in excess of 11,000. Record season ticket sales of almost 8,000 means that very few tickets remain on a match-to-match basis and fans need to be quick to purchase the few remaining available seats. Ticketing Manager Dave Gittins, comments: "With Bradford's impressive travelling support and the boisterous home crowd this encounter has the makings of a classic. The West Stand is rapidly becoming an area for fans from both clubs to enjoy the action, the banter and all the entertainment on offer at The Halliwell Jones Stadium." Ticket remaining on sale: North Stand - 400 remaining East Stand - 60 remaining South Stand - 300 remaining West Stand - Pay on the Gate .
21st April. Team News Paul Cullen names his final 18-man squad to face the Bradford Bulls in Round 11 of the engage Super League.
Stuart Reardon
Simon Grix
Brent Grose
Henry Fa'afili
Chris Leikvoll
Michael Sullivan
Lee Briers
Jon Clarke
Paul Rauhihi
Martin Gleeson
Paul Wood
Rob Parker
Paul Noone
Ben Westwood
Logan Swann
Mike Wainwright
Richie Barnett
Mark Gleeson .
20th April.20 Man Squad Paul Cullen has named his initial 20-man squad to face the Bradford Bulls, under the new leadership of Steve McNamara this Sunday:
Stuart Reardon
Simon Grix
Brent Grose
Henry Fa'afili
Chris Leikvoll
Michael Sullivan
Lee Briers Jon Clarke
Paul Rauhihi
Danny Lima
Martin Gleeson
Paul Wood
Rob Parker
Paul Noone
Ben Westwood
Logan Swann
Mike Wainwright
Richie Barnett
Mark Hilton
Mark Gleeson
Injury Hit Wolves Prepare for Bulls Wolves centre Toa Kohe-Love and half back Chris Bridge have been ruled out of Sunday's encounter between Warrington and Bradford at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick off 3pm. The former Bulls duo will miss the clash against their old club, while Jon Clarke, Chris Leikvoll and Mark Gleeson all face a race against time to be fit for the visit of the Engage Super League Champions. Warrington Wolves Head Coach Paul Cullen, said: "We paid a high price for our runaway victory against Castleford Tigers on Monday with four players leaving the field, not being able to return; finishing the game with 12 to avoid any further injury to Lee Briers." "Our medical staff have been busy all week but time has been their biggest enemy in the bid to have the injured ready to meet the challenge of the Bulls." "It is at times like this that the squad system is so important and the fact that we have given a number of the younger players first team opportunities means they will not come into a strange environment if needed."
15th April.Castleford 6 Warrington 64 Warrington's highest ever Super League away win. came at the expense of a poor Cas team, This was what Salford did to Warrington the previous week albeit with a much smaller score Cas looked completely outplayed and out thoughtWire boss Paul Cullen: "The confidence that has not been there in one or two games is on its way back. "We have a habit of doing this over the Easter period, getting a touch up on Good Friday and bouncing back with a bit of style on Easter Monday. We also did it last year. "Lee Briers is a very smart player. It is not only his contribution with the ball in hand or ball on foot, it is the confidence he gives to other players. "He invariably makes the right decision at the right time."
Scores: Castleford (6) Tries: Platt Goals: McGoldrick Warrington (28) 64 Tries: Fa'afili 2, Kohe-Love, Clarke, Gleeson 2, Sullivan, Briers, Wood, Rauhihi, Parker Goals: Briers 10
Teams: Castleford: Platt, Pryce, Franze, Viane, Dyer, McGoldrick, Davis, Ward, Henderson, Nutley, Fa'aoso, Manu, Bird. Replacements: Kain, Roarty, Huby, Whitaker. Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Reardon, Briers, Sullivan, Leikvoll, M. Gleeson, Wood, Swann, Wainwright, Noone. Replacements: Clarke, Rauhihi, Parker, Grix. HT 6-28. Attn 5,681
15th April.Warrington 6 Salford 22. Well I got out of a sick bed to watch Salford completely overwhelm Wire in the first half , more resilience from Wire in the second half kept Salford from addinf to the score but Wire showed no sign of ever adding to their score. Said coach Cullen."It was a game of missed opportunities for us and a fantastic effort from Salford in defence. "They took their chances and we didn't take ours but that result had nothing to do with players who were sat in the stand or on the treatment table. "There were a couple of missed tackles and Salford exploited that very well."
