All News
Wolves On the Hunt for HeatWarrington Wolves head off on their warm winter training at Club La Santa in Lanzarote on Thursday 23rd January for a week. The players will return ahead of their final friendly pre-season clash, this time with London Broncos on Sunday 2nd February 2003. The players attending are: Nick Owen Kevin Crouthers Brent Grose Ian Sibbit Graham Appo Lee Briers Gary Hulse Nick Fozzard Jon Clarke Warren Stevens Darren Burns Mike Wainwright Sid Domic Ben Westwood Paul Noone Paul Wood Mike Callan Jamie Durbin Mark Gleeson The players that will not be participating in the pre-season warm winter training are: Rob Smyth who will be with the England 7s team in Australia Jerome Guisset who will be with the France 7s team in Australia Mark Hilton will be sitting his exams for his BSC in Mathematics Lee Penny personal (partner is expecting their third child during the trip) Nat Wood is recovering from minor surgery on his knee Dale Laughton long term injury to back Dean Busby long term injury to foot Matt Sturm recurrence of a minor groin injury
Open Day CancelledThe Wolves have cancelled their Open Day scheduled for the Sunday 19th January at Wilderspool Stadium. The Day has been cancelled due to the effects of the recent bad weather on the pitch. Any one that has purchased tickets can get a refund from Wolfware on 01925 235005. The itinerary for the Day, i.e. the announcement of squad numbers, introduction of U18s and U21's will now take place on Sunday 2nd February during the Wolves final friendly fixture v London Broncos before Tetley's Super League Viii kicks off on Saturday 22nd February against Huddersfield Giants at McAlphine Stadium, Huddersfield.
Friendly CancelledWarrington Wolves have decided to call off their friendly with Leigh Centurions on Sunday 12th January after a pitch inspection on Saturday at 3.00pm. Warrington's Head Coach, Paul Cullen and Leigh Centurions Head Coach Paul Terzis made the unanimous decision that the pitch was too hard and the safety of the players was questioned. This is the second time that this friendly has been cancelled due to the weather frost on the pitch, it was originally due to take place on Sunday 5th January, but the pitch was deemed unsuitable for play due to frost. Head Coach Paul Cullen commented, "It is disappointing that we have had to cancel this friendly for the second time due to bad weather conditions, but we must consider the safety of the players." All those who have purchased tickets will be refunded at Wolfware club shop call 01925 235005 for more details.
Cullen Names Squad To Face Leigh CenturionsWolves Head Coach, Paul Cullen has named his 24-man squad to face Leigh Centurions in the re-arranged fixture on Sunday 12th January, kick off 3.00pm at Wilderspool Stadium. The original fixture Sunday 5th January was cancelled due to icy conditions. Nick Owen Lee Penny Rob Smyth Kevin Crouthers Brent Grose (Debut signed from South Sydney Rabbitohs) Sid Domic Ben Westwood Lee Briers Gary Hulse Jamie Durbin Warren Stevens Mark Hilton Jon Clarke Mark Gleeson Darren Burns Jerome Guisset Mike Wainwright (Debut-signed from Salford City Reds) Paul Wood Paul Noone Mike Callan Craig Farrimond Tommy Grundy Mike Govin Matthew Pitt (Debut 17 years of age signed from Crosfields ARLFC in 2002 played for the U17's and U19's last season) Four of the U16s Scholarship have been invited to train with the first team are Chris Hull, 15 a pivot, Danny Aboushraka, 15 a back and Lee Smith, 15 an utility all from Crosfields ARLFC, Craig Cornelia, 15 from Woolston Rovers ARLFC. Luke Murfin, 15 from Leigh Miners Rangers ARLFC was also invited to train but was unavailable due to a family holiday. This is part of a new initiative that any Scholarship players with potential are invited to train with the first team during holidays. Other players have been invited on a rota basis during the school holidays.
