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English WolvesTwo Warrington young-guns have been named in John Kear's England Under-21 squad that will play for a tour place to South Africa in November. Paul Noone and Paul Wood have both been named in an emerging Super League XIII for an Under-21 trial match against a Northern Ford Premiership side at Widnes on Wednesday, October 10. Both have a chance of touring South Africa and facing the Rhinos in a two test series. Noone, a former Great Britain Academy Captain, has come on in the last two seasons showing some tough attacking to complement his equally hard defence. Paul is a versatile player who has recently being playing first team rugby in the loose forward berth, but is equally at home in the second-row. Having recently signed up for another two years and being a product of the Wolves youth system the opportunity for the back-rower to step-up to the next level is in grasp. Paul Wood is another of the Wolves academy set-up, a tall and rangy forward, slotting into either the prop or second row position he has done exceeding well in his debut year of Super League. Mainly playing off the bench, to great effect, Paul has a strong attacking game having picked up 23 tries in 47 appearances for the Academy last season. The Super League squad is: C Poucher (Hull), L Greenwood (Halifax), M Gleeson (Huddersfield), M Aspinwall (Wigan), H O'Hare (Huddersfield), C Thorman(Huddersfield), P Handforth (Wakefield), R Bibey, (Wigan), M Higham (St Helens), G Carvell (Hull), R Fletcher (Hull), P Noone (Warrington), D Tickle (Halifax). Subs (from): W Pryce (Castleford), B Westwood (Wakefield), P Wood (Warrington), C Feather (Wakefield), S Wild (Wigan), R Parker (Bradford), D McConnell (St Helens), M Edmondson (St Helens), P Sykes (Bradford).
Burns Bucks Broncos for Wolves
Warrington Wolves have landed current Brisbane Broncos lock Darren Burns on a two year deal. Burns, who is currently involved in the NRL playoffs and is set to face Parramatta Eels in a Grand Final Qualifier this Sunday at Stadium Australia, will add yet more weight and experience to the Wolves pack. Burns, who's favoured position is loose forward but can easily slot into the second row comes with some first class experience from Brisbane Broncos. Burns took the place of Broncos skipper Gordon Tallis and rallied to the call well showing that his experience and size added to a Broncos side that was depleted during the Origin series. 27 year-old Burns is an old fashioned second rower. Big, tough and powerful, he has been an outstanding and consistent player all year. A former West's and Sydney City player Darren returned to the Brisbane Broncos this year. He is a very experienced hand, which helped guide a young side, especially through the Origin period. A native Queenslander, Burns played his junior football in Dalby before joining the Roosters in 1999. His former clubs include Sydney Wests and Sydney South's, making his first grade debut in 1995. Performance Director, Steve Anderson commented, "Out of all the players that I have signed from Australia, Darren is the I am proud to have been associated with his career in Rugby League. I first spotted Darren playing Rugby Union for Queensland State Secondary Schools at the National Carnival in Brisbane as a 16 year old. We enticed to over to play Rugby League with the Ipswich Jets in the State League in Queensland. It took Darren a few years to find his feet but since then he hasn't looked back and I would suggest we have got him at his peak, which is an obvious positive for the make up of the squad. I am not going to comment on his talents, as he will again be on display for the Broncos this weekend in the Elimination final against Parramatta. Last week the most impressive aspect of his game against St.George was he played the full 80 minutes - that the type of player all coaches wish for and he can do that consistently from week to week." Name: Darren Burns Date of Birth: 17 May 1974 Junior Club: Dalby Previous Clubs: Sydney Wests, Sydney South's, Sydney Roosters First Grade Debut: 1995 Weight: 104kg Height: 186cm Career: Played 95, 11 tries, 44 pts Usual position: Lock, Second Row<
Warrington Wolves have landed current Brisbane Broncos lock Darren Burns on a two year deal. Burns, who is currently involved in the NRL playoffs and is set to face Parramatta Eels in a Grand Final Qualifier this Sunday at Stadium Australia, will add yet more weight and experience to the Wolves pack. Burns, who's favoured position is loose forward but can easily slot into the second row comes with some first class experience from Brisbane Broncos. Burns took the place of Broncos skipper Gordon Tallis and rallied to the call well showing that his experience and size added to a Broncos side that was depleted during the Origin series. 27 year-old Burns is an old fashioned second rower. Big, tough and powerful, he has been an outstanding and consistent player all year. A former West's and Sydney City player Darren returned to the Brisbane Broncos this year. He is a very experienced hand, which helped guide a young side, especially through the Origin period. A native Queenslander, Burns played his junior football in Dalby before joining the Roosters in 1999. His former clubs include Sydney Wests and Sydney South's, making his first grade debut in 1995. Performance Director, Steve Anderson commented, "Out of all the players that I have signed from Australia, Darren is the I am proud to have been associated with his career in Rugby League. I first spotted Darren playing Rugby Union for Queensland State Secondary Schools at the National Carnival in Brisbane as a 16 year old. We enticed to over to play Rugby League with the Ipswich Jets in the State League in Queensland. It took Darren a few years to find his feet but since then he hasn't looked back and I would suggest we have got him at his peak, which is an obvious positive for the make up of the squad. I am not going to comment on his talents, as he will again be on display for the Broncos this weekend in the Elimination final against Parramatta. Last week the most impressive aspect of his game against St.George was he played the full 80 minutes - that the type of player all coaches wish for and he can do that consistently from week to week." 