Warrington: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Reardon, Bridge, Sullivan, Leikvoll, Clarke, Wood, Swann, Wainwright, Westwood. Replacements: Noone, Rauhihi, M. Gleeson, Parker. Salford: Fitzpatrick, Hodgson, Littler, Moule, Wilshere, Dunemann, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Highton, Brocklehurst, Sibbit, Finnigan. Replacements: McGuinness, Clayton, Charles, Haggerty.
Warrington (6) 6 Try: Fa'afili Goal: Noone Salford (22) 22 Tries: Robinson, Hodgson, Fitzpatrick, Littler Goals: Wilshere 3. Attn 10,744
13th April.Warrington 18-man squad to face Salford Friday: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Reardon, Briers, Sullivan, Leikvoll, Clarke, Swann, Wainwright, Noone, M. Gleeson, Westwood, Wood, Parker, Rauhihi, Bridge.
Radio Wolves Wolves stars Brent Grose and Michael Sullivan will be appearing on BBC Radio Lancashire Rugby League Show this evening (Thursday, Wednesday 12). Host Mike Latham will be opening the phone lines for supporters to chat to the Aussie duo from 7-8pm. Warrington Wolves have teamed up with BBC Radio Lancashire to give awaytwo pairs of tickets for Good Friday's clash with Salford City Reds at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Details of the competition will be broadcast on the show, listen Live to BBC Radio Lancashire on 103.9FM, 95.5FM, 104.5FM and DAB Digital Radio.
Young Trio Agree Deals Warrington Wolves have offered extended contracts to three young players this week enhancing the clubs growing reputation as one of Super League's future producers of junior talent. Mike Cooper, Kevin Penny and Ben Harrison all agreed new deals at The Halliwell Jones Stadium securing their immediate futures with the club. Warrington Wolves Head Coach Paul Cullen, said: "The development and progression of young players is a key factor in our long term planning for the club. "We are developing young local talent such as Steve Pickersgill, Chris Riley and Mike Cooper, who have all figured in our first team. "Another teenager who is also making good progress is full back or winger Kevin Penny. Add to those Ben Harrison, who joined us from Barrow Island, and also made his senior debut in the Powergen cup-tie against London Skolars." "A lot of effort and time is put in by our coaching staff in developing and nurturing our young talent of whom we are tremendously proud." "Developing young players is an on-going process which requires commitment and dedication from the players and the coaching staff. Not all youngsters are going to make it to Super League level, but we aim to improve them and give them the best environment and chance to achieve their ambitions." "We have had to bring in juniors to catch up, but we are now on the verge of producing our own talents." "This week we have given extended contracts to Cooper, Penny and Harrison. They are all products of our Scholarship or Academy structure, Kevin and Mike are part time players, but we hope at the end of this season or next to bring them into a full time environment. We want them to be in a position where they are demanding inclusion in the senior squad and the match day seventeen."
11th April.Brains and Brawn Ben Harrison - If you think about the stereotypes of a Rugby League forward then intelligence doesn't always feature prominently. Brawn and brains aren't a typical combination in the pack, however these are just two of Ben Harrison's developing skills. Ben completed his A-Level studies a year early in order to train full-time with the first team in the second half of last season; he has been rewarded with a place in the first team squad for 2006. As an emerging prop or second rower who is very physically advanced for his age, Harrison is an intelligent forward with fine ball handling skills for his size. Hailing from Cumbria, he was scouted by Wolves assistant coach Gary Chambers whilst playing for Barrow Island, and has a fine junior representative career. His growing junior honours list includes a recent call up to the England Under 18s side after a string of impressive showing for Warrington Wolves Under 21s side. Harrison has already represented Cumbria from U12 to U16, Lancashire at U17 and U18 level and featured in England sides from U15 to U17s, captaining England Schools at U16 and facing the Australian Institute of Sport at the end of 2005. After sailing through his exams he is now knuckling down on his chosen career"It's really beneficial to my game that I can train full-time. Throughout the week I can work on my skills and fitness and concentration fully on my rugby. "As a younger player it's tough getting through your studies and then cramming training and matches in. He continued: "There is so much you can learn off the other guys, Rob Parker has been a great help. He is only a young player himself, but you forget that because of the experience he has at the top level. We have worked on running better lines together and it's all good development." Following another superb win over Bradford at Morley RUFC Warrington Wolves Under 21s side now sit proudly at the top of the Senior Academy Championship. Harrison added: "The Senior Academy side is the perfect place to show what you can do. The new rule allowing more players over 21 is a smart one, we aren't filling the side with first team players, but two or three top players add an awful lot of experience." Continued development at his current pace will without doubt see Harrison challenging for a first team place regularly. After a fourth place finish last season Paul Cullen has not only strengthened, but his task of picking his seventeen each week has been made all the tougher by the progress of a host of young rookies. "I know it's a big step up and training full time will only benefit me in the long run. I got a chance against The Skolars and enjoyed it. The weather early in the season has dictated many of the games and I tried to stick to the basics. You have to look after the ball more and respect the conditions. It was really an introduction to the first team and hopefully I'll get more opportunities."
