Wolves season review 2007
http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/articles/2349/1/Wolves-season-review-2007/Page1.html
By Orbit News Ltd.
Published on 01/01/07 9:00 am
WARRINGTON avenged their three defeats to Salford last season with a comfortable 24-12 victory pre-season friendly at The Willows, as they ran in five tries.
But hopefully they will not get too carried away as they won the corresponding friendly at the start of last season!
Two tries from Martin Gleeson and Henry Fa'afili and one from Rob Parker gave Warrington the victory, with Lee Briers on kicking duty.
Salford's signing Danny Halliwell, who spent a spell with the Wolves earlier in his career had put the Reds ahead, but were later reduced to 12 men when Aaron Moule was sin-binned for disputing a disallowed David Gower try.
Young second-rower Luke Adamson did nab his first try for the Reds though and David Hodgson ran in for a late consolation.
There was an injury scare for Wolves skipper Lee Briers who had to limp off with an ankle injury but did not require an x-ray and will be fit for the start of the season.
MIGHTY Warrington Wolves pulled off a stunning 16-10 victory over arch rivals Wigan Warriors at the JJB - but at a heavy price with two key players picking up serious injuries
Half back Chris Bridge limped off after just six minutes with a torn hamstring while powerhouse Prop Adrian Morley suffered a suspected fractured eye socket early in the second-half.
But Coach Paul Cullen still managed to mastermind a superb victory as he rotated his remaining players to great effect.
New signings Paul Johnson and Vinny Anderson were both involved in the thick of the action and second-rower Ben Westwood was a revelation in defence.
Inspirational skipper Lee Briers was also at his best as the Wolves showed superior fitness and ideas with two first half tries from Richie Barnett and man-of-the-match Anderson, while Lee Briers added eight points with the boot.
Wigan rallied in the second half, scoring through Mark Calderwood and controversially through David Vaealiki late on, but a record first week crowd of 21,693 could not spur them to overturn the Wolves, who were cheered on by nearly 6,000 travelling fans.
Warrington set off like a steam train in appalling conditions led by a powerhouse pack, and they were ahead inside three minutes through a Briers penalty.
Then Anderson showed great awareness to intercept inside his own half, but he could not find any support with a try beckoning.
Wigan continued to probe and levelled with a Pat Richards penalty midway through the first half.
Wolves winger Richie Barnett powered over to hand Warrington a converted 8-2 lead.
Hooker Jon Clarke made the initial break - the Wolves' sixth of the first half; Paul Johnson then showed marvellous composure to draw in two tacklers and feed Barnett, who stepped inside Calderwood to score. Warrington were now rampant and they grabbed a second touchdown before half-time.
After Paul Wood had been held up over the goal-line the Wolves kept probing, and Briers used his dummy runners intelligently to feed Anderson for a 12-2 interval lead.
Wigan needed an instant boost to stem the tide in the second period, yet it was Warrington and that man Anderson who nearly claimed another score, but thhis touchdown was ruled out for an offside by the video referee.
Then Morley's departure, after coming off second best in a strong shoulder charge seemed to spark Wigan into life and they finally grabbed their first try of the season thanks to some fine handling by Calderwood.
Briers eventually extended Wolves' lead with another penalty goal.
Another Briers two-pointer followed with Wigan seemingly beaten, but they did give their fans some hope with five minutes remaining - albeit in controversial circumstances. O'Loughlin caused confusion in the Wolves defence, before Mick Higham's forward pass went unnoticed as Vaealiki set up a nerve jangling ending.
A delighted Cullen was bombarded with snowballs by his thrilled players at the final hooter, although he will be left counting the costs with the loss of two players possibly for some time.
DISMAYED Warrington Wolves fans were left wondering if they were witnessing yet another false dawn as they saw their team crash 20-36 at home to the rampant Bradford Bulls.
During a scintilating 20 minute spell at the start of the second half the Bulls put the Wolves to the sword with some powerful running and super support play.
The first hafl was evenly balanced as the Wolves held onto a slnder lead thanks to two tries from second rower Ben Westwood, both converted by skipper Lee Briers, who also landed an early penalty.
But after the break Bradford ran in three second-half tries in eight minutes as Lesley Vainikolo, James Evans and Michael Platt, with his second try of the game, all struck quickly to put the Bulls in control.
Warrington were given some hope when Prop Chris Leikvoll powered over from close range but then Bradford's Platt completed his hat-trick racing 80 yards late on to seal the victory, signalling an early departure by many disgruntled Wolves fans.
Head Coach Paul Cullen now has the difficult task of rallying his troops for the visit of Hull next Sunday when anything less than victory will signal another dismal start to the season and undo all the good work achieved by winning at Wigan in the opening game.
by Gary Skentelbery picture George Thornton
A LAST gasp drop goal from skipper Lee Briers gave Warrington the spoils with a 25-24 victory over last season's beaten grand finalists, who are still looking for their first win of the season.
Hull raced in to a 12 point lead while Prop Paul Rauhihi was in the sin bin after being shown the yellow card for apparently running into referee Steve Ganson.
