July 2006
27th July.PRESS RELEASE Warrington Wolves U21s v St Helens U21s: POSTPONED Warrington Wolves Under 21 v St Helens Under 21 scheduled for The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday 28 July 2006 has been postponed. The match has been re-scheduled for Wednesday 23rd August at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, kick off 7.30pm. Entry will be through Door 6 in the North Stand and seating will be towards the West end of the North Stand. Adults: £3 Concessions: £1 Wolves Season Ticket Holders: FREE* *(On presentation of their season ticket book).
Logan Swann is waiting to hear if he will be getting another 2 yeras at the club, Swann is looking to get another 2 year contract with the club after his current contract expires in November. Warrington it seems are keen to keep the player but discussions have not yet reached a conclusion.
The Team will resume training on Monday after the squad were given the week off as this weekend there are no games due to the Challenge cup matches being played .
Brent Grose will not be leaving Warrington, in his column in the Warrington Guardian, he says it is just a case of clubs in Australia sounding out players and he says he is quite happy at Wire and is looking to start a family over here.
26th July. Sullivan completed the marathon golf session!Warrington Wolves hooker Michael Sullivan completed his 24 hours golf challenge at Mersey Valley Golf and Country Club to raise funds for Beth Stevenson, the six year old daughter of PGA A Golf Professional Andy Stevenson. Beth suffers from Rett Syndrome, a complex neurological disorder. It affects mainly girls. Although present at birth, it becomes more evident during the second year. It could occur in any family at any time. Something goes wrong with the genetic makeup of the cells which form the baby. Whilst there is variability in the severity of the disorder, most people with Rett syndrome are profoundly and multiply disabled and highly dependent on others for all their needs throughout life. The monies raised from the 24 hour golf will be used to buy new buggy and special play equipment for Beth, to enhance her quality of life. Michael Sullivan on the 18th holeMike and Andy teed off at 1.00pm on Monday 24th July and finished yesterday at 1.00pm completing 6 rounds and putting 108 holes. Andy and Mike teamed up against members of the Golf Club who came in at 1-5pm, 5-9pm, 9pm-1am, 1-5am, 5-9am and 9am-1pm. Andy’s wife Lisa drove the buggy, as a support team for the 24 hours carrying their bags, refreshments and food. Michael Sullivan commented, "I’m shattered after playing 24 hours, 6 rounds and 108 holes, but it was worth it. I’ll be taking some time off now from playing golf to recover. "The hardest part of it was the morning round, which started at 5am; I think I played better in the dark! Andy Stevenson added, "Despite the tiredness it has been well worth it." If you would like to make a donation to Beth please contact Mersey Valley Golf Club on 0151 424 6060 Extension: 4 source wolfmail.
25th July. Player of the Month Martin Gleesonhas been selected as the Player of the Month for May and Mike Sullivan as Player of the Month for June. Sponsored by Prime Time Recruitment and the award itself is elected 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. The event is a great opportunity for local businesses to watch the players train, mingle with players and network with other companies. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented on both award winners, "Both players have shown a positive attitude to the game on and off the field and have shown great strength of character in the tough times that we have faced over the last two months. Mike Sullivan has shown adaptability and done everything asked of him and Martin is a player who continually shows class." Martin was delighted to scoop his award, "It is always a delight to be recognised by your Coaches for playing well; it gives you confidence in your ability." Mike was equally delighted, "This is definitely a positive for me, as this season has been an up and down one so far with me swapping between halfback and hooker position and I am pleased that the Coaching Staff have chosen me to be the Player of the Month, it is a nice bonus." If you would like to get involved in Sponsorship Opportunities for this season and next please contact the Commercial Department on: 01925 248880.
23rd July. Warrington 22 (10) Wigan 20 (2)Wire halted Wigan's recent Super League revival with a narrow win at the Halliwell Jones stadium . Ten points from the boot of Lee Briers proved crucial as the Wolves, who led 10-2 at the break, held on for victory. Wigan fell behind to tries from Martin Gleeson and Toa Kohe-Love. The visitors hit back to level twice at 14-14 and 20-20, but a Briers penalty on 78 minutes settled the outcome. Paul Wood also crossed for Warrington while Danny Tickle, Sean O'Loughlin and Chris Ashton touched down for Wigan.