Bradford Bulls - 16 - vs - Warrington Wolves - 18 Chris Riley - Hat-trickA top of the table clash ensued at Morley Rugby Union club, with the Wolves heavyweight pack looking to make the most of the tough weather conditions. As the forwards toughed it out the backs despite of the wind and rain shone with their handling, Riley showing lovely footwork and strength to open the scoring. As the conditions worsened into sleet the Bulls took their chance to get back into the game and a try under the sticks gave the six points and the lead. The tussle continued with both sets of forwards running hard, the Super League experience of Lima and Hilton along with workrate and speed of Harrison and Pickersgill made a good platform. The weather played it's part with numerous knock on's from both sides before Riley once again finished superbly after latching onto a kick-through to take back the lead and end the half 8-6 to the good. Simon Grix - Great strengthBright sunshine greeted the start of the second half, the Bulls were first to strike through Kopczak and the goal by Flanagan edged the home side back into the lead. Simon Grix, playing in the stand-off berth, looked dangerous with ball in hand, splitting the defence open a number of times with his strength and footwork. It was fast thinking from the Wolves that saw Rileys hat-trick, a kick through ricocheted and cam down sweetly, the ball was shifted quickly to the wing for Riley to out the cover and touchdown. The Wolves were constantly probing the Bulls line, but the Bulls defence held strong. Fortune didn't favour the Wolves as they came on strong, their improved discipline starting to show. Even a stunning break by Grix, betaing 5 men by busting through 2 tackles before stepping to the line only to lose control on grounding was frustrating. The Wolves pack took control as Mark Hilton burst through and made 30 metres to give good field position for scrum-half Steve Roper to put in a pin-point kick to the wing of Barnett for the final try by the Wolves. The Bulls hit back with a late try to make the scoreline tight for the final five minutes, but in a tough encounter the Wolves held strong to take the league points.
Warrington: Chris Riley, Richie Barnett, Sam Gee, Anthony Jerram, Harry Archer, Simon Grix, Steve Roper, Mark Hilton, Mike Johnson, Danny Lima, Ben Harrison, Steve Pickersgill, Andy Bracek Subs: Craig Cornelia, Chris Baines, Rick Jones, Danny Aboushakra
Tries: Riley 3, Barnett Goals: Roper
Bradford: Marcus St.Hillaire, David Halley, Richard Johnson, Marcus George, Andy Smith, Mark Flanagan, Matthew Brooks, Craig Kopczak, Joe Hawley, Matt James, Alex Szostak, Joe Walsh, Sam Burgess Subs: Ben Feehan, Taron Wilday, Larne Patrick, Richard Hawkyard
Tries: George, Kopczak, Patrick Goals: Flanagan (M.) 2
10th April.Warrington Wolves vs Whitehaven Powergen Challenge Cup Sunday 21st May 2006, kick-off 4pm Warrington Wolves will face Whitehaven in the Powergen Challenge Cup on Sunday, May 21, kick-off 4pm. The game has been scheduled at 4pm to avoid a clash with the BBC televised fixture and the club are hoping to attract a respectable attendance. Tickets will go on sale to season ticket holder from 11am on Tuesday, April 18 priced from £13-£20 for adults and £7-£12 for concessions. After an initial sale all tickets will be available on general sale from Saturday, May 20 priced from £15-£22 for adults, £9-£14 for concessions. Family tickets will cost between £30-£35 for 1 adult and two children and £40-£50 for two adults and two children. The Powergen Challenge Cup Round Five draw has produced an exciting fixture for all concerned. Wolves supporters can rest assured that we will be giving Whitehaven the respect they deserve and I do not intend to rest any players for this game. I know quite a lot about the Whitehaven squad including many of the players I have worked with in the past. This promises to be a traditional cup tie for all the supporters." Turnstiles will open at 2pm to allow spectators to watch the BBC Sport game on screens situated on the concourses.
