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Wolfpack Easter Disco"WhatÆs the oldest Warrington shirt you have in your wardrobe?" The theme of the evening is Warrington Wolves shirts ¡ prize for the oldest shirt! Tuesday 15th April 2003 Kick Off 7.00pm ¡ 10.00pm @ The Touchdown Club, Wilderspool Stadium ú1.00 Entry
Sib on a half centuryIan Sibbit, who is looking to notch up his 50th game with the Wolves this weekend, returned to Wilderspool this season after spending a year in the NRL with Melbourne Storm. HOW DID YOUR MOVE BACK TO WARRINGTON WOLVES COME ABOUT? I was all set for a long stay at Melbourne, and had spoken to chief executive, Chris Johns about actually extending my contract, which had a year to run. Then they parted company with coach Mark Murray, Craig Bellamy came from Brisbane and wanted to bring a lot of his own youngsters, which meant the end for me. Then I got a call from Paul Cullen, who I knew from the A team when he had coached me in my first spell, and had no hesitation about signing. In fact he was probably the main reason why I returned to Wilderspool. THERE SEEMS A FAR BETTER SPIRIT IN THE CLUB AND THE TEAM NOW THAN DURING YOUR FIRST SPELL TWO YEARS AGO. Definitely. There is an added intensity and we are developing more of a winning mentality. We proved that in the game against Leeds - we lost, with 12 men, but were disappointed not to have come away with the points even taking our man disadvantage into account. Paul has brought a fantastic attitude to the club. THERE WAS A LOT OF SHOCKS AT THE WEEKEND. HAS THE COMPETITION CHANGED IN YOUR ABSENCE? I think it has improved a heck of a lot, which is something you may not notice when you are involved in it every week. Huddersfield, Wakefield and London all pulled off shock wins at the weekend, which maybe wouldn't have been the case in the past, but that can only be good for the game. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FROM YOUR OWN GAME AND FROM THE TEAM AS A WHOLE THIS SEASON? I am still only 22, so I know there is plenty of room for improvement. I think playing in Australia really saw my attitude improve, both in how I performed on the pitch and looked after myself off it. As for the team, we want to keep taking steps in the right direction. We haven't started too badly, and there are a lot of positives, but we need to be more consistent.
Cullens CommentDISAPPOINTING SECOND HALF AGAINST HULL LAST WEEK, DO YOU THINK THERE SHOWED A RELIANCE ON ONE PLAYER, LEE BRIERS? Unfortunately yes. The progression is not too rush Lee Briers back, we will progress the abilities of the team and squad to play and win games when so called star players is injured. It is unrealistic to think that your starting 13 at the beginning of the season will start and finish the same, injuries happen and we must be prepared for that. LEE PENNY AND WARREN STEVENS HAVE BEEN LONG TERM INJURIES. HOW ARE THEY PROGRESSING? WHAT HEADACHE'S IS PENNY'S RETURN GOING TO CAUSE WITH APPO ESTABLISHING HIMSELF AT FULL BACK? Lee Penny, Warren Stevens and Rob Smyth are back in full first team training and are all in contention for a place in the 17 going to Bradford this weekend. The more players at that quality that are fit and able, reduces selection headaches rather than creating them. It provides more opportunities to try out different playing combinations, to get the best out of the players. BRADFORD HAVE DEFEATED US ONCE THIS YEAR, THEY ARE A TOUGH OPPOSITION WHAT PREPARATIONS HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING A HEAD OF THE GAME? We will hopefully end the game at Bradford with 13 players on the field for the full 80 minutes. Our discipline and ability has improved no end since we took on Bradford in the Challenge Cup. This week our training has been more about correcting things that we did not do well against Hull opposed to training specifically with Bradford in mind. We are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of Bradford and we have to be concerned with what we can do and not what they can do. We can not go to Bradford expecting to win a game by sitting back and defending in the hope we will walk away with the points. You have to go with the plan to score more points than they do. THERE'S A LOT OF TALK OF 'NEW' ORIGIN COACHES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE PENNINE'S WITH IAN MILLWARD AND BIRAN NOBLE BOTH STEPPING DOWN A HEAD OF THIS YEAR'S SERIES. YOU HAVE BEEN TOUTED, AS A MEDIA FAVOURITE FOR THE ROLE, HOW IMPORTANT IS THE POSITION TO YOU? If offered, I would be very proud to accept. To work with the quality of players that are available at national level will prove to be a great exercise. If it comes along I want it.
