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Warrington Coaching Staff Set To Give Woolston TipsWarrington Wolves Coaching Staff: Performance Director, Steve Anderson, First Team Coach/Manager David Plange, Paul Darbyshire, Academy/Assistant Coach and U17's Coach Gary Chambers will be getting involved in Woolston Rovers preparation for their Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup Challenge Cup 3rd Round Tie against Hunslet Hawks on Sunday 27th January. The game will be played at Wilderspool Stadium, home to the Warrington Wolves. Woolston Rovers will be hoping to gain pointers off David Plange in particular, as he was Hunslet Hawk's coach for four years before joining Steve Anderson at the Wolves at the backend of last season. The session will take place on Tuesday 22nd January 2002 kicking off at 6.30pm at Woolston Rovers' home ground Bennett's Rec. Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup 3rd Round Tie @ Wilderspool Woolston Rovers V Hunslet Hawks Sunday 27 January, Kick-off 3pm Ticket Prices: Adult ú10, Concessions ú5 Tickets Available in the Wolfware shop from Tuesday 15th January
Pepe the Wolf
The Wolves have signed Newcastle Knights NRL Grand Final winning backrower Paul Marquet, 31 on a one-year deal. Marquet nicknamed Pepe because of his French roots has had spells with Hunter Mariners, Melbourne Storm and has just completed his second spell with the Newcastle Knights. Marquet made his first grade debut in 1990 and has now made impressive 232 first grade appearances. A former Raymond Terrace junior, was one of the crop of unknown up-and-comers in the President's Cup side when the club was formed in 1988. 1995 was a year when Marquet received recognition for his abilities being awarded Newcastle's Players player and Player of the Year. In 1996 he made a move to Hunter Mariners, missing out on Newcastle's Grand final win in 1997. However he scored Mariners first try in the Super League competition against Canterbury. Marquet then went on to sign for Melbourne Storm in 1998, he was part of their Championship side in 1999. The turning point for Marquet was the three-year stint in Melbourne under the Australian coach Chris Anderson, who added another dimension to his game, other than the non-stop tackling he had become renowned for. Paul was part of Melbourne Storm's winning NRL grand final team. While at Melbourne Storm Marquet was awarded the accolade of 'Clubman of the Year' twice. Marquet's former coach Australian and now Cronulla Sharks Coach Chris Anderson rates Marquet as an extremely professional player, "Paul has an excellent personality and is the ultimate professional in all aspects of his game. He will offer a tireless approach not only in his game but also in his approach around the town. He is an excellent ambassador for the game and will be an invaluable asset to the club particularly having spoken to Ando about the talent youth in the club - he will be an excellent for the young blokes." Performance Director, Steve Anderson commented on new signing Marquet, "My association with Paul began at Melbourne Storm, I believe Paul as a person and a player will bring credibility to Warrington with his professional ethic which has been developed over many years of playing in an elite competition in Australia. He will be of great benefit to our young and up in coming players Noone, Hill and Clarke." Marquet's approach to the game and his body has left a lasting impression on former team mate Adam McDougall, "In my early days with the Knights I saw Pepe coming to training with an Esky each day and I thought: "What's going on here?" It was full of specially prepared meals, sport drinks, protein shakes, vitamins and minerals. I watched him and saw how he would eat his meals and take his vitamins and minerals at certain times of the day. He is the ultimate at treating his body with respect, to get the best out of himself on the football field." 
Paul Marquet is looking forward to the opportunity to play in Super League, "I've decided to return to rugby because Steve offered me the opportunity and I played under him at Melbourne Storm and he's a good coach, I have a lot of respect for him. It is a fresh start for me away from the NRL and I fancied trying Super League and I am hoping that it will be a success. I am hoping to bring experience and as a defender I am hoping to tie up the defence for Warrington. One thing that attracted me to Warrington was the youth policy that Steve is putting in place. When re-building a club, the way forward is looking to the youth to train and build over two to three years before they mature into established players. I am looking forward to being part of the set up and lending my experience to the nurturing of the youth."