Hull took advantage with tries from Richard Whiting and Lee Radford - both converted by Paul Cooke , which put Hull 12-0 after 18 minutes.
But tries from Michael Sullivan and Briers, plus a briers penalty levelled the scores by the interval.
Warrington pressure eventually paid off with tries from Jon Clarke and Vinnie Anderson but the Wolves, who were guilty of giving away too many penalties allowed the visitors beakc into the match with tries from Gareth Raynor and Matt Sing which levelled matters with six minutes left.
However Briers, who had already missed one drop goal attempt when the Wolves had a 12 point lead, rifled over the match-winning one-pointer, three minutes from time.
Warrington managed to hang on for a morale boosting victory.
After the match Head Coach Paul Cullen said he was pleased with the victory but disappointed with some of the performance, especially the number of penalties given away for technical offences. "I am not saying every penalty was justified but we need to look at the mistakes we are making which almost proved costly," he said.Picture shows Martin Gleeson breaking through the Hull defence.
Warrington (12) 25
Tries: Sullivan, Briers, Clarke, Anderson. Goals: Briers 4. Drop-goal: Briers.
Warrington Wolves came from behind to beat Harlequins 19-12 at the Twickenham Stoop. The home team looked on course to retain their unbeaten record as they raced into a 12-0 lead with converted tries inside the first 20 minutes from Matthew Gafa and Scott Hill.
But Warrington hit back to join Bradford at the top of the table with three wins from four.
It didn't look good for the Wolves when after just six minutes Australians Hill and McLinden combined to send winger Gafa racing clear under the sticks, Paul Sykes tagging on the extras.
Eight minutes later Quins went over again as neat work from scrum-half Danny Orr put stand-off Hill in froim 10 yards out.
Shellshocked Warrington could have crumbled but they bounced straight back and clawed their way back into the contest within a minute.
Skipper Lee Briers provided a stuuning pass to Martin Gleeson and the Great Britain centre powered over, although Briers failed to land the goal.
Four minutes before the beak the Wolves scored again as Martin Gleeson's pass gave winger Henry Fa'afili the chance to display his fancy footwork at the expense of Chris Melling for a try in the corner.
The Kiwi winger also got the equalising try eight minutes into the second half after a clever interchange between Mark and Martin Gleeson.
The Wolves were now turning on the style and the fourth try arrived in the 64th minute as Brent Grose threw a reverse pass that wrong-footed the defence and Stuart Reardon took the ball at full pace to score in the corner.
After two missed conversions, Briers handed the kicking duties to Chris Bridge and the substitute, who returned to action after missing the last two games with a torn hamstring, duly obliged by adding the goal for an 18-12 lead.
Briers then made amends for his earlier misses by slotting a drop goal seven minutes from time to stretch the lead and settle and nerves amongst the travelling fans.
by Gary Skentelbery picture George Thornton
WHEN star centre Martin Gleeson left Saint Helens to join arch-rivals Warrington many thought he would be a hard act to follow - up step Jamie Lyon.
When Lyon quit Saints to return to Australia many thought he would be an impossible act to follow - up step Matt Gidley!
A hat-trick from the Aussie centre, saw St Helens continue their domination over Warrington with a 48-12 win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, as the Wolves were outclassed in every department.
The Wolves were not helped by some questionable decisions, including Saints opening try - but in reality they could not compete with their illustrious neighbours who looked in a different league.
The treble from the former Australian Test centre helped take the World Club champions above their opponents in the table with a dazzling win, only tainted by the brilliance of Lee Briers, who sadly had to limp from the action in the final quarter.
The half-back, who first made his name with St Helens, scored once and set up another before going off with a hamstring injury, which will concern coach Paul Cullen, who also saw Chris Bridge pick up a groin strain.
The result leaves Wolves with just one win in 27 Super League derbies against Saints on a night when they could have gone top! Warrington were unlucky not to open the scoring when Martin Gleeson was held up just short of the line but was then adjudged to have made a double movement by the video ref.
But Saints soon started to take control and Long put a clever little kick into the in-goal area and the video ref deemed Gidley had enough downwards pressure on the ball to award the game's first try and Saints a 4-0 lead on 13 minutes.
Saints were getting over the advantage line with ease and it was no surprise when Ade Gardner ran over for his side's second try, although it came in controversial circumstances as Wolves called for a penalty because of a push by Kieron Cunningham on Briers at the play-the-ball.
Stand-off Leon Pryce showed no mercy though putting over a superb cross field up-and-under on 20 minutes for Nick Fozzard to pick up, pass to Gidley, who shipped the ball onto Gardner for a fine score to make it 10-0 following Long's conversion.
Warrington's agony was compounded when Gidley showed great skills to leave Paul Johnson and Stuart Reardon for dead with his sidesteps, to touch down for his second try to make it 16-0, with another Long conversion.
But to their credit Warrington hit back as Briers stepped into gear, running over after a quick penalty, although there was some debate over whether he had actually tapped the ball.
The half-back then converted the kick as the half drew to a close to make it 16-6, and with the minutes ticking away Briers again inspired his side.
His last-ditch kick towards the line was gathered assuredly by Henry Fa'aFili, who did the rest, and Briers' conversion gave Wolves a real chance heading into the dressing room at 16-12.