TeamsWarrington: Reardon, Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Grose, Bridge, Briers, Leikvoll, Sullivan, Wood, Swann, Wainwright, Westwood. Replacements: Barnett, Mark Gleeson, Bracek, Parker. Wigan: Ashton, Calderwood, Radlinski, McAvoy, Dallas, Orr, Dobson, Paleaaesina, Higham, Fielden, Hock, Fletcher, O'Loughlin. Replacements: Logan, Tickle, Godwin, Hansen.
.Scorers, Tries: M Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Wood Goals: Briers 5 Tries: Tickle, O'Loughlin, Ashton Goals: Dobson 4.Attn 13,024.
Game Pictures
Ticket Update A busy Saturday in the Wolf Ware shop has left fewer than 400 tickets remaining on sale for the clash with local rivals Wigan Warriors at The Halliwell-Jones Stadium tomorrow. There are 100 Prime Time South Stand and 250 Lever Faberge West Stand tickets available, these will be on sale from the ticket office next to the shop from 12 noon. All turnstiles will be ticket only, Wigan juniors with an away ticket voucher must exchange them at the ticket office.
18-Man Squad Head Coach Paul Cullen has named 18 man squad to face Wigan Warriors on Sunday.
Brent Grose
Henry Fa'afili
Martin Gleeson
Toa Kohe-Love
Stuart Reardon
Lee Briers
Mike Sullivan
Chris Leikvoll
Mark Hilton
Logan Swann
Mike Wainwright
Mark Gleeson
Ben Westwood
Paul Wood
Richie Barnett
Rob Parker
Andy Bracek
Chris Bridge
20th July. Simon Grix had an operation on his damaged shoulder last Tuesday, he is not expected to return this year, Paul cullen expects the player to be out for 8 to 12 weeks which all but ends his season, however he said it gives Chris Bridge the opportunity to show what he can do in the half back slot. Mark Gleeson and Andy Bracek are expected to be available for the Wigan game, however Mark Hilto Steve Pickersgill will have late fitness testa before being ruled in or out.
Two players who are joining Wire for next year will not be leaving their clubs early, new RFL regulations prevent Morley from coming over from Sydney Roosters, Bradford chairman Peter Hood sees no reason why Paul Johnson should leave Odsal before the deadline which is 2pm Friday.
Team News Coach Paul Cullen has named 20 man squad to face Wigan Warriors this Sunday in round 22 of the Engage Super League.
1. Brent Grose
2. Henry Fa’afili
3. Martin Gleeson
4. Toa Kohe Love
5. Stuart Reardon
6. Lee Briers 7
. Mike Sullivan
8. Chris Leikvoll
10. Mark Hilton
11. Logan Swann
12. Mike Wainwright
14.Mark Gleeson
15. Ben Westwood
16. Paul Wood
18. Richie Barnett
19. Rob Parker
23. Andy Bracek
24. Chris Riley
25. Chris Bridge
27. Michael Cooper
INJURIES: 9. Jon Clarke – shoulder injury sustained in Round 18 v Wigan Warriors (23/06/06) 20. Paul Rauhihi – slipped disc in back Round 14 v St Helens (12/05/06) 21. Simon Grix – shoulder reconstruction after Round 21 v Hull FC (15/07/06) 22. Steve Pickersgill – injection in a calf injury pulled out ahead of Round 21 v Hull FC (15/07/06) 26. Ben Harrison – torn cartilage in the U21s match weekend of 18/06/06
19th July. Five in Origin Warrington Wolves have five players in the Lancashire squad for the Academy Origin game at the Grattan Stadium on Sunday 30th July, kick-off 12.45pm. The squads have just been announced for this year’s Academy Origin game which is scheduled to take place as the curtain raiser to the second of this year’s Powergen Challenge Cup Semi-Finals between Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants at Grattan Stadium Odsal. The players in both the Yorkshire and Lancashire teams will have every incentive to play well in this prestigious representative game because of some high profile international fixtures on offer later this year. With incoming Tours by the Australian Combined High Schools and the Australian Institute of Sport, the Academy Origin clash provides the opportunity for some of the brightest young stars in the Academy to shine in a pressure game and put them in the forefront for representative selection. Both Counties have named 20-man squads for this Under 17 age group encounter. Lancashire have included seven players from Wigan Warriors, five from the Warrington Wolves, three apiece from St. Helens and Widnes Vikings and one each from the Leigh Centurions and Salford City Reds. Yorkshire selection is dominated by the Leeds Rhinos, who have eight candidates in the squad, while Hull FC have five, the Castleford Tigers four, Bradford Bulls two and Hull Kingston Rovers one. The full Lancashire squad is as follows: 1. Matty Blythe ( Warrington Wolves) 2. Dayne Donoghue (Widnes Vikings) 3. Michael Cooper (Warrington Wolves) 4. Jake Emmitt (Warrington Wolves) 5. Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors) 6. Jamie Foster (St Helens) 7. Joe Gandy (Warrington Wolves) 8. Shane Grady (Widnes Vikings) 9. Neil Holland (Wigan Warriors) 10. Keiran Lomax (Leigh Centurions) 11. Alex McClurg (St Helens) 12. Lee Mitchell (Warrington Wolves) 13. Lee Mossop (Wigan Warriors) 14. Luke Rhoden (Wigan Warriors) 15. Nicholas Stanton (Wigan Warriors) 16. Andrew Thornley (Wigan Warriors) 17. Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors) 18. Jordan Turner (Salford City Reds) 19. Gary Wheeler (St Helens) 20. Scott Yates (Widnes Vikings).wolfmail.
