The Warrington Wolves; a team which was founded in 1876 by seven young men and originally named the Warrington Zingari has seen many changes over the years to become the club it is today. Recently the Wolves have combined their heritage with input from the fans, to create a new brand & a new look, officially welcoming back their nickname ‘The Wire’ which refers to the wire-drawing industry in the town dating back to 1874.
After a disappointing Super League XIV season, head coach James Lowes was replaced by the then-England coach, Tony Smith who has brought the club up to their current standard; winning the League Leader Shield and a home semi-final tie against St. Helens in 2016. The Warrington Wolves are the only club in English Rugby League history to have played every season in the top flight with home matches being played at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, where they recently played Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup quarter-final, ending in a 24-24 draw in the Magic Weekend Game. Heading towards the next semi-final against Wigan on June 17th, the club has offered two players extensions to their contracts; could these players help to push The Wire to the front of the pack?
Full-back, Stefan Ratchford who’s original contract was due to expire in 2018 has now signed a contract extension for another two years, ending in 2020. Head of Coaching, Tony Smith said “He has been very consistent this year and has earned the right for a longer-term deal. This is a nice reward for a lot of hard work and for how professional he is on and off the field”.
Ratchford replied “The next few years are exciting with the young lads coming through and the current squad we have. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, we can finally pick up that elusive Grand Final winner’s ring and achieve the goals we’ve set out for”.
Another contract extension has been signed by front-rower Joe Philbin, who has also agreed a new deal until November 2019. Philbin has climbed the progression ladder at Warrington and says, “Tony’s been patient with me and I thank him for that as I feel I’m now showing what I can do”. Tony Smith adds, “He had had far more impact this year. It’s been a case of ‘hard work gives its rewards’, and he’s been working hard this season”.
Philbin is enthusiastic about the younger players being promoted and is optimistic about the quality of the squad’ “Once we click I think something special could happen this year and it’s not far away”.
Now is the perfect opportunity to make the games a bit more interesting by placing a bet on Warrington; and take a chance on this promising squad. One of the leaders in online sports betting, Sportingbet has the Warrington Wolves priced at 9/2 to win the Challenge Cup and take home the prized silverware in August; so take the opportunity now and it could be both you and The Wire that are winners at the end of the season.