The Wolves have signed Newcastle Knights NRL Grand Final winning backrower Paul Marquet, 31 on a one-year deal. Marquet nicknamed Pepe because of his French roots has had spells with Hunter Mariners, Melbourne Storm and has just completed his second spell with the Newcastle Knights. Marquet made his first grade debut in 1990 and has now made impressive 232 first grade appearances. A former Raymond Terrace junior, was one of the crop of unknown up-and-comers in the President's Cup side when the club was formed in 1988. 1995 was a year when Marquet received recognition for his abilities being awarded Newcastle's Players player and Player of the Year. In 1996 he made a move to Hunter Mariners, missing out on Newcastle's Grand final win in 1997. However he scored Mariners first try in the Super League competition against Canterbury. Marquet then went on to sign for Melbourne Storm in 1998, he was part of their Championship side in 1999. The turning point for Marquet was the three-year stint in Melbourne under the Australian coach Chris Anderson, who added another dimension to his game, other than the non-stop tackling he had become renowned for. Paul was part of Melbourne Storm's winning NRL grand final team. While at Melbourne Storm Marquet was awarded the accolade of 'Clubman of the Year' twice. Marquet's former coach Australian and now Cronulla Sharks Coach Chris Anderson rates Marquet as an extremely professional player, "Paul has an excellent personality and is the ultimate professional in all aspects of his game. He will offer a tireless approach not only in his game but also in his approach around the town. He is an excellent ambassador for the game and will be an invaluable asset to the club particularly having spoken to Ando about the talent youth in the club - he will be an excellent for the young blokes." Performance Director, Steve Anderson commented on new signing Marquet, "My association with Paul began at Melbourne Storm, I believe Paul as a person and a player will bring credibility to Warrington with his professional ethic which has been developed over many years of playing in an elite competition in Australia. He will be of great benefit to our young and up in coming players Noone, Hill and Clarke." Marquet's approach to the game and his body has left a lasting impression on former team mate Adam McDougall, "In my early days with the Knights I saw Pepe coming to training with an Esky each day and I thought: "What's going on here?" It was full of specially prepared meals, sport drinks, protein shakes, vitamins and minerals. I watched him and saw how he would eat his meals and take his vitamins and minerals at certain times of the day. He is the ultimate at treating his body with respect, to get the best out of himself on the football field." Paul Marquet is looking forward to the opportunity to play in Super League, "I've decided to return to rugby because Steve offered me the opportunity and I played under him at Melbourne Storm and he's a good coach, I have a lot of respect for him. It is a fresh start for me away from the NRL and I fancied trying Super League and I am hoping that it will be a success. I am hoping to bring experience and as a defender I am hoping to tie up the defence for Warrington. One thing that attracted me to Warrington was the youth policy that Steve is putting in place. When re-building a club, the way forward is looking to the youth to train and build over two to three years before they mature into established players. I am looking forward to being part of the set up and lending my experience to the nurturing of the youth." Competition for Squad NumbersWarrington Wolves' players are in competition for their squad numbers over the next couple of weeks as they play their pre-season friendlies against St. Helens on Wednesday 9th January at Wilderspool and Salford on Friday 25th January at The Willows, Salford. Speculation on squad numbers is spreading amongst the fans at Wilderspool. Which player will be rewarded with which playing number for Tetley's Super League VII? Will Lee Penny retain his beloved Number 1 jersey in his testimonial year or will Lee Briers move from Number 6 to 1, where he has been trailed in the first friendly against Widnes in the Wire FM Boxing Day Challenge. So who will be Warrington's Number Six, Lee Briers or new import Sid Domic? Sid was signed in the close season from Penrith Panthers on a two-year deal; Domic however favours the Number 13 jersey being comfortable at loose forward. If Domic receives the Number 6 jersey the question is poised will new vice-captain Dean Busby collect the Number 13, having been trialed at 13 at Widnes? Papua New Guinean international Tommy O'Reilly makes a bid for the Number 6 jersey as well after trialing that position on Boxing Day and receiving the Man of the Match for his endeavours. Competition also lingers for the Number Nine jersey, young and upcoming star Mark Gleeson who made an impact at hooker last season and played in the Widnes game at that position. However, Jon Clarke is due to take the hooking spot and Number 9 jersey for the St Helens friendly. But there is Salford to go! The Number 8 jersey is also being hotly contested by the ex-Huddersfield captain Dale Laughton and fan's favourite Mark Hilton who made a sensational return to the game this season after spending a year out. Hilton took the Number 8 jersey against Widnes and had an impressive game despite the team losing 18-12. New Club Captain Matt Rodwell is facing competition for the Number 7 jersey from young star Gary Hulse, who took over the position last season when Allan Langer departed mid-season scoring a try on his full debut against Castleford Tigers at Wilderspool. Competition is rife at Warrington but all will be revealed at the end of the trial games. What is certain is that the club's Performance Director, Steve Anderson has looked to versatile players who can turn their hand to a number of positions, creating competition within the players to maintain their fitness/skill to obtain a place in the starting line up this season.