Paul Cullen has warned his players that they need to keep the good form going over the Easter period, He said we cannot beat Bradford and let it slip over Easter, Wire play Salford on Good Friday and Castleford on Easter Monday.
8th April.Bradford 18 Warrington 22. Bradford lost ground on the engage Super League leaders after crashing to their first home defeat for 10 months in amud bath at Odsal. Both sides scored four tries in the mud but Bulls marksman Paul Deacon missed with three of his four conversion attempts. Warrington skipper Lee Briers, kicked three from three as the Wolves repeated last season's win at Odsal. Bradford made the bright start and centre Karl Pryce doubled his tries for the season with two touchdowns in the first 13 minutes but the slow-starting Wolves gradually took control, The home side should have scored after 90 seconds when winger Lesley Vainikolo was first to reach Iestyn Harris' kick but failed to touchdown. Pryce made no mistake, however, when Warrington winger Fa'afili lost the ball near his own line to give the Bulls man a try. The Wolves hit back when half-back Chris Bridge, one of five former Bulls players in their ranks, raced onto Briers' kick to the line and the skipper's goal edged his side in front. Pryce grabbed his second try on 13 minutes after Fa'afili had tried to intercept Jamie Langley's long pass but Deacon was once more off target with the conversion. Warrington twice lost possession from the restart but Bradford too found handling difficult in the greasy conditions and they surrendered the initiative to the visitors in the second quarter. Prop Paul Wood took Logan Swann's pass out of the tackle to plunge over for a second try and Briers got Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson into a gap for him to sidestep past full-back Michael Withers for another score 10 minutes before half-time, when they led 18-8. The Bulls closed the gap to four points early in the second half when prop Joe Vagana, who had earlier been placed on report for use of his elbow, took Harris' pass from dummy half to crash over for his first try of the year which Deacon converted. But Briers broke up a promising Bradford move with an interception to set up the position for Fa'afili to score a breakaway try that proved decisive. Centre Ben Harris scored a fourth try for the Bulls on 64 minutes after another astute pass from his namesake to give his side hope but Warrington defended well to preserve their lead.
Scores: Bradford Tries: K Pryce 2, J Vagana, B Harris Warrington Tries: C.Bridge, P Wood, M Gleeson, H Fa'afili Goals: Goals: L Briers 3.
Teams.Bradford: Withers, Bai, B. Harris, Pryce, Vainikolo, I. Harris, Deacon, Fielden, Henderson, Lynch, Hape, McKenna, Langley. Replacements: Vagana, Ferres, Watene, Gene.
Warrington : Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Reardon, Briers, Bridge, Leikvoll, Clarke, Wood, Swann, Wainwright, Westwood. Replacements: Sullivan, Parker, Noone, Rauhihi. HT 8-18 Atn 11,136
Said Paul. "It was a great effort in very difficult conditions. It has to be our best performance of the season. "It's always a very difficult place to compete, let alone win but we're very proud of the fact that we completed back-to-back wins over Bradford and now that's three which is a very impressive record."
Wolves Treble Over Bulls The victory over the Bulls at Odsal this evening meant a treble win over the Yorkshire side was sealed, the Wolves Senior and Junior Academy sides were also victorious against their counterparts. The Senior Academy Under 21 side had a hard fought win, overcoming terrible weather conditions to take the league top spot. The clash with the Bulls at Morley RU club saw the young Wolves run out 18-16 winners with a Chris Riley hat-trick sealing the game. Not to be outdone, the Junior Academy bagged their first win of the season with a brace of tries by Mike Cooper and the boot of Anthony Rourke racking up the points for a 22-12
7th April.Rauhihi Returns To Wolves Squad Club captain Paul Rauhihi has been called in the 18 man squad for Warrington Wolves trip to Odsal on Saturday (April 8). The 32-year-old New Zealand Test prop joined the club from North Queensland Cowboys in the off season, but he has been limited to just one start to due to a hamstring tear. He has passed a fitness test and will travel with the squad to Yorkshire for the Engage Super League XI encounter with Bradford Bulls, Mark Gleeson has withdrawn from the squad due to a minor injury and Simon Grix misses out on selection. Warrington Wolves 18 man squad to face Bradford Bulls at Odsal on Saturday, April 8th (Kick-off 6pm):
Stuart Reardon
Lee Briers (captain)
Brent Grose
Henry Fa'afili
Chris Leikvoll
Michael Sullivan
Jon Clarke
Paul Rauhihi
Danny Lima
Martin Gleeson
Paul Wood
Rob Parker
Paul Noone
Ben Westwood
Logan Swann
Mike Wainwright
Toa Kohe-Love
Chris Bridge
Fixture Changes Warrington Wolves can announce the following fixture changes to their Engage Super League XI schedule: The Easter Monday clash with Castleford Tigers at The Jungle (April 17) will kick-off at 5.35pm. The home encounter with Leeds Rhinos will kick-off at 3pm on May 1st. Warrington Wolves vs Les Catalans Dragons on 6th May, at Stade Aime Giral, which now kick-off at 7pm. The away fixture on Saturday, June 10th at The Stoop against Harlequin RL will kick off at 12 noon.