Powergen Challenge Cup Final û Exclusive offer for BARLA PlayersBuy five tickets at ú20 and only pay for four* Clubs can buy as many tickets as it wishes while stocks last i.e. buy 50 tickets pay for 40. This offer is only available to BARLA players and clubs. The Rugby Football League recognises the hard work and unfailing enthusiasm at BARLA clubs that supports the continued growth in the grassroots of the game. As a celebration of the recently established single governing body for Rugby League we are encouraging BARLA Clubs across the country to organise trips to the Powergen Challenge Cup Final to enjoy the showpiece occasion of the Rugby League calender. A Challenge Cup Final Trip is the stuff of legends and the stories live on for years and bind clubs and teammates together. We would like to invite you to ask your club if they are arranging to æExperience the Magic of the MillenniumÆ with thousands of other Rugby League fans. *Phone the Events Hotline on 0870 990 1313 *Book online at www.rfl.uk.com To take advantage of this amazing offer, you must buy your ticket before Friday 11th April 2003. (ticket price is reduced to ú16 each (e.g. buy 14 tickets û total cost: 14xú16= ú224)
Rd 4 Team NewsPaul Cullen has named a 20 man squad to face Hull F.C. Rob Smyth returns to selection after a hamstring injury which kept him out of the Leeds and London games. 5. Graham Appo 3. Brent Grose 12. Ian Sibbit 4. Ben Westwood 20. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers 7. Nat Wood 8. Nick Fozzard 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton 11. Darren Burns 23. Mike Wainwright 13. Sid Domic 14. Mark Gleeson 18. Paul Noone 15. Jerome Guisset 16. Paul Wood 21. Matt Sturm 24. Kevin Crouthers 2. Rob Smyth INJURIES 1. Lee Penny (calf) resumed first team training 17. Warren Stevens (groin) resumed first team training MILESTONES Lee Briers kicked his 450th goal for the Wolves in their victory over the Broncos at Brentford on Saturday; his total points for the game pushed him into 7th place in the clubs all-time points chart. Lee is now 27 points shy of equaling the great Jackie Fish' total of 1,169.
On-Form AppoOn-form fullback Graham Appo talks about his time at the club and future ambitions. YOU HAVE CERTAINLY GOT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP THIS SEASON, IN PARTICULAR SATURDAY'S GAME AGAINST LONDON WITH THAT TRY SAVING TACKLE AND SCORING A TRY YOURSELF. WHAT'S THE CHANGE? I have been playing week in week out at first grade level, which is a boost to the confidence. I have been enjoying playing at fullback and I think you can see that coming across in my game. It also helps when you score tries. YOU SIGNED AN EXTENSION TO YOUR CONTRACT AT THE END OF THE SEASON, WHAT MADE YOU COMMIT ANOTHER YEAR TO THE CLUB? I think the players that have stayed here like Nat Wood, Darren Burns and Sid Domic have had an important part to play in my decision to stay with the club, they are the core of the team and have certainly influenced the team play. The likes of Lee Briers and Nick Fozzard have also shaped the team and I think that Warrington has a great side at the moment and I wanted to be part of the set up. YOU HAVE BEEN PLAYING AT FULLBACK SINCE LEE PENNY WENT OUT INJURIED, IS THAT YOUR FAVOURED POSITION? Definitely, fullback is my preferred position, but then again anywhere in the 17 I wouldn't argue with, as long as I am getting a run out. THE COMPETITION AND CAMMERADERIE IN THE TEAM SEEMS TO HAVE STEPPED UP A GEAR THIS SEASON. WHAT DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THIS CHANGE? Chach (Cullen) has done a pretty good job at bringing in players to spice things up such as Grosie and young Gaskell has been going well on the wing creating competition for that spot. The forwards are also playing for their positions, no one is safe week in week out and that is important in pushing the team goals up. I feel that we are going to have a good season and the team spirit is brilliant. THE FINAL YEAR AT WILDERSPOOL, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? I want to play as many first grade games as possible this season at fullback and to score as many tries as I can for the club.