Smyth a World 7Wolves winger Rob Smyth, 25 has been chosen as a member of the England squad for the World Sevens tournament in Sydney, Australia. Rob joined the Wolves after an impressive loan spell from London Broncos in Super League V. Rob's former clubs also include a spell at his home club Wigan Warriors. Smyth is a proven finisher with 8 tries under his belt this season. Rob Smyth commented, "Superb, this is an exciting opportunity for me to be selected to represent England in the World Sevens. The other players selected are of a high standard and I am looking forward to playing alongside them. I believe that we will go well in the competition and I am excited my the challenge." Head Coach Paul Cullen was full of praise on the news of Rob's selection, "This is a great reward for the way that Rob has trained throughout our pre-season. He is in great shape and this yet another progressive step to Rob's return to his best form and full fitness."
Cullen Names Squad for WidnesHead Coach Paul Cullen has announced his squad to face Widnes Vikings in the Wire FM Boxing Day Challenge. Lee Penny Nick Owen Kevin Crouthers Ben Westwood Tommy Grundy Lee Briers Gary Hulse Jamie Durbin Paul Wood Warren Stevens Jon Clarke Mark Gleeson Matt Sturm Mark Hilton Jerome Guisset Mike Callan Mike Govin Craig Farrimond Paul Noone Making their debuts for the first team is: Nick Owen, 18 fullback signed from Woolston Rovers in 2001 and has played Senior Academy this season. Nick represented the Lancashire Academy this season and has trained with the first team regularly. Tommy Grundy, 18 second row/centre signed from Leigh Rangers along with fellow team mate Mike Govin in 2001. Has featured in the Wolves Senior Academy and represented Lancashire Academy. Jamie Durbin, 18 scrum half, has played for England School Boys Rugby Union. Wolves signed Durbin from Halton Hornets, Widnes at the age of 12. Has featured in the Wolves Senior Academy this season and has also represented Lancashire Academy. Mike Govin, 18 utility player who prefers the loose forward position, was signed from Leigh Rangers in 2001 and has played for the Senior Academy and represented Lancashire Academy. Craig Farrimond, 19 signed from Rosebridge ARLFC, Wigan last season and captained the Wolves Senior Academy in 2002 and was awarded the Senior Academy Player of the Year 2002.
Wolves New Stadium: A reality
The Wolves this morning saw their hard work in ensuring a new stadium for the club and town become a reality when ground was broke in the æCutting of the First Sod CeremonyÆ at the Old Tetley WalkerÆs site on Winwick Road. The Contractors BARR officially moved on to site to begin work on the ground, which is expected 45 weeks to construct and the Wolves will move in at the start of the 2004 season. On site this morning to witness this momentous occasion where, Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North where the stadium will be situated, Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive, Steven Broomhead, Council Leader Mike Hughes, Warrington Wolves Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe, Finance Controller Neil Dowson, Board Member Tim Jordan and Head Coach Paul Cullen. Chief Executive, Andy Gatcliffe commented, "TodayÆs Cutting of the Sod Ceremony at the Carlsberg TetleyÆs site on Winwick Road shows to the people in the Borough of Warrington that the Warrington Wolves Stadium is now a reality. We are absolutely delighted that work is now underway on our new stadium and we look forward to watching the progress being made day by day, week by week and we look forward to our new home opening game of Super League IX/2004 taking place as this really will be a spectacular event to be remembered. As always I would like to thank Warrington Borough Council, Tesco, Carlsberg Tetley, club sponsors and most importantly the clubs fans (the best in Super League) for keeping us all at the club fully focused in delivering our new stadium."