6th April. Players Need Our Fans Wolves fans are being offered the chance to buy reduced priced tickets from Wolfware for Saturday’s trip to Odsal as Paul Cullen’s troops take on the Engage Super League Champions Bradford Bulls. For just £30 two adults and two children can take in the action at Odsal as the two heavyweights go head to head for what promises to be an enthralling encounter. Last season Warrington racked up 44 points on the way to an historic win at Odsal, however The Bulls responded in trademark fashion later in the year and ultimately went on to be crowned Champions. Adult tickets are priced at just £14, concessions (children, OAP and students are £7. The Wolves have teamed up with the Bulls to offer fans a chance to enjoy The Super League experience at cut price admission, only available until 1pm on Saturday from Wolfware. One adult and children tickets are priced £15, two adults and a child cost £25 – to add another child cost £5. Head Coach Paul Cullen remembers the crucial role the fans played in West Yorkshire last season. He said: "The support at Odsal was last season was superb and our players responded to the fans with an historic team victory. Traditionally Bradford is a tough place to go and with The Bulls current Engage Super League Champions we are under no illusions of the task that lies ahead of us." "So far the spectators at all our away games have backed us from the first whistle to the last and hopefully they will make the trip to Odsal on Saturday." Bradford Bulls vs Warrington Wolves Adult = £14 Concession = £7 Special Family Promotion: 1 Adult & 1 Child = £15 1 Adult & 2 Children = £20 2 Adults & 1 Child = £25 2 Adults & 2 Children = £30.
Back a Winner with the Wolves Warrington Wolves fans can join in the Grand National action with a free draw at Wolfware. Supporters who purchase tickets for the fixtures against Bradford (away) or Salford (home) before 1pm on Saturday, April 8 can draw one of the 40 national entries from Wolfie's 'lucky horse box' and cheer on their selection whilst supporting Warrington Wolves. Tickets for the trip to Odsal on Saturday are on sale at Wolfware with reduced prices only available from the club shop. Supporters can also snap up the remaining tickets for the Good Friday clash with Salford City Reds at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. Director of Commercial Development at Warrington Wolves, Dave Hutchinson said: "We are giving supporters the chance to enjoy the action of The Grand National, while backing The Wolves in their Engage Super League XI campaign. "Fans have no need to gamble their hard earned cash on the race, instead they can continue to support their club and see if they can back a winner with Warrington Wolves." If your horse goes on to win the Grand National then you will net a signed Warrington Wolves rugby ball, if your selection is placed in the top four you will win a top prize from Wolfware. One entry to the draw per transaction, competition open from 12noon until 1pm Saturday, April 8.