Laughton is a Great Britain International prop and has captained the Huddersfield Giants. At 30 years of age Dale is at the peak of his career and is looking forward to building on to what most consider to be an already impressive career. Standing over 6 feet and weighing in at 103kg he will take some stopping. "The Wild Thing" has established himself as a fearsome opponent in the Super League and on the international circuit. During his time as a stalwart at Sheffield he was a Challenge Cup winner in the 1998 final over Wigan, capping a decades commitment to the club. Laughton played for the British Lions in the Tri-Series against New Zealand and Australia. His uncomplicated style and his willingness to take on much of the unglamorous work through the middle of the ruck impressed Anderson. Performance Director Steve Anderson commented, "Dale will be of great assistance in the development of up and coming players. Players such as Wood and Noone will be 'privy' to some invaluable experience that Dale has acquired playing over decade of elite Rugby League both at club and international levels. On top of that Dale's personality and his leadership qualities will further add to the club's designs for the future." 
24 year-old Nick Fozzard is an internationally renowned forward having played for the GB Academy on their tour to New Zealand in 1996. "Fozz"s former clubs include Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants, playing alongside Dale Laughton for several seasons. Steve Anderson said about Fozzard, "Nick was an instant 'hit' with me. He hasn't had a happy time over the last 12 months with an arm injury and to be honest it was David Plange's recommendation that I looked further into Nick's playing capabilities. His style is uncompromising and he will add aggression to the pack. He is big, strong and mobile fully fit will achieve his full potential at Grade level and further I'm sure. On top of this he is confident of his ability and displays the determination to regain a position at Super League level. Although a risk, I have complete medical backing on his injury and he even suggested a clause which 'null and voids' his contract if there is a reoccurrence of the injury that has hampered his career." Anderson finished off by saying, "Both players I am sure will help the long terms plans of the club." 
A top table of Lord Doug Hoyle, Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe and Performance Director Steve Anderson fielded questions from a packed touchdown club this evening. No subject was taboo as the trio happily answered questions ranging from whether Lee Briers was staying at the club to the size of shirts in the club shop. All three gave full and honest answers to questions posed by the attending fans, here is a small selection of them: Q Will Lee Briers be playing for Warrington next season? Steve Anderson: Lee has a contract with the club for next season and he's assured us he is going to be here next year. Q How are the finances looking for next year and why wasn't Allan Langer paid? Andy Gatcliffe: We are currently upto date with payments and Allan Langer was paid by the club. We are making good headway into the black hole of our debt and with the money from Tesco and Carlsberg-Tetley we are able to keep things going. Q If we don't get the stadium is there a plan 'b'? Doug Hoyle: We are very hopeful for the new stadium but the we may not find out until November as there has been some slippage. We have been looking at a plan 'b' but we are confident and want to stick to plan 'a'. Q Will Steve Anderson stamp out the "drink culture" at the club? Steve Anderson: One thing I can guarantee is that the squad will be professional in all areas, both in social setting and as players. They are professional athletes and will act as such. Any "drink culture " that may exist will not happen under me. Q Do we have a club sponsor for next season? Andy Gatcliffe: We are currently talking to 2 people and are hopeful to finalise a deal soon. The new club shirts are due to arrive on the 16th November and will be in the shop a couple of days later. Q Will there be performance related pay for the players next season? Andy Gatcliffe: Steve has given full consideration to a performance related system and will work a system into place. The better the players play the more they will be paid. Q If the Wolves get a new stadium what will it be called? Doug Hoyle: Tesco currently have the naming right and want it to be called the "Tesco Stadium" but we would like to negotiate with them on it. However if people come along with good money then we will be happy to talk to them about the name. Q Will Alan Hunte be offered a new contract? Steve Anderson: Alan, his own admission, has said that his "bones have gone". He's not a young player any more and I'm looking for younger players to replace him. Alan accepts this and he's had his day and we have youngsters coming through, and most of all I don't think I can afford him! 