The first score of the second half was always going to be crucial and Francis Meli delivered the killer blow almost immediately, pinching one from dummy-half on the line to restore Saints comfort zone at 20-12.
Saints became unstoppable and Maurie Fa'asavalu could have scored soon after, but for a fine tackle from Reardon. But a quick pass from Cunningham gave Gidley the simplest of hat-trick chances to extend the lead to 24-12.
With Warrington fading fast Mike Bennett ran in for another converted try to make it 30-12. Two late tries from Pryce, one a breakaway covering the full length of the pitch, made it 42-12, as Long converted.
Then full-back Paul Wellens nipped in for a final final try to complete Wolves' misery.Picture shows Mike Sullivan attempting to breach the St Helens defence.
WARRINGTON out muscled Super League newcomers Hull KR as they recorded a convincing 30-12 victory at the Halliwell Jones.
But the victory came at a price as Adrian Morely, on his home debut, was led from the field with what appeared to be another facial injury midway through the first half.
With half backs Lee Briers and Chris Bridge already missing, hooker Jon Clarke shared the play making roles with Vinny Anderson and Mike Sullivan.
Winger Henry Fa'fili opened the scoring early on after good work by his centre partner Martin Gleeson with Paul Johnson and Ben Westwood adding further tries before the break.
A Jason Netherton try was the visitors only response just before the break but Clarke extended Warrington's lead early in the second half.
Johnson and Clarke again struck to put Warrington out of sight with Byron Ford scoring a late consolation for Rovers.
Victory moved Warrington up to 5th in the table, level on points with their opponents.
But Coach Paul Cullen's main concern will be another injury to Morley.Picture shows centre Paul Johnson scoring.
WARRINGTON Wolves were edged out 30-24 in a thriller at Belle Vue after throwing away an early second half lead.
Disappointed Head Coach Paul Cullen was quick to praise the Wildcats for their effort but was disappointed by his team's lack of composure. "We had the effort and the skill but laceked the composure," said Cullen.
"Ar 24-16 our compsoure was not good enough to secure the win. WE've come up with too many mistakes and that is what has cost us!".
Tries from Paul Fox, Ryan Atkins, Paul March, Waine Pryce, Ben Jeffries, and Tevita Leo-Latu made the difference for John Kear's men, who made life difficult for themselves in a dramatic error-strewn Super League battle. Having been on the back foot for the majority of the first half, Warrington responded and eventually took the lead through scores from Paul Wood, Henry Faa'fili, Chris Bridge and Jon Clarke. The Wildcats went ahead inside three minutes though Fox, although Warrington could feel it was a little unjust after Jason Demetriou appeared to be obstructing Paul Johnson.
Trinity reached double-figures inside 10 minutes after Ben Jeffries produced the perfectly-weighted grubber kick in behind the Wolves' defence, and Atkins timed his run to perfection to drop on the loose ball for 10-0.
Warrington pressure was building though as the penalty count rose against the hosts, and they finally made it pay as Wood showed good hands to reach over for a 10-6 scoreline.
But the Wildcats did extend their lead to 16-6 before the break, March capitalising on a loose pass deep inside the Warrington half that would have had Cullen pulling his hair out.
If Warrington were there own worst enemies for that score, Wakefield immediately gifted them a six-point return on the stroke of the interval as Brett Ferres crazily decided to run the ball from deep after the hooter.
He was promptly tackled and dispossessed deep inside his own half, allowing Henry Faa'fili to produce a cool finish for a 16-12 half-time scoreline.
Warrington emerged from the second half without the influential figure of Paul Johnson, who suffered a suspected a broken hand whilst delivering a hand-off at the end of the first period.
The setback did not faze the visitors though, who owned the football for the first six minutes of the second half, culminating in Chris Bridge's first try of the campaign. Following Jeffries' loss of possession on his own 20-yard line, the Wolves knocked at the door of the Wakefield defence, with Bridge eventually showing a good change of direction to reach over. He converted his own score to put the Wolves ahead 18-16 for the first time in the contest, and soon that lead was extended to eight points by the pacey Jon Clarke.
Jeffries again came under the microscope as his kick fell into touch, and from the resulting scrum Clarke raced away to score from halfway.
But within a minute Wakefield were back within four points at 24-20 as Atkins hacked on towards the left corner for Pryce - who dived over.
Jeffries then darted over for a 26-24 scoreline followed by Leo-Latu, who pinned back his ears to find the left corner to complete the scoring.
by Gary Skentelbery pictures George Thornton
WARRINGTON Wolves proved too strong for Super League newcomers Hull KR in this 4th round challenge cup clash at the Halliwell Jones as they avenged last year's shop cup exit.
But the Wolves suffered more injury woes as packman Rob Parker suffered a suspected broken hand and front rower Paul Wood was helped off with an ankle injury, to join the list of walking wounded.
Vinnie Anderson and Brent Grose both bagged a brace as Warrington eased their way into the fifth round.
There wasn;t much to choose between the sides in an evenly contested first half which Warrington edged 10-4 at the break.