18th July. Sullivan to Play for 24 Hours Michael Sullivan, Beth and Andy StevensonWarrington Wolves hooker Michael Sullivan will be playing golf for 24 hours at Mersey Valley Golf and Country Club to raise funds for Beth Stevenson, the six year old daughter of PGA Golf Professional Andy Stevenson. Beth suffers from Rett Syndrome, a complex neurological disorder that mainly affects girls. Although present at birth, it becomes more evident during the second year and could occur in any family at any time. Whilst there is variability in the severity of the disorder, most people with Rett syndrome are profoundly and multiply disabled and highly dependent on others for all their needs throughout life. The monies raised from the 24 hour golf will be used to buy a new buggy and special play equipment for Beth, to enhance her quality of life. Michael Sullivan and Andy Stevenson will be teeing off at 1.00pm on Monday 24th July and finishing at 1pm on the Tuesday. Michael Sullivan commented, "I have met Beth a couple of times now and she is a lovely little girl, when Andy told me about her condition and his plans to raise monies with a 24 hour golfing marathon I jumped at the chance to get involved and help Beth. "The monies raised will go some way to help Beth enjoy a high standard of life by providing much needed expensive equipment. Beth needs secure play equipment, for example a tricycle with special straps to support her and stop her falling out." If you would like to sponsor Michael and Andy please contact Mersey Valley Golf Club on 0151 424 6060 Extension: 4 wolfweb
Injury Update Warrington Wolves are awaiting test results on a number of injured players from the weekends fixture against Hull FC. Mark Hilton - Concussion test Simon Grix - Due to see consultant regarding shoulder injury Steve Pickersgill - Due to see a specialist regarding a calf injury (pulled out just before warm up) We are currently awaiting the appointment details, but all three are doubtful for this weekends Round 22 v Wigan Warriors, Sunday 23rd July 2006, kick off 3pm.
16th July. Hull 36 Warrington 24: A much improved display from Wire saw them push Hull all the way and the team can feel proud of the way they played, however yet another poor video refereeing decision went against them which allowed Richard Horne to break a club record with a try. Paul Cullen: "I thought defensively we were absolutely outstanding. In 80 minutes they broke our line once, which was in the 73rd minute. "Offensively I thought we were the better team. But when it's not going your way it's not going your way. "We firmly believe that this is the start of our run and push for the big run at the end of the year."
Scorers. Hull 36 (24) Tries: Washbrook, Raynor, Tony, R Horne, Lee, Briscoe Goals: Cooke 6. Warrington 24 (12) Tries: Kohe-Love, Swann, Grose, Barnett Goals: Briers 4
Teams Hull: Briscoe, Blacklock, Tony, Domic, Raynor, Cooke, R Horne, Dowes, Swain, Carvell, Radford, McMenemy, Washbrook. Replacements: King, Lee, Chester, G Horne.
Warrington: Reardon, Fa'afili, M Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Grose, Briers, Grix, Leikvoll, Sullivan, Hilton, Wainwright, Westwood, Parker. Replacements: Bridge, Swann, Wood, Barnett.Attn.9,247
14th July.19 Man Squad Head Coach Paul Cullen has named nineteen man squad, due to two players waiting on a late fitness test.