Weston DepartsWarrington Wolves are disappointed to have to announce that Craig Weston has left the club after signing from Widnes four months ago. Weston has decided to leave the club due to personal reasons, he is saddened to have to leave as he was looking forward to making an impact on the Wolves' side in 2002. First Team Coach/Football Manager, David Plange commented, "We are disappointed to have to part company with Craig, but he was unable to make the move from Huddersfield to the Warrington area due to personal reasons and this was putting unnecessary stress on him. He was unable to meet the demands that we are requiring of our players, due to the travelling from Yorkshire each day to train. We wish Craig all the best in his future endeavours."
Rodwell and Domic DebutWednesday night sees the debuts of new Club Captain, Matt Rodwell and his team-mate from Penrith Panthers Sid Domic take to field at Wilderspool in primrose and blue for the first time. Rodwell and Domic will form the halfback partnership for the Wolves for this game. Dale Cardoza is also set to make is debut for the Wolves, Dale was signed from Huddersfield Giants in the off season and has spent a month playing with the Wolves' affiliation club, Chorley Lynx in order to get match experience. At present, Leroy Rivett and Academy players Tom Kilgannon and Phil Braddish have gone on a month's loan to Chorley Lynx to gain match experience before Super League starts in March. Warrington has been working closely with the NFP team for several months, an arrangement whereby both teams: coaching staff and players have been benefiting. The Chorley Lynx coach, Graeme West has been attending two of Warrington Wolves coaching sessions a week to see how they train and the techniques used. Players that have completed successful month loan deals with Lynx are John Hill, Paul Noone (who played for the Wolves in the Wire FM Boxing Day Challenge against Widnes) and Dale Cardoza. Performance Director, Steve Anderson commented on the affiliation between the two clubs, "The only stumbling block with the affiliation between the two club's is the 'one month loan' contract, which means I can't take players in and out on weekly intervals. There is no problem at the moment as it is the off season for Super League, but it could present a problem during the season if injuries occur. We will be reviewing the situation when the time comes." The players and coaching staff are at present on a break until Monday 7th January.
Stadium Gets a "YES"!Warrington Wolves were given an early Christmas present today when they were granted planning permission for the development of a new stadium situated on Winwick Road. The stadium proposal was called into public inquiry in May after the initial call-in of the planning application in January. The estimated cost of the new stadium is circa. ú8 million with the opportunity to expand. Chief Executive, Andy Gatcliffe commented, "It has been a very long and tortuous process for all of us at the Club, not just for employees of the Club but also for the supporters, the sponsors and the people of Warrington. We are absolutely elated with the news and it is right and fitting that Warrington Wolves being the premier sport in Warrington will now have this new stadium. Whilst we will be sad to leave Wilderspool after 100 years, the people of Warrington really do deserve a modern 'People's Stadium' as does the future City of Warrington! Wouldn't it be really good news for Warrington to hear early in the New Year that City status had been granted? The Stadium design plans are almost finalised and this will give the Wolves a state-of-the-art facility, which we will all, be proud of. The Stadium and facilities will be available for everyone within the Warrington Community. I would like to thank Lord Hoyle, Chairman of the Club for keeping myself and my fellow Directors sane throughout the process and I would also like to record my thanks to all of the employees at the Club, be it office personnel, coaching staff and players who have all had to await this decision for such a long time and of course not forgetting the tremendous support given by Warrington Borough Council, Warrington MPs Helen Southworth and Helen Jones and MEP Brian Simpson. This is a real positive piece of news for Rugby League in general, one of the fastest growing supported sports of which Warrington Wolves is obviously at the forefront within Super League. On a final note it is anticipated that we will move into our new stadium mid-way throughout the 2003 season."