But the visitors eventually ran out of steam as Grose was on hand to score his second in the closing stages after opening the scoring in the first half.
The impressive Stuart Reardon also crossed for the Wolves before the break but Hull KR remained in touch thanks to David Tangata-Toa's intercept try.
Man of the match Vinne Anderson's first of the afternoon extended Warrington's lead and that was followed up by a solo effort from Chris Bridge, who side-stepped inside Tommy Gallagher to reach the line.
Netherton's close range try briefly threatened a Robins recovery but they were blown away with three scores in the final four minutes.
Grose, Anderson and prop Paul Rauhihi all touched down to give the final score a flattering look.Pictures show Martin Gleeson looking to off load the ball and Prop Paul Rauhihi
WARRINGTON overcame their injury problems with a thrilling victory over Salford City Reds at the Willows.
Despite having six first-teamers ruled out through injury and also missing the suspended Ben Westwood they did welcome back inspirational captain Lee Briers, who passed a late fitness test and whose goal-kicking eventually proved vital for his side.
Both sides scored six tries but Briers landed five goals from six attempts while John Wilshere managed just four from his six attempts.
Kiwi prop Paul Rauhihi was in inspirational form and his two tries also helped Warrington to victory.
Rauhihi used all his power when he crashed over from close range in the first half and his second saw him go on a rampaging 25 metre touchline dash to grab his second at a vital stage of the game midway through the second half to give the Wolves a 22-18 advantage.
Warrington pushed on and further tries from Mike Wainwright and Andy Bracek, all converted by Briers, put them in control at 34-18.
But in a sensational ending Salford grabbed three tries in the final five minutes through Stuart Littler, Daley Williams and David Hodgson but John Wilshere could only add one conversion and the Wolves held on for victory in a breathless finale as time ran out on the Reds.
Salford led 12-10 at half time as Wilshere and Luke Robinson grabbed tries for the home side, both converted by Wilshere with Warrington replying through Rauhihi and Brent Grose. Warrington edged in front five minutes after the restart when Henry Fa'afili went over and Briers converted. But back came the Reds and a super individual try from Luke Dorn and Wilshere's goal edged their noses back in front before Rauhihi's second put the Wolves back on the road to victory.
IT proved to be one game too far as Warrington crashed at home to bottom of the league Huddersfield.
Warrington were truly appalling in the first half and appeared to be suffering a hangover from their narrow victory at Salford on Good Friday.
But Head coach Paul Cullen refused to blame his side's injury crisis on the defeat as he saw Chris Bridge and Vinnie Anderson limp from the field to add to their growing list.
He said: "Injuries and unavailability of players is not an issue, as we created enough chances to win the match and bombed four of them.
"We put the ball down twice with not a Huddersfield defender in front of us and you have to take those chances in a game like this.
"We had a very good response in the second half but as far as we are concerned 24 points have gone begging with our missed opportunities>
"It doesn't do your spirits much good when you lose your stand-off and loose forward when you are working so hard in the second half.
"We know full well we will get all the guys back and will look forward to that day."
Warrington's tries came from Henery Fa'fili (2) and Martin Gleeson against his former club, with Briers landing a penalty and two conversions.
Meanwhile Huddersfield's Chris Thorman who landed seven goals was the main difference between the two sides as he capitalised on Warrington's high penalty count.
by Gary Skentelbery
TWO former Warrington Rugby League greats were inducted into the Past Player's Hall of fame during a special presentation.
Former club captains Harry Bath and Ken Kelly were both inducted into the hall of fame at a sportsman's dinner held at the Tetley Walker Club.
A special message was sent to the event from Harry who lives in Australia and his award was presented to former player Barry Briggs, who played in Australia and skippered Newtown where Harry was Coach.Picture shows (-L-R) Ken Kelly, guest speaker Barry McDermott, Barry Briggs who received citation on behalf of Harry Bath, and George Thornton Past Players Chairman.
report Gary Skentelbery pictures George Thornton
INJURY ravaged Warrington Wolves wilted in the heat as a team patched up with youngsters were over run by a powerful Leeds Rhinos.
The Rhinos recorded a resounding 52-10 success as they ran riot during the second half at a swealtering Halliwell Jones Stadium.
To their credit Warrington opened the scoring through a Ben Westwood try, but the visiotrs were 18-10 up by the interval and eased clear in the second half, racking up nine tries by the final whistle.
Returning from a two-match suspension, Westwood reminded Wolves fans what they had been missing when he finished off good work by Jon Clarke and Martin Gleeson for the opening try on 16 minutes, adding the conversion from the touchline.
But Leeds were back on terms shortly before the half-hour mark as Gareth Ellis accepted a pass from Kevin Sinfield to touch down and they hit the front soon afterwards when New Zealand centre Clinton Toopi came on to score with virtually his first touch after replacing Matt Diskin. Sinfield converted both scores, but Warrington refused to lie down and reduced the lead to two points as Brent Grose took advantage of good work by Richie Barnet who palmed a high ball down to the winger to touchdown.
But the Wolves headed for the dressing room deflated as a powerful Keith Senior burst sent in Scott Donald with Sinfield's third successful kick stretching the lead to 18-10.