Brent Grose
Henry Fa’afili
Martin Gleeson
Toa Kohe-Love
Stuart Reardon
Lee Briers
Michael Sullivan*
Chris Leikvoll
Mark Hilton
Mike Wainwright
Ben Westwood
Paul Wood
Richie Barnett
Rob Parker
Simon Grix
Steve Pickersgill
Andy Bracek*
Chris Bridge
Logan Swann**
*Michael Sullivan and Andy Bracek are to undergo late fitness tests before the match against Hull on Saturday. **Logan Swann returning from injury added to the squad in case the late fitness tests do not make it.
13th July. Owen Bevan It is with sadness that Warrington Wolves relate the news that former player Owen Bevan, younger brother of Brian Bevan has passed away in Sydney on Wednesday morning at the age of 79. Owen made his debut as a centre to his brother against Liverpool Stanley at Wilderspool on 15th February 1949 in front of 15,000 people. His last came after 55 appearances for Warrington was against Hunslet before moving to play for Leigh. Owen Bevan’s statistics: Played: 55 Tries: 16 Goals: 24 Points: 96
Paul Noone has joined Harlequins on loan for the rest of the season, when his contract with The Wire is over .Paul, who has been at Warrington for over 10 years, is an Academy product who led the Great Britain Young Lions against Australian Schoolboys in 1999. The 25-year-old struggled with injury in the first half of last season but won the number 13 shirt this season. He has been a regular for the U21 side this term and is a back-up goalkicker.
Paul Cullen is still on the lookout for a halfback to replace Nathan Wood for 2007, although impressed with the form of Simon Grix, Cullen expects the player to revert to his more favoured loose forward position in later years.
12th July. Team News Paul Cullen has named his 20-man squad to face the on-form Hull FC at the KC Stadium on Saturday evening in Round 21 of the engage Super League.
Brent Grose
Henry Fa’afili
Martin Gleeson
Toa Kohe Love
Stuart Reardon
Lee Briers Mike Sullivan
Chris Leikvoll
Mark Hilton
Mike Wainwright
Paul Noone
Ben Westwood
Paul Wood
Rob Parker
Richie Barnett
Simon Grix
Steve Pickersgill
Andrew Bracek
Chris Riley
Mike Cooper
Injuries: Jon Clarke – shoulder injury sustained in Round 18v Wigan Warriors (23/06/06)
Logan Swann - shoulder injury sustained in Round 17 v Wakefield (18/06/06)
Mark Gleeson – hand injury sustained Round 18 v Wigan Warriors (23/06/06)
Paul Rauhihi – slipped disc in back Round 14 v St Helens (12/05/06)
Chris Bridge – knee injury sustained in Round 17 v Wakefield (18/06/06)
Ben Harrison – torn cartilage in the U21s match weekend of 18/06/06
Ticket Update Follow the Wolves to Hull this weekend in Round 21 of the engage Super League. Tickets are currently on sale at Wolfware for this fixture at the following prices: * £18.00 Adults * £12.00 Concessions * £8.00 Juniors Wolfpack Season Ticket Holders can use Voucher L on the turnstiles at Hull or exchange it at Wolfware for a match ticket. Tickets will be on sale until 4.30pm on Friday only. CALL WOLFWARE on 01925 248888 or go online at www.wolfwareonline.co.uk for more details
11th July. 1 Million for the Wolves Warrington Wolves welcomed their one millionth spectator through the turnstiles on Sunday 9th July in Round 20 v Huddersfield Giants, since the start of Super League in 1996. To date Warrington has had 1,006,925 spectators visit Wilderspool Stadium and The Halliwell Jones Stadium in Super League. The biggest attendance in Super League so far is 14,206 in Round 1 of Super League 2004 v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, the Wolves opening game at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. The average gate at The Halliwell Jones Stadium is 10,353 compared to 5,899 at Wilderspool Stadium. The Wolves saw at 38.1% increase in spectators in their first season at the new stadium. So far this season the Wolves have averaged 10,236 with four home matches to go, including Wigan and St Helens. The best attended match year after year is St Helens with an average gate of 9,090; with the biggest gate of 13,024 earlier this season.