Bradford Triple Header A veritable Rugby fest is available for fans this Saturday (8th April), with both Wolves Academy games being switched to Morley Rugby Union club prior to the first team fixture against the Bulls in the evening. Gary Chambers' Under 21's take on their Bradford counterparts in a top of the table clash at 12pm, as the two teams battle it out to see who will lose their unbeaten record this season and take top spot. Dave Elliot's Under 18 Academy side kick-off at 2pm and will be looking to pick up their first points of the season after a sterling effort against St Helens last week. Directions to Morley RUFC: Scatcherd Lane Morley West Yorkshire LS27 0JJ MORLEY RFC is situated just off the main A650 Wakefield to Bradford Road. Access via the motorway networks, is the M62 Junction 29 from the M1 and the East, and Junction 27 from the West.. Coming off at either Junction take the A650 towards Morley. FROM THE EAST Along the A650 towards Bradford, along the duel carrageway to first set of traffic lights at tingley bar, keep in the left hand lane and follow the signs for Bradford, continue up duel carrageway, through 2 sets of traffic lights, past the Mermaid Fish Restaurant, through next set of traffic lights, past the Half Way House Public House, road bends to the right, take the 2nd right, St Andrews Avenue, immediately before the Church. (MORLEY RFC sign half way up lamp post). go down here until you reach a small roundabout, go straight across, MORLEY RFC is 200 yards further down on the left. FROM THE WEST Along the A650 towards Wakefield, through a set of traffic lights, passing the Angel Public House on the left, continue along this road passing 2 petrol stations, on the left is the Old Vicarage Hotel and a Church, turn left immediately after the Church into St Andrews Avenue, (MORLEY RFC sign half way up a lamp post), go down here until you reach a small round about, go straight across, MORLEY RFC is 200 yards further down on the left.
5th April. Team News - 20 Man Squad Paul Cullen has chosen his initial 20-man squad to face the current Super League Champions Bradford Bulls this Saturday at Odsal Stadium in round 8 of the engage Super League.
Brent Grose
Henry Fa’afili
Martin Gleeson
Toa Kohe-Love
Stuart Reardon
Lee Briers
Michael Sullivan
Chris Leikvoll
Jon Clarke
Logan Swann
Michael Wainwright
Paul Noone
Mark Gleeson
Ben Westwood
Paul Wood
Danny Lima
Richie Barnett
Rob Parker
Simon Grix
Chris Bridge
Wire get Whitehaven at home .
Wire have bagged another home draw in the fifth round of the Powergen Challenge Cup against NL1 side Whitehaven. Wolves coach Paul Cullen, who coached the Cumbrian side before returning to Wilderspool, commented: "The Powergen Challenge Cup Round Five draw has produced an exciting fixture for all concerned. Wolves supporters can rest assurred that we will be giving Whitehaven the respect they deserve and I do not intend to rest any players for this game. I know quite a lot about the Whitehaven squad including many of the players I have worked with in the past. This promises to be a traditional cup tie for all the supporters." The two teams have only ever met once before in the Challenge Cup in 1970, when Warrington took the victory 20-4. The game is likely to be played on Sunday 21st May but will be confirmed as soon as possible.
4th April. Warrington Schools Under 11s 14 Wigan Under 11s 12 Warrington emerged victorious in this closely fought Lancashire Cup semi-final. Honours had been even in the three previous matches between the two sides over the year, with a win a piece and a draw - only an aggregate of four points scored separating the two teams, as they went into this crucial clash. Early Wigan domination was broken by a David Lea interception, leading to Lea scoring in the corner after some scrambling Wigan defence. The away team responded fairly quickly to edge the game 6-4, before Josh Wall found space on the right to take the young Wolves into a 10 pts - 6 half-time lead. The second half was a great display from two determined sides - Warrington may have felt they had done enough through an Ashley Cox try, but Wigan showed their character with an immediate reply to keep the game wide open at 14 pts to 12 to Warrington for the final ten minutes. The score remained the same with some resilient Wolves defence on their own line for the home side to make the Lancashire Cup Final for the first time in 31 years at this age level. Warrington awaits the result of the St Helens and Widnes semi-final, to be played this weekend, before the date and venue of the final will be announced. Squad: Lewis Charnock, Harry Files, Josh Wall, David Lea, Jack Johnson, Luke Walker, Declan Patton, James Russon, James Clayton, Ben Walker, Jake Slydell, Ashley Cox, Callum Wright, Allan King, Mike Wharton, Andre Savelio, Matthew Wilkinson, Chris Hunt.
Noone Looking for Home Draw Stand-in skipper Paul Noone is keeping his fingers crossed for a home draw in the Powergen Challenge Cup Fifth round after a 52-0 success over London Skolars. Noone, who took over the captain's armband with Lee Briers (rested) and Paul Rauhihi (injured) out helped Warrington to a handsome victory over their National League Two opponents. Noone said: "It was a good chance to put some of our young lads into the team because we have a good 26-man squad London were brilliant and they had some big lads out there who gave a spirited performance and it was certainly no pushover." "The main thing is we are in the bag for the next round and we obviously want another home draw. Being a Widnes lad I'd like to play The Vikings, but we just want a home tie."