The unstoppable Senior then crossed the whitewash himself moments after the restart as he brushed aside the challenge of Stuart Reardon and Rob Burrow underlined Leeds' growing superiority as he scooted over five minutes later. Warrington - missing Paul Johnson, Michael Sullivan, Chris Bridge, Chris Leikvoll, Adrian Morley, Rob Parker, Paul Wood and their inspirational captain Lee Briers - wilted as the game entered the final half-hour and Leeds picked them off almost at will.
Jamie Thackeray bulldozed over, while Brent Webb and Danny McGuire increased the agony for home fans as they extended the lead to 46-10 with ten minutes still left on the clock.
Grose then saw a try chalked off for a forward pass and, to add insult to injury, Burrow nipped in to collect a McGuire kick to claim his second and Leeds' ninth three minutes from time, with the accurate Sinfield adding his eighth successful kick of the afternoon.Pictures show Stuart Reardon and Ben Westwood in action.
WARRINGTON Wolves got their season back on track ending a four-match losing run in fine style with a 50-18 hammering of bottom club Salford.
With most of their big guns back from injury the Wolves were too hot to handle as they ran in 10 tries.
On Millennium Magic weekend Vinnie Anderson and Martin Gleeson both scored twice in the one-sided encounter.
Wales international Lee Briers also enjoyed himself in Cardiff, scoring an intercept try after setting up his side's opener and the margin of victory would have been even greater if he hadn't left his kicking boots at home.
A clever kick from Briers opened the scoring when the ball luckily came back off the cross bar and bounced kindly for Paul Johnson to touch down.
Anderson side-stepped his way through shortly after to extend Warrington's lead before Salford finally got on the board through Luke Dorn.
However, they conceded again before the break when Henry Fa'afili crossed in the right corner for his 10th try of the season and the second half became one-way traffic.
Stuart Reardon got the benefit of the doubt from the television official over a double movement to score before Gleeson helped himself to a quick-fire double.
The Great Britain centre held off Luke Robinson to go in on the right before enjoying the easiest of run-ins.
A second intercept try of the afternoon, this one for Richie Barnett, rubbed further salt in Salford's wounds and as if that wasn't bad enough, Anderson completed his brace straight from the resulting kick-off.
Salford's Kevin McGuinness and Andrew Brocklehurst both crossed in the closing stages for consolation tries. But it was the Wolves who had the last word, Jon Clarke scoring and Ben Westwood adding the conversion to bring up his side's half century.
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON Wolves ran in nine tries to defeat National League Two side Barrow Raiders 48-16 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
While Coach Paul Cullen showed Barrow the ultimate respect by fielding a strong line up there was only ever going to be one winner as Kiwi stand-off Vinnie Anderson bagged a hat-trick, with two each for Martin Gleeson and Richie Barnett.
Skipper Lee Briers was on target with six goals in front of a disappointing crowd of less than 5,000.
The Cumbrians' spirited performance was rewarded with tries from Brett McDermott and Khamal Ganley and Barrow had the final say when Nick Beach crossed in the final minute.Picture shows full-back Stuart Reardon in full flight
THE future of Warrington Wolves Coach Paul Cullen is on a knife edge as the club collapsed to their fifth home defeat of the season.
While injury ravaged Harlequins strengthened their Super League play-off hopes with a first-ever win over Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium the Wolves were left languishing near the wrong end of the table.
The Wolves board have made clear their ambitions of bringing silverware to the club and invested heavily in signing proven international players.
At the start of the season deputy Chairman Steven Broomhead made it clear that anything less than silverware or a top three finish would be classed as an under achievement.
With more than half the season gone Warrington's season is almost in tatters - and it doesn't get any easier with the visit of St Helens in the league and a trip to Knowsley Road looming in the cup.
Cullen faces a titanic task to turn his team's fortunes around and could face the same fate as the ocean-going liner if things don't improve soon.
His facial expression at the end of the match told its own story as he had to endure being booed on to the pitch by the Wire faithful and then seeing his players being booed.
Sources close to the club say the board's patience is wearing thin.
Meanwhile first-half tries from Matt Gafa, Rob Purdham and Julien Rinaldi gave Quins their fourth away win of the season.
Warrington's only try came from Martin Gleeson after good work by Ben Westwood. After the break they dominated possession but Quins' defence held out.
Paul Sykes added a late drop to Quins captain Purdham's two goals to hand Wolves a fifth defeat in six matches.
Warrington were also handed a disciplinary worry over Great Britain forward Adrian Morley, who was put on report for a high tackle on hooker Rinaldi midway through the second half.
A dejected Cullen said after the match: "We are very disappointed we couldn't deliver. We were very ordinary. I didn't think we worked hard enough to try and break through and push Harlequins back at all and ultimately paid the price.
"We were very flat. We couldn't find sufficient energy to get from one end of the field and come up with a kicking game that was going to put some pressure on Harlequins.
"We sent them all the wrong signals very early and they got a smell and a sniff that we weren't quite right. It's very difficult to take."
STANDING pitchside and listening to the chorus of boos ringing out for the second week in a row, Paul Cullen must have been wondering just how much longer it would be before he joins Karl Harrison and becomes the latest head coach to feel the finely honed steel of the axeman's blade.