Cullens Comments - London and HullPaul looks back at the weekend in the Capital and forward to this weekends opponents. THIS WEEK'S OPPOSITION HULL FC HAVE ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES AS MID TABLE/PLAY - OFF CONTENDERS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF SEASONS. THIS SEASON THEY HAVE MOVED INTO A NEW STADIUM. DO YOU SEE THIS AS A POTENTIAL FOR WARRINGTON IN A COUPLE OF SEASONS? CAN YOU DRAW ANY COMPARISIONS WITH HULL? I see great comparisons between what they have achieved and what we aim to. Their re-build both on/off the field is great for Rugby League, it helps us to take the game to a different level. STEVO COMMENTED ON SKY THAT WARRINGTON WHERE "POTENTIAL PLAY-OFF CANDIDATE'S THIS SEASON" DO YOU SEE THAT AS FALSE HYPE SO EARLY IN THE SEASON, WILL IT BE A MATTER OF KEEPING THE PLAYER'S FEET FIRMLY ROOTED TO THE FLOOR? No one under my control at Wilderspool has any false illusions about were are priorities lie. I see every game we play as a relegation avoidance game. I see clear differences between the top 4 - St Helens, Bradford, Wigan and Leeds Rhinos and the other eight. I genuinely feel from that eight anyone can beat anyone. I certainly don't expect Widnes, Huddersfield and Wakefield to continue much longer with out win. TWO AWAY WINS OUT OF THREE, A GOOD START. IS THIS WHAT YOU ENVISAGED? I believe we are on track, it is arguable whether we could have been more competitive against Leeds with 13 men on the field rather than 12. But the for points we have already taken allow us the relevant breathing space to plan progressively to win against Hull. From Huddersfield first month their targeted points, where against London's targets and us where Halifax and Warrington and we haven't fallen at the first hurdle. The potential of a double win this week is in our minds considering last year's statistics where a winning streak was Halifax and Castleford (back to back wins) at the back end of the season securing our survival. IT CAN'T GO WITHOUT A MENTION THE SUPPORT THAT TRAVELLED TO LONDON WAS SUPERB. THIS WEEKEND'S GAME HULL ALSO HAVE A TREMENDOUS SUPPORT BASE, AGAIN IT IS GOING TO BE A MEMORABLE OCCASION IN WILDERSPOOL'S FINAL YEAR, HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE SUPPORTERS IN BACKING THE TEAM? We could hardly tell that we had been away from Wilderspool when we took on Huddersfield and London. Our travelling support has drowned out opposition home support. It's great for us, it's great for Sky Sports and it shows the game in a vibrant light. We would like to reward them with another win at home on Sunday.