The Wolves this morning saw their hard work in ensuring a new stadium for the club and town become a reality when ground was broke in the æCutting of the First Sod CeremonyÆ at the Old Tetley WalkerÆs site on Winwick Road. The Contractors BARR officially moved on to site to begin work on the ground, which is expected 45 weeks to construct and the Wolves will move in at the start of the 2004 season. On site this morning to witness this momentous occasion where, Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North where the stadium will be situated, Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive, Steven Broomhead, Council Leader Mike Hughes, Warrington Wolves Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe, Finance Controller Neil Dowson, Board Member Tim Jordan and Head Coach Paul Cullen. Chief Executive, Andy Gatcliffe commented, "TodayÆs Cutting of the Sod Ceremony at the Carlsberg TetleyÆs site on Winwick Road shows to the people in the Borough of Warrington that the Warrington Wolves Stadium is now a reality. We are absolutely delighted that work is now underway on our new stadium and we look forward to watching the progress being made day by day, week by week and we look forward to our new home opening game of Super League IX/2004 taking place as this really will be a spectacular event to be remembered. As always I would like to thank Warrington Borough Council, Tesco, Carlsberg Tetley, club sponsors and most importantly the clubs fans (the best in Super League) for keeping us all at the club fully focused in delivering our new stadium." Lee Briers Meets Ian Brown and the Manic Street Preachers
Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers has a question for David Waite: "Why is Lee Briers not in the GB squad?" That was the question raised when Warrington Wolves' Welsh Club Captain, Lee Briers was a guest of the Manic Street Preachers and legend ex Stone Roses Ian Brown at their recent gig in Manchester. The bass guitarist, Nicky Wire is a big fan of Welsh Rugby and is known to follow Warrington, because of its traditional nickname of 'Wire', his nickname. Nicky commented, "I think Lee has played superbly for Wales this year and did really well with his captaincy against the Kiwis, I think he has shown that he has the potential to play for GB." Lee caught up with Nicky back stage to present him with the Wolves new shirt and to have a chat about all things rugby. Nicky congratulated the Wolves on the news that the Stadium had been finally given the go ahead, "It's really good news that the stadium has been given the go ahead, it has been along time coming and I'm sure will be good for the sport and the town. I'm looking forward to going to a game in the new stadium." "I started to follow the Wire around the same time that Jonathan Davies and Allen Bateman defected from Wales to England, all the decent Welsh stars went to the Wire and that's when I started following Warrington's results. Warrington have has some great players over the years, mainly Welsh ones of course. But, I would have to say that Warrington's recent greats would have to be Allan Langer, Andrew Gee and Tawera Nikau, they were sensational. I really enjoy the game even though I've never played, I played football at school, but it never stopped me watching Rugby League." Lee also met up with Warrington born, Ian Brown formerly of The Stone Roses, the Manic's support act, a star in his own right. Ian who now lives in Lymm has followed the Wolves since the early 1970's when he used to come and watch with his father, who still comes to watch, "I have watched Warrington for many years, regularly in the 1970's and 80's, I have many a memory of a trip to Wilderspool with my dad. My hero was John Bevan and my dad's was Brian Bevan. The atmosphere at the ground was electric and I believe it is still the same now in the Fletcher End. I even went to Wembley with Warrington in 1974, I think my first game was in 1971 when Warrington played New Zealand in a tour match. It's great news about the new stadium, I have many memories of the ground as a fan and also in the professional capacity with The Stone Roses, we used to play in the early days at Legends, the nightclub on the right of the ground. I have some very happy memories of the place, so I'll be sad to see the old ground go." The Manic Street Preachers are currently on their Greatest Hits Tour, supported by Ian Brown.
Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers has a question for David Waite: "Why is Lee Briers not in the GB squad?" That was the question raised when Warrington Wolves' Welsh Club Captain, Lee Briers was a guest of the Manic Street Preachers and legend ex Stone Roses Ian Brown at their recent gig in Manchester. The bass guitarist, Nicky Wire is a big fan of Welsh Rugby and is known to follow Warrington, because of its traditional nickname of 'Wire', his nickname. Nicky commented, "I think Lee has played superbly for Wales this year and did really well with his captaincy against the Kiwis, I think he has shown that he has the potential to play for GB." Lee caught up with Nicky back stage to present him with the Wolves new shirt and to have a chat about all things rugby. Nicky congratulated the Wolves on the news that the Stadium had been finally given the go ahead, "It's really good news that the stadium has been given the go ahead, it has been along time coming and I'm sure will be good for the sport and the town. I'm looking forward to going to a game in the new stadium." "I started to follow the Wire around the same time that Jonathan Davies and Allen Bateman defected from Wales to England, all the decent Welsh stars went to the Wire and that's when I started following Warrington's results. Warrington have has some great players over the years, mainly Welsh ones of course. But, I would have to say that Warrington's recent greats would have to be Allan Langer, Andrew Gee and Tawera Nikau, they were sensational. I really enjoy the game even though I've never played, I played football at school, but it never stopped me watching Rugby League." Lee also met up with Warrington born, Ian Brown formerly of The Stone Roses, the Manic's support act, a star in his own right. Ian who now lives in Lymm has followed the Wolves since the early 1970's when he used to come and watch with his father, who still comes to watch, "I have watched Warrington for many years, regularly in the 1970's and 80's, I have many a memory of a trip to Wilderspool with my dad. My hero was John Bevan and my dad's was Brian Bevan. The atmosphere at the ground was electric and I believe it is still the same now in the Fletcher End. I even went to Wembley with Warrington in 1974, I think my first game was in 1971 when Warrington played New Zealand in a tour match. It's great news about the new stadium, I have many memories of the ground as a fan and also in the professional capacity with The Stone Roses, we used to play in the early days at Legends, the nightclub on the right of the ground. I have some very happy memories of the place, so I'll be sad to see the old ground go." The Manic Street Preachers are currently on their Greatest Hits Tour, supported by Ian Brown. Hat-Trick for Wolves!
Warrington Wolves have made it a hat-trick of awards for their Community Development programme at this evenings 2002 Tetley Super League Marketing Awards. Sean Mellor, Debbie Blackburn and Jane Banks were on hand to accept the award for the efforts that they and their team have made during the year. The Wolves have recentluy launched the first Commuinity Project aimed directly at getting young girls involved in the sport through "Girls Play League", headed by Great Britain International and Wolves development officer Jane Banks. Visiting every primary and secondary school in the Warrington area and delivering coaching and skills sessions through Community Development team has brought the club and community closer together. Local schools visit the Stadium and are helped with their course work through the "Wilderschool" scheme, other schemes such as "Playing for Sucess" and the "Wolfies Tag" tournaments also reach into the community.
Warrington Wolves have made it a hat-trick of awards for their Community Development programme at this evenings 2002 Tetley Super League Marketing Awards. Sean Mellor, Debbie Blackburn and Jane Banks were on hand to accept the award for the efforts that they and their team have made during the year. The Wolves have recentluy launched the first Commuinity Project aimed directly at getting young girls involved in the sport through "Girls Play League", headed by Great Britain International and Wolves development officer Jane Banks. Visiting every primary and secondary school in the Warrington area and delivering coaching and skills sessions through Community Development team has brought the club and community closer together. Local schools visit the Stadium and are helped with their course work through the "Wilderschool" scheme, other schemes such as "Playing for Sucess" and the "Wolfies Tag" tournaments also reach into the community. New Shirt A SuccessThe new home strip of Warrington Wolves, the traditional primrose and blue hooped design shirt which went on sale at the launch last Thursday (5th December), has been a hit with the fans. The shirt went on sale to the general public on the Friday morning and Wolfware has seen queues for the new shirt and other merchandise ahead of Christmas. The Wolves have sold 750 shirts in less than a week, sizes Small and Medium selling out. A new shipment of shirts in all sizes has arrived in this morning, including a large number of Small and Medium Adult shirts. Also in stock are the pro-kit shorts to be worn by the players, embroidered with the Wolves media partners, Wire FM on the left leg. Adult shorts retailing at ú17.99. The Adult shirt is ú42.00 and the Child shirt is retailing at ú32.00 For more information contact Wolfware on 01925 235005.