To be fair to Mr Cullen the Wolves started out looking the better side, hungry and full of running they had the Saints rattled early on and a classy piece of footwork from Vinnie Anderson gave Wolves the opening try. An easy conversion for Briers gave the Wolves a 6-0 lead.
Indecision in the Wolves defence led to Jon Wilkin scoring a short while later and the successful conversion had the game tied at 6-6. The Wolves continued to press hard with some determined, agressive play.
Wainwright and Fa'asavalu were shown yellow cards for fighting, and the restultant gap in the Saints defensive line enabled Fa'afili to take a superb catch from a perfectly weighted Briers kick and score in the corner.
Briers converted giving the home side a 12- 6 lead which they took into the half time interval, although there were signs towards the end of the half of what was to follow, with some of the players starting to look tired and out of sorts.
Three unanswered tries early in the second half saw Saints take control.
A Matty Smith effort from 60 metres out started the rot and Leon Pryce then went over for the first of his three tries.
A Wilkin interception from a Martin Gleeson pass gave Pryce his second and missed tackles led to his third and even more appalling defence led to Fa'asavalu adding Saints seventh try in a totally miserable afternoon's rugby for Wolves players and fans alike.
After a disastrous start to the season and the last two horrendous performances fans are left wondering where the inspiration is going to come from to stave off what is looking more and more likely to be an end of season relegation dog fight than the pre-season promised play-offs.
FORMER Warrington Coach Kevin Ashcroft believs Warrington and Salford are the favorites for the drop as the Wolves plunged to yet another defeat which leaves them second bottom in the Super League.
Ashcroft believes something must be wrong in the Warrington camp for so many star players to under achieve.
Meanwhile despite a spirited display, in particular from debut winger Kevin Penny who grabbed a brace of tries and a hat-trick from Henry Fa'afili, the Wolves ended up on the end of another heavy defeat as the Rhinos plundered seven tries against a disjointed defence.
If Lee Briers had not left his kicking boots at home the score would have been a lot tighter as the Rhinos only oustcored Warrington 7 tries to five, with Kevin Sinfield landing seven out of seven.
The defeat piled more pressure on Coach Paul Cullen, who has been given the dreaded "vote of confidence" by Club Chairman Lord Hoyle.
With an almost "mission impossible" trip to St Helens in the Challenge Cup looming followed by a visit by fellow relegation candidates Wakefield another league defeat could signal the end of an era for Cullen.
While he has been quickt o point out how who turned the club around from relegation candidates to top four challengers, the club appears to have gone complete circle.
WARRINGTON missed a great chance of toppling cup favourites St Helens at Knowsley Road in this Challenge Cup quarter Final clash.
The Saints underperformed and were trailing 4-12 at the interval as the Wolves ran in tries from Kevin Penny and Henry fa'afili, both goaled by Briers.
But it was the same old story in the second half as the Wolves faded after an hour and allowed the home side to make amends for their poor first half performance.
Warrington had the worst possible start as Saints went ahead after a minute with a try from Lee Gilmour.
The try was scored as Wolves Prop Adrian Morley was being led from the field "dazed and confused" after clashing heads with former Wire packman Nick Fozzard in the opening seconds.
The Wolves rallied and went close twice, both times squandering golden scoring opportunities.
First, Fa'afili wasted a two-on-one overlap with a mistimed pass to his winger, before Ben Westwood dropped a ball with a gaping view of the try-line in front of him.
Saints upped their intensity around the 20-minute mark but Warrington defended staunchly before hitting back with Penny's stunning solo effort down the wing.
Penny took the ball tight on the left touchline and his impressive pace took him past the despairing tackles of Matt Gidley, Gardner and Paul Wellens.
Lee Briers converted and four minutes late Warrington stretched further clear when Fa'afili dummied his way over from close range.
St Helens immediately cut the deficit after the break when Francis Meli caught Long's cross-kick into the corner and offloaded to the supporting Talau to score.
Saints built on their momentum and soon put Gardner over in the right corner after a flowing move upfield to level the scores.
Briers added a penalty on 52 minutes to nose the Wolves infront but the home side roared back into the lead when a good break from Jon Wilkin, and support from Sean Long, sent Gilmour under the posts.
Wellens opened the gap with a penalty and Long edged the lead to seven points with a late drop inside the last 10 minutes before Roby scampered over to remove any doubt.
Warrington coach Paul Cullen on losing Morley: "It certainly tested our character and I thought the way the players responded was absolutely magnificent. To suffer that and go in front at half-time was certainly remarkable.
"The guys refused to give in. I thought defensively it was a massive effort. We were a couple of players short of achieving our goal.
"We came here to win the game - that was very evident about the way we went about our business - and we're gutted that we're going home without it."
WARRINGTON Wolves eased the pressure on Head Coach Paul Cullen with a no nonsense 31-12 victory over fellow strugglers Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
In a scrappy first half Warrington led at the interval 12-6 thanks to tries from hooker/half back Jon Clarke and Prop Chris Leikvoll, who impressed in the pack.