Manpower to the WolvesManpower Warrington has announced a partnership with the Warrington Wolves Rugby League Club. As part of the agreement, Manpower will adopt team player Matt Sturm who represents many of the qualities Manpower look for in their staff. As a people business, Manpower looks for employees with good work ethics, consistency and a high level of commitment. Manpower Warrington, specialists in providing staff to the driving and commercial sector, are proud to be associated with the Warrington Wolves who greatly support the local community work: players go to primary and secondary schools to conduct rugby workshops where they involve children in the sport; showing schoolchildren around the rugby stadium; and going to children's wards and hospitals, bringing special Christmas cheer to patients in need. Speaking on the new sponsorship, Liz Prest, Branch Manager at Manpower Warrington says: "Manpower is dedicated to showing continued support to the local community. Not only are we eager to help local businesses have a productive workforce, but we are also committed to helping the people of Warrington find work during these economic times. We are proud to reinforce our obligation to the local community through our sponsorship of the Warrington Wolves." Matt Sturm will be doing a series of appearances with the Manpower team until October next year. For further information visit the Manpower Warrington at Crown Chambers, Academy Way or call the branch on Tel: 01925 571 899
Wolves best in Super League
For the second year in succession Warrington Wolves have been awarded the prestigious title of The Best Community Programme in Super League at the Tetley's Super League Marketing Awards Ceremony. The multidimensional Community Programme which consists of over 50 projects clearly demonstrated to the judges that sport can make a difference to people's lives and the communities in which they live. Warrington Wolves Community Team provided evidence to Super League that their Community Programme has enabled people to overcome social barriers and empower individuals. It has helped to reduce social exclusion, promote lifelong learning and provide opportunities for engagement in community life through voluntary work. Additionally, as a result of the Manweb & Sportsmatch Scheme, Primary Link, there are now more people participating in Rugby League than ever before in Warrington. Adam Jude, Director of Community and Marketing enthused "It is a great honour for the Club to receive this award for the second year running. The award is a great testament to the excellent partnerships that the Wolves have with Manweb and Warrington Borough Council. Undoubtedly, the award would not have been possible without the dedication, commitment and passion all the staff show in delivering the programme". Manweb's Corporate Regional Director, Stewart Saunders stated "Manweb is pleased that the Community Programme has benefited so many youngsters in Warrington and the surrounding areas. In particular the Primary Link initiative links in well with Manweb's extensive Community Programme and we are also very pleased that the programme has won the Super League Community Award for the second year running".
For the second year in succession Warrington Wolves have been awarded the prestigious title of The Best Community Programme in Super League at the Tetley's Super League Marketing Awards Ceremony. The multidimensional Community Programme which consists of over 50 projects clearly demonstrated to the judges that sport can make a difference to people's lives and the communities in which they live. Warrington Wolves Community Team provided evidence to Super League that their Community Programme has enabled people to overcome social barriers and empower individuals. It has helped to reduce social exclusion, promote lifelong learning and provide opportunities for engagement in community life through voluntary work. Additionally, as a result of the Manweb & Sportsmatch Scheme, Primary Link, there are now more people participating in Rugby League than ever before in Warrington. Adam Jude, Director of Community and Marketing enthused "It is a great honour for the Club to receive this award for the second year running. The award is a great testament to the excellent partnerships that the Wolves have with Manweb and Warrington Borough Council. Undoubtedly, the award would not have been possible without the dedication, commitment and passion all the staff show in delivering the programme". Manweb's Corporate Regional Director, Stewart Saunders stated "Manweb is pleased that the Community Programme has benefited so many youngsters in Warrington and the surrounding areas. In particular the Primary Link initiative links in well with Manweb's extensive Community Programme and we are also very pleased that the programme has won the Super League Community Award for the second year running". New Wolves Shirt
Warrington Wolves last night launched their new principal shirt for Super League VII, and it went down a storm with over 300 fans present! The night also allowed fans to see a new range of merchandise available in the club shop and a questions and answer session with new players Sid Domic, Leon Felton and new Captain Matt "Rocket" Rodwell. The new Kit@ shirt sponsored by Miller Developments, TAB Refractories, Excelsior Graphics and JLJ Holdings is available from the club shop for ú42 for adults and ú32 for children and is expected to sell extremely well for Christmas.
Warrington Wolves last night launched their new principal shirt for Super League VII, and it went down a storm with over 300 fans present! The night also allowed fans to see a new range of merchandise available in the club shop and a questions and answer session with new players Sid Domic, Leon Felton and new Captain Matt "Rocket" Rodwell. The new Kit@ shirt sponsored by Miller Developments, TAB Refractories, Excelsior Graphics and JLJ Holdings is available from the club shop for ú42 for adults and ú32 for children and is expected to sell extremely well for Christmas. Play with the Wolves!Ever dreamt of playing on the Wilderspool turf? Lining up with Lee Briers or Lee Penny? Now you can, Warrington Wolves invite local rugby players and fans to play touch rugby with their heroes and enjoy a day of fun and skill. An eight-a-side touch tournament will take place at Wilderspool on Sunday 16th December. Entry is ú100 per team, squads of ten players. Each team will be supplemented by two Warrington Wolves players, with unlimited substitutions. All the Wolves players plus the coaching staff, Steve Anderson, David Plange, Paul Darbyshire and Gary Chambers will play. Please contact Gina Choleric at the club on 01925 635338 to register your team. Individuals are also invited to register and can be allocated to teams. Please register by Wednesday 12th December. Please note that the competition is open to 12 teams. Register early to avoid disappointment.
