Wolves trio agree contract extensions

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WARRINGTON Wolves skipper Ben Westwood, half-back Gareth O’Brien and winger Kevin Penny have all aggreed contract extensions with the club.
The three players have all signed one-year extensions. Westwood and O’Brien have agreed deals until November 2016 with Penny (pictured above) taking up a one-year option until November 2015.
International second rower Westwood signed for the club back in 2002 and has gone on to make 333 appearances crossing for 113 tries and kicking 80 goals.
Having played in the primrose and blue for over a decade he has become a firm favourite with the fans with chants of ‘Super Bennie Westwood’ ringing out on a match day.
Westwood played his part in the club’s three Challenge Cup Final successes, in the table-topping season of 2011 and in reaching the two Super League Grand Finals in recent years.
His dedication to the club and his experience within the game was recognised this year with a call-up to the role of co-captain alongside Michael Monaghan.
Local-born O’Brien (pictured right) has progressed through the club’s ranks with the support of SquadBuilder and made his first-team debut in May 2011.
He holds Warrington heritage number 1096 with 43 first-team appearances to date including 23 this season.
He is a young player renowned for his kicking game; on show when setting up an individual try in the recent semi-final game at Wigan. He has also stepped up as goal kicker on a number of occasions with 38 to his name.
His career to date has also seen him gain experience away from the Wolves on dual registration and loan spells at fellow Super League clubs including Castleford and St Helens.
Penny pulled on the first-team jersey on three occasions this season and crossed the whitewash four times; proving that he hasn’t lost his ability to score tries. In his second spell at his hometown club he got his chance against Castleford, Doncaster and Bradford before an injury ended his run of matches. He has continued to develop as a player within the first-team training environment and played for Swinton when returning to fitness from injury.
Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said on each of the extended deals: “I am happy that Bennie has extended his stay. He’s been one of our most consistent performers for a number of years now. He’s wholehearted and is still producing some of those tireless performances. He had a little bit of injury this year but he is still one of our high performers week in, week out. I look forward to working with Ben once again.
“Gareth has come through the ranks and is maturing into a top-class Super League player. We have seen, against top-class opposition, his ability and what he can offer the team. He will continue to be part of the group of players who are challenging for the halfback positions, which is healthy and brings out the best in each player.
“I’ve been impressed with Kevin’s attitude on his return to the club he has shown a great desire to learn and progress. It is evident Kevin has matured since his first stint. I look forward to seeing him progress further in 2015 and to challenge the other wingers within the group.”

Bennie Westwood in try scoring action


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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