9th July. Wire ended a run of five straight defeats with a nervy victory that lifts them to fifth in Super League. Warrington coach Paul Cullen: "Both teams ran their legs to water and there was not much between the sides. "But we have had a real dig. It doesn't put the last five games right, but we have blooded some youngsters and some senior players are carrying the weight for a few." # Warrington centre Martin Gleeson: "We have had a tough month and we needed this, especially in front of our home crowd. "We have dug in and it has paid off. It gives us a bit of breathing space but we have got to kick on from this."
Teams. Warrington: Reardon, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Grose, Briers, Grix, Leikvoll, Sullivan, Hilton, Westwood, Wainwright, Parker. Replacements: Noone, Barnett, Bracek, Cooper. Huddersfield: Reilly, Aspinwall, De Vere, Brown, Donlan, Thorman, Paul, Gannon, Drew, Jackson, Nero, Jones, Wild. Replacements: Crabtree, Snitch, Smith, Raleigh.
Scores Warrington (22) 30 Tries: Fa'afili 2, Grix 2, Reardon, Kohe-Love Goals: Briers 3 Huddersfied (4) 26 Tries: Brown 2, Raleigh 2, Thorman Goals: De Vere 3.Attn.7785.
8th July. 18-Man Squad Paul Cullen has named his final 18 to face the Huddersfield Giants on Sunday in Round 20 of the engage Super League, kick-off 12.30pm. Brent Grose Henry Fa'afili Martin Gleeson Toa Kohe-Love Stuart Reardon Lee Briers Mike Sullivan Chris Leikvoll Mark Hilton Mike Wainwright Paul Noone Ben Westwood Richie Barnett Rob Parker Simon Grix Steve Pickersgill Andy Bracek Mike Cooper.
A Bit Battered and Bruised "A bit battered and bruised, both pyhsically and mentally" is how Wolves coach Paul Cullen describes his squad at the moment, but the mood in the camp is upbeat and Coach Cullen is resolute that his side is moving in the right direction. For the full video interview, see the news section of Wolf Web.
Reardon for GB Wolves fullback Stuart Reardon joins Martin Gleeson and Paul Wood in Brian Noble's Great Britain training squad, along with six other players from Super League. Commenting on the additions to the squad, Great Britain Head Coach Brian Noble said: "These players have all been called into the training squad because of the form they have consistently shown in the engage Super League. Myself and the rest of the coaching staff look forward to working with them" "We should also stress that players not in the Great Britain squad still have the opportunity to show they are worthy of consideration for selection for the Gillette Tri-Nations by playing well in this season's remaining games" Also added to the squad were: Malcolm Alker (Salford City Reds) Gareth Carvell (Hull FC) Mark Calderwood (Wigan Warriors) Paul Cooke (Hull FC) David Hodgson (Salford City Reds) Karl Pryce (Bradford Bulls).
6th July.Warrington 20-man squad: Grose, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Reardon, Briers, Sullivan, Leikvoll, Hilton, Wainwright, Noone, Westwood, Barnett, Parker, Grix, Pickersgill, Bracek, Riley, Cooper, Penny.
Academy Fixture Change The Wolves Senior Academy match against Huddersfield Giants this weekend has been moved to the Sunday, Kick-off 3pm at the Halliwell-Jones Stadium making the afternoon a double-header for the Wolves. Gary Chambers side look to complete their double over the Giants after a tight 28-20 victory at Moldgreen in February. The Wolves Junior Academy take on Huddersfield at Wilderspool on Saturday, kick-off 12.30pm.
Lee Briers has extended his contract with the club until 2009, he took the opportunity to defend Paul Cullen over the teams recent poor run, he and the players take the blame for the defeats suffered recently and he said the coaching staff are not to blame, that lies fairly and squarely on the shoulders of the players. The players had a long talk in the dressing room after the Cas debacle and reckon to have sorted a few things out. Lee has had an Xray on his wrist and has been given the all clear and is expected to lead the team out on Sunday against Huddersfield at the Halliwell Jones Stadium Ko 12.30 the game is on Sky TV.Paul Wood will be missing after getting a 1 match ban for the fisticuffs at Castleford.
Jon Clarke will have an exploratory operation on his damaged shoulder on Saturday to find out the extent of the damage, however it is feared that his season could be over, work on his shoulder will begin as soon as the damage is assessed.
Simon Grix and Paul Wood have commited themselves to the club for the next three years.Grix becomes one of 20 players the Wire can pay over £25,000.