A brace of tries from young winger Chris Riley plus one for full-back Brent Grose and a Lee Briers drop-goal, who weighed in with five conversions from six attempts completed the scoring, as the wildcats could only muster a late consolation.
While there was nothing spectacular about the the victory it ended a run of four consecutive defeats.
Ben Westwood collected the man of the match award against his former club following a workmanlike performance, leaving the filed in the final minutes to a standing ovation.
Stll missing keys players like Stuart Reardon, Martin Gleeson, Chris Bridge and Vinnie Anderson, the victory must have been a welcome relief for under fire Coach Paul Cullen who had his last game in charge alongside assistant Paul Darbyshire, who has left to take up a three year deal at Munster Rugby Union Club with immediate effect.
Meanwhile I understand Cullen's own contractural situation is still under review, although a victory at Catalans next week could secure him a one year extension.
DESPITE an inspirational performance from Skipper Lee Briers Warrington Wolves went down 24-22 at Les Catalans.
Briers didn't deserve to be on the losing side as he weighed in with 18 points from two tries and five goals.
Warrington led 10-12 at the break and 10-16 after 47 minutes, but were unable to kill off the home side who came roaring back with three tries in a seven-minute spell to pull the Dragons clear of the trouble at the bottom of the engage Super League.
John Wilson, Casey McGuire and Jason Croker crossed in that spell and - coupled with first-half efforts from Younes Khattabi and David Ferriol and one conversion from Thomas Bosc - saw Les Catalans move above Warrington in the standings.
The defeat now leaves Warrington struggling at the wrong end of the table, with games fast running out.
Lee Briers scored twice and added 10 points from the boot to add to Kevin Penny's try as the Wolves at least remained in the hunt until the final hooter. They even came close to snatching the match in the dying moments when Chris Riley gathered Briers' clever chip ahead - but somehow managed to drop the ball as he dived over the line, with Bosc making the crucial tackle.
That missed chance proved crucial as the Dragons managed to hold their nerve at the death.
HEAD Coach Paul Cullen breathed a huge sigh of relief as his side came good against fellow strugglers Huddersfield Giants.
Chris Bridge showed what has been missing for much of the season as he scored a hat-trick of tries, and Prop Adrian Morley continued to show his recent improvement in form with another powerful performance.
Warrington leapfrogged their plummeting opponents and now sit well-placed for a late assault on the play-offs.
Two tries from Bridge and one from Stuart Reardon in the first-half took Warrington into the interval with a healthy 20-6 advantage, despite Robbie Paul's third-minute try for the Giants. Brad Drew went over to lift the home crowd on the 49th minute, but Warrington responded with four tries for a valuable victory.
Lee Briers was again at the heart of everything good in an attacking vein, sending Bridge over for Warrington's first try.
Michael Sullivan put Bridge through for his second on 16 minutes, before Reardon scored, with Briers kicking nine goals and a drop goal on the day. Morley showed his power against Eorl Crabtree - and winger Kevin Penny hammered home the Wolves' dominance. Teenager Penny showed blistering pace to race over for his first try on 45 minutes from Paul Johnson's pass.
Huddersfield fought back through Drew, but Sullivan took his try well to re-establish the momentum.
Bridge completed his fine day on the hour, and although Ryan Hudson's two tries in seven minutes restored some pride for the Giants, Huddersfield were well beaten.
Shane Elford crossed for the Giants in the 79th minute, and Chris Thorman claimed his fourth conversion from five attempts. But Penny capped a fine day for the visitors when he raced under the posts for his second try of the match and Briers added the extras.
After the match a relieved Cullen hailed powerhouse Morley's influence on the game as he left Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree dazed and confused.
Cullen said: "Big Eorl caused us so many problems last time we played them at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
"He went right through us and cut us to pieces, so we knew we had to be big on him.
"Mozza's tackling technique was absolutely spot on. It was a big shot and it gave us a big lift in what was a very good all-round team performance."
Cullen insisted his side could now progress into the play-off places.
"This is just one more step. We generally haven't spent too much time looking downwards and backwards. "We're looking forward at the top six and that's where our intentions lie."
WARRINGTON Wolves have signed Melbourne Storm star Matt King on a lucrative four-year deal reported to be worth over £250,000 a year.
The 26-year-old New South Wales star and Australia international has confirmed his move to Warrington saying: "I had to weigh up a lot of things before I made the decision."
Warrington are rumoured to be paying King around £1.3million over four years, making him the highest-paid centre in the game.
The 6ft 3in King won his eighth cap for Australia in a 30-6 win over New Zealand in this year's Anzac Test in Brisbane in April.
Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron said it was impossible for the club to keep King, who had a year to run on his contract but had a get-out clause.
He said: "It's a decision we're obviously disappointed about but we completely understand."
King added: "My decision was based on taking on loads of advice from the likes of Andrew Johns and David Kidwell who have both played for the club and they could not speak highly enough of the set-up and the Warrington area.
"Also my good mate Mike Sullivan is currently playing with the club and he gave me advice as well.
"So I took on board all this advice and made the decision to come to Warrington.
"It is an awesome opportunity to play in another part of the world in another competition playing the game that you love."