Q Would Warrington be unbeatable if they had a Team to match the Fans? Doug Hoyle: Yes they would! If we can instil some of your feeling and passion for the club into the players we would have a very very bright future indeed. Q Has Steve had a problem getting a work permit? Steve Anderson: I have had a work permit a week after I came here. All the drama and bull in the papers was just that! I came here with the Performance Director title to keep the current permit, when you change your job title you have to reapply. Q Is there some significance in signing from bottom NRL clubs or NFP players? Steve Anderson: The players I have brought in will fit in with my plan and structure and the way that I coach and will play the game. I'm confident of the players I'm signing and I want you to have confidence in the signings and am confident they will be successful. Q Are we going to have any pre-season friendlies? Andy Gatcliffe: Yes we are likely to have three pre-season friendlies. Plans are currently underway and will be announced when things have been confirmed. 
A super turnout of young Wolves supporters enjoyed an evening of meeting their favourite players and dancing away to a disco for this years WolfPack Player of the Year awards. The young fans voted for their favourite players in various categories, supported once again and with thanks to the Challinor family. There were cheers aplenty for all of the nominated players, with Jerome Guisset picking up two awards on the night including the Brian McAvoy trophy. Academy Player of the Year - Liam McCarthy Alliance Player of the Year - Allan Redicliffe Unsung Hero - Danny Nutley Most Improved Player - Jerome Guisset Clubman of the Year - Tawera Nikau Brian McAvoy Trophy - Jerome Guisset WolfPack Super League VI Player of the Year - Lee Briers 
26 year-old Craig Weston has agreed a three-year deal to join the Wolves from local rivals Widnes Vikings. Weston has NRL experience with both the Gold Coast Seagulls and the South Queensland Crushers before moving to Huddersfield Giants. A former Australian schoolboy, Craig made his first grade debut at just 17 years of age, making him one of the youngest players to debut at that level in Australia. Craig's main attributes are his positional versatility in the backline having played stand-off, centre and fullback highlighted by his running and passing game. He also has an excellent kicking game as well as being an established goal kicker. Since arriving in England Craig has played at Huddersfield Giants for three seasons and recently had stints with Doncaster and Widnes in the NFP. Craig is yet another player Performance Director Steve Anderson is familiar with having worked with him when he played for the Queensland and Australian Schoolboy teams. Craig's development was closely scrutinised by Anderson while he attended 'Palm Beach Currumbin', the highly rated 'Sport of Excellence' school on the Gold Coast. The school is recognised throughout Australia for its talented youth programs across various sports including Rugby League. Craig was awarded a scholarship to attend where Anderson was involved as a representative of the Queensland Rugby League overseeing the implementation of the coaching programs. Steve Anderson is excited in renewing his relationship with Craig and believes that "Craig has under achieved considering the potential he displayed as a teenager." Anderson further suggests, "This has been due I think mainly to his ability to play several positions, which I feel, has worked against him and has hindered his ability to settle or develop to his full potential." "I have always believed Craig to be a pivot and he certainly will be considered in that position here." "Craig will offer not only his experience but a settling factor to the team. He will also offer particular qualities to the style of play we will be playing from week to week." 