5th July. Scholarship Programme Coaches The Warrington Wolves RLFC is currently embarking on a new and exciting time in their development of young elite rugby league players. In line with the clubs coach/player pathway programme, they are seeking committed and experienced coaches to work with the clubs scholarship programme. Warrington Wolves have a great tradition in producing, and developing local rugby league talent, they now want to take this to the next level in producing and developing rugby league coaches. Coaches are requested to send in application to Warrington Wolves Player Performance Manager, David Elliott. Job Requirements * A minimum Club Coach qualification working towards the Senior Coach qualification * A minimum of 4 years experience coaching young rugby players, between the ages of 11–18 * A complete knowledge and understanding of Rugby League core skills, and their delivery * Have an understanding of Rugby League based conditioning and weight training programmes * To help plan and deliver field based training sessions in conjunction with the Scholarship Manager/Co-ordinator * Willing to adapt to new learning enviroment * Knowledge of Service Area and/or Representative Rugby League would be an advantage Applications should be sent to: David Elliott Player Performance Manager Warrington Wolves Rugby League Club Halliwell-Jones Stadium WARRINGTON WA2 7NE or by email to: community@warringtonwolves.com
4th July. X-Rays for Players Warrington Wolves can confirm that Lee Briers (wrist), Chris Bridge (knee) and Mark Gleeson (hand) all underwent x-rays today. The full results of those x-rays and the extent of the players injuries are expected later in the week, meanwhile prop Paul Wood will face the RFL Disciplinary committee at 6pm in Leeds tomorrow. Long term absentees Paul Rauhihi, Jon Clarke and Logan Swann will continue to see specialists throughout the week.
2nd July. Castleford 52 Warrington 26. From Wayne Price's patta cake try and Ganson not going to the video ref the writing was on the wall for Wire, to take nothing from Castleford who gave Wire a lesson in rugby league.
Scores. Tries: Castleford W Pryce, W Manu, D Brough, R Fa'aoso, P Lupton 2, M Platt, A Fletcher, M Shenton Goals: D Brough 8
Tries: Warrington R Parker, B Grose, S Reardon, M Sullivan, M Cooper Goals: L Briers 3
Teams: Castleford: Pryce, Manu, Brough, Platt, Viane, Shenton, A. Fletcher, McGoldrick, Sculthorpe, Henderson, Nutley, Roarty, Lupton. Replacements: Ward, Fa'aoso, Huby, Handforth. Warrington: Parker, Briers, Reardon, Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Grose, Grix, Wood, Sullivan, Leikvoll, Wainwright, Westwood. Replacements: Noone, Bracek, Pickersgill, Cooper.
Attn 5,411
Cullen blasts Ganson Wire boss Paul Cullen was furious with referee Steve Ganson after his side's 52-26 defeat to Castleford. Cullen felt Ganson had contributed to the late chaos that saw four players leave the field, after he awarded a controversial Waine Pryce try without consulting the video referee. The Tigers winger appeared to have bounced the ball when scoring just a minute into the contest, and Wolves coach Cullen labelled the rest of the match a 'circus'. Paul Wood and Ryan McGoldrick both saw red for fighting, just moments after Gray Viane and Ben Westwood had been sent to the bin for a similar offence. "I thought the game was out of control from the moment Pryce's try was awarded without the courtesy of going to the video referee,” raged the Warrington supremo. “The game turned into a circus on the back of it. "I am disappointed with the vast majority of what I've seen over the 80 minutes. The game had desperation and panic about it. "Michael Sullivan's 80 minutes at hooker and the form of Mike Cooper, a 17-year-old prop on his debut, offered a glimmer of hope in what has been a nightmare of a day. We look like a group that is missing five of its best players."
1st July. Youngsters Ready Young Academy players Michael Cooper and Kevin Penny have joined the ranks of the first team players, training full time for the rest of the season with Paul Cullens squad. The rookies are already enjoying the challenge and are hoping to make an impression from now until the end of the season. Uncompromising Mike Cooper is included in the 20 man squad for Sunday’s trip to Castleford Tigers and could soon be in line for his engage Super League debut. Dynamic winger Kevin Penny has been in fine form for Gary Chambers Senior Academy side so far this season, scoring some scintilating tries that has impressed the coaches. Both players are supported by the SquadBuilder initiative, a scheme setup by supporters to help local young talent progress through to the first team.