Grappenhall Primary Link Tag FestivalThe Wolves, in conjunction with Grappenhall Giants Amateur Rugby League Club, will be holding a Primary Link festival at Warrington Sports Club tomorrow, Thursday 27th March from 12.30pm-3.00pm. The schools taking part will be from the Grappenhall area, the festival is a chance to see the culmination of the coaching each school has received and a chance for the pupils to display the skills that they have gained during the six week coaching period. Grappenhall Giants Amateur Rugby League Club services the cluster are. The æGiantsÆ have just received an æAwards For AllÆ bid and have kindly decided to use the funding to support our Primary Link Tag Festival. Each school will receive a training bag filled with 5 balls, 20 Tag Belts, Tags and 25 coloured cones plus holder, which will enable the children to develop their Rugby League skills further. The festival is very fortunate to have the æCheshire Constabulary Community Involvement FundÆ also sponsoring the event and they will be supporting the Fair Play, Best Boy and Best Girl Awards. Thursday 27th March Grappenhall Cluster Tag Festival Warrington Sports Club 12.30-3.00pm
Jon Clarke Looks for 50With his 50th game in a Warrington shirt this weekend, hooker Jon Clarke returns to his old club of London Broncos. JON THIS SEASON YOU ARE ONE OF THE LONGEST SERVING PLAYERS AT THE WOLVES JOINING IN SUPER LEAGUE VI, WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED? Changes at the club, playing wise the overall thing is professional, a lot more direction in everything we do. Cul has got us confident in our own ability and we all believe that we can achieve more success on the field. Off the field there is a positive vibe, the whole club seems to be a lot more professional in their approach to the game. THIS WEEKEND YOU ARE RETURNING TO YOUR FORMER CLUB LONDON BRONCOS, WHAT MEMORIES DO YOU HAVE OF YOUR TIME WITH THEM? Great memories of London, we had some good victories against some big clubs, a club that is very much like this club very good team spirit, the staff are great everyone pulls together because they are separated from the rest of the world. Played with some of the game's greats in their time Jim Dymock, Richie Barnett and Jason Hetherington. Who are also some of the greatest blokes off the field. THIS SEASON YOU HAVE COMPETITION FOR THE HOOKING SPOT FROM YOUNG MARK GLEESON, HAS THIS MADE TRAINING MORE COMPETITIVE? Yes, I think in my position it has, with Glees pushing me. Cul has recruited players for all positions to make more competition in the side. Competition makes it more of an exciting environment to work in, because it brings the best out in the players, which is beneficial to the team. PJ HEALTH AND FITNESS CONSULTANTS, WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT? Myself and Paul Darbyshire have created a business to offer a whole range of health and fitness components to clients, these include personal training, massage, sports coaching and elite athlete training. There is a big scope in the market for personal training and people are becoming more conscious about health, fitness and diet and we hope to provide the best service for them. WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THIS SEASON, THE FINAL ONE AT WILDERSPOOL? On a personal note, I only really had one goal was to play consistently well for Warrington every week. If I do that then the likes of Lancashire will follow on from that. I think that is how you get representative honours is by playing consistently. Obviously to try and have some sort of success in the final year at Wilderspool, which will take us nicely into the new stadium.
Round 3 - Squad to face LondonPaul Cullen has named a 19-man squad to travel to London for Saturday night's game. 5. Graham Appo 3. Brent Grose 12. Ian Sibbit 4. Ben Westwood 20. Dean Gaskell 6. Lee Briers 7. Nat Wood 8. Nick Fozzard 9. Jon Clarke 10. Mark Hilton 11. Darren Burns 23. Mike Wainwright 13. Sid Domic 14. Mark Gleeson 18. Paul Noone 15. Jerome Guisset 16. Paul Wood 21. Matt Sturm 24. Kevin Crouthers Injuries Lee Penny (calf) has resumed first team training. Rob Smyth (hamstring) progressing well and Warren Stevens (groin) has also resumed first team training. Milestones Both Jon Clarke and Paul Noone are looking to make their 50th appearance in a Warrington shirt this weekend. Clarke has racked up 47 starts and 2 sub appearances since joining the club from London Broncos and Noone has 18starts and 31 sub appearances. Lee Briers is 4 goals short of his 450th for the club, already surpassing Harold "Moggy" Palins total of 436 goals Lee is currently 6th in the clubs all-time goal kicking chart. Lee also needs 7 points to equal the great Laurie Gilfedders' haul of 1,140 career points.