2nd April. Warrington 52 London Skolars 0. HT (28 - 0) Warrington's stand-in skipper Paul Noon was happy to be in the draw for the Powergen Challenge Cup fifth round after their comfortable win over London Skolars. Noon, who took over the captain's role from the rested Lee Briers said after the 52-0 success: "I think we could have scored 80 or 90 if it had been drier conditions but we stuck to the gameplan and a win is a win and we are in the bag for the next round. "It was a good chance to put some of our young lads into the team because we have a good 26-man squad. "Our coach Paul Cullen gave some of the senior players a rest and knew we could win with the capabilities of the squad. "London were brilliant and they had some big lads out there who gave a spirited performance and it was certainly no pushover
"Tries: R Barnett, C Bridge, A Bracek, S Reardon, C Riley 2, M Gleeson, B Harrison, M Sullivan, S Pickersgill .Goals Bridge 2 Noone 3,
Teams:Wire 5. Stuart Reardon 24. Chris Riley 4. Toa Kohe-Love 1. Brent Grose 18. Richie Barnett 25. Chris Bridge 7. Michael Sullivan 17. Danny Lima 14. Mark Gleeson 22. Steve Pickersgill 15. BenWestwood 13. Paul Noone 23. Andy Bracek SUBS: 19. Rob Parker 27. Michael Cooper 26. Ben Harrison 21. Simon Grix. London Skolars: 1. Ash Tozer 2. Corey Simms 3. Chris Shears 4. Shaun Ata 5. Austen Aggrey 6. Josh Garden 7. Nathan Meischke 8. Alan Barker 9. Gareth Honor 10. Bobby Wallis 11. Mike Castle 12. MatPittman 13. Ben Joyce 14. Frank Reid 15. DaveEllison 16.HuyFell 17. Robert Jonker . Attn 3,012.
1st April Team News Paul Cullen has selected a strong 18 man squad including a host of first grade regulars such as Brent Grose, Toa Kohe-Love, Michael Sullivan, Ben Westwood, Danny Lima, Richie Barnett, Chris Bridge and Rob Parker. Paul Noone will stand in as captain as Lee Briers is rested. Great Britain international Stuart Reardon returns to the squad after a five week lay off with a broken hand. Michael Cooper and Matthew Blythe, both just 17 years olds have earned a call up after excellent starts to their careers with The Wolves. Warrington Wolves 18 man Squad:
Brent Grose
Toa Kohe-Love
Stuart Reardon
Michael Sullivan
Paul Noone
Mark Gleeson
Ben Westwood
Danny Lima
Richie Barnett
Rob Parker
Simon Grix
Steve Pickersgill
Andy Bracek
Chris Riley
Chris Bridge
Ben Harrison
Michael Cooper
Matthew Blythe
Grix set for Cup Debut Simon Grix is set to make his long awaited Warrington debut on Sunday (April 2nd) as The Wolves play host to National Two side London Skolars in the fourth round of The Powergen Challenge Cup. The former Halifax player sustained a serious ankle injury in the opening Senior Academy fixture of the 2005 season. He had been on the verge of first team selection after impressing in pre-season and the injury wrecked his first year at the club, after signing from home town club Halifax, and he is eager to make up for lost time in 2006. This season Grix has impressed in Gary Chambers Under 21s side who currently top the Senior Academy Champion with five wins from as many games. Grix said: "To get my first team debut under my belt will be a huge confidence boost for me. To play with the rest of the guys will be a big plus and hopefully I go on from this game and make an impression." "The injury was a real nightmare because I was continually finding out it was a longer and longer lay off and I ended up missing the season. "It's going to be an interesting game on Sunday because The Skolars will throw everything at us in the first 20 minutes and we will be ready for that. Hopefully as the game progresses our fitness levels and general ball skills will show." Grix is a versatile ball player who has featured in the three-quarters and at stand-off for Halifax; He has the traits of a natural loose forward, which is now his favoured position. The Yorkshireman was part of the victorious England Academy tour of Australia and New Zealand, he enjoyed a distinguished junior career, representing England Schools from U15 upwards and the full England Academy side at U17 and U18. Grix turned professional from King Cross ARLFC, Halifax, making 6 Super League appearances for 'Fax during their relegation season of 2003, and scoring 6 tries in 13 National League One games in 2004. Attracted interest in Australia before sealing his future with the Wolves; Grix's final appearance for Halifax was at stand-off in their dramatic NL1 Qualifying Series Final comeback against York which preserved their NL1 status.