King said he spoke with Warrington coach Paul Cullen on Monday to tell him his decision.
"I suppose I will walk into some sort of leadership role at Warrington, being where I am at the moment," King said.
"I spoke to the coach and mentioned how I like looking after the young fellas and if I could take a role there at Warrington it would be great."
Wigan, Hull KR and Bradford were all believed to have been interested in signing King but Warrington coach Paul Cullen was delighted to secure King's signature.
"Matt is a world class international, who will delight the Warrington faithful for years to come," he said.
Warrington are continuing to strengthen the squad for next season and have already signed Manly Sea Eagles backs Michael Monaghan and Chris Hicks and New Zealand Warriors forward Louis Anderson for next season.
by Gary Skentelbery picture George Thornton
WARRINGTON's young winger Kevin Penny was the hat-trick hero as the Wolves put Salford to the sword - but it was half back Chris Bridge who was the unsung hero.
Bridge, who appears to have put a number of injuries and off field troubles behind him, was at the heart of everything good with a combination of power, pace and skill.
But it was Penny who grabbed the limelight as he touched down for a second-half hat-trick in the space of seven magical minutes, with his third - and ninth in six matches - seeing Phim sprint almost the length of the pitch before touching down. "Kevin's final try took some scoring," enthused Head Coach Paul Cullen. "We've had it in our armoury for a while and Richie Barnett scored one from Lee Briers' kick.
"But this was even better, to outpace two chasers was very special and Kevin has the potential to play top level football.
"He has the pace for all to see and has taken his chance exceptionally well.
"Henry Fa'afili delivered him some great balls, Adrian Morley was almost unstoppable and Jon Clarke was very smart from dummy half.
"Chris Bridge has gone through a difficult period with injuries but we have been very patient and he is paying us back."
But Warrington suffered a blow after Michael Sullivan broke his arm, with Cullen adding: "It was a clean break but if it needs plating he could be out for the rest of the season."
Warrington ran in nine tries and the scoreline would have been much greater had Lee Briers not left his kicking boots at home, missing seven of his attempts, with Bridge also missing one.
WARRINGTON Wolves stormed back into the top six with an eleven try demolition of a stunned Hull KR who on this showing could be destined for a quick return to the first division.
They had no answer to a rampant Warrington with skipper Lee Briers impressing with a hat-trick of tries.
Still missing some key players including Paul Johnson and Vinnie Anderson the Wolves were too strong for a sorry looking Rovers as youngsters Andy Bracek and Ben Harrison gain some valuable first team action.
The only surprise was that young winger Kevin Penny, who has been grabbing the headlines wityh nine tries in six outings, failied to get on the score sheet.
This time it was opposite winger Stuart Reardon who bagged a couple, including the first score.
Rover briefly showed some resistance when Ian Hardman went over but then it was nearly all one way traffic as the Wolves built up a match winning half time lead of 4-32 with other tries coming from Adrian Morley, Mark Gleeson, Jon Clarke, Lee Briers and Chris Bridge.
After the break Reardon crossed for a second while Henry Fa'afili and Clarke added late efforts, after Briers completed his hat-trick and added 16 points from the boot for Warrington's biggest victory of the season.
Warrington Wolves young forward Andrew Bracek, 20 and hooker Mark Gleeson, 25, have committed their futures to the Club.
Bracek has committed until 2010 while Gleeson, has signed a one year extension.
Bracek says he has gained experience from training and playing alongside Adrian Morley and has shown consistency in the U21s, with his first grade experience showing through.
A Former England Academy second rower with superb footwork, Bracek made eleven Super League appearances for the Wolves in 2006, scoring his first Super League try. Originally involved with Wigan's development squad after signing from Leigh Miners, he joined St Helens in 2003 and made his Super League debut at prop against Bradford in the final league game of the 2004 season. He was part of England Academy's successful tour of New Zealand and Australia in 2004 and joined the Wolves in a £22,500 deal in time for the 2005 season. Andy has made 2(9) appearances this season scoring a try against Salford in Round 8, and since his debut has made 2 (28) scoring 2 tries.
Bracek said: "I have enjoyed my time so far with the club and I am breaking into the first grade now and I can see so much potential here for myself and the club in the future with the new signings for next season.
"I think this season is shaping up for an exciting finale and I am looking forward to being part of that and scoring more tries….let’s see if I can get in to double figures this year!"
Head Coach Paul Cullen: "We are delighted that another of our young players have committed their futures to the Warrington Wolves. There has already been a considerable investment in time and effort from all parties and we look forward to that potential being fully realised."
Meanwhile by committing to another season Gleeson will continue playing alongside brother Martin for the engage Super League XIII season and it will see two sets of brothers at the Wolves with Louis Anderson on his way to join Vinnie.
Mark joined the Academy in 1999 and has made 34(79) appearances at first grade to date scoring 12 tries.
He commented: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue my career at the Wolves. It is certainly an exciting time. I am Looking ahead to next season and looking forward to playing alongside Matt King. He is a talented player who I think can bring a lot to the Wolves line up along with Hicks, Monaghan and Anderson.”
Cullen added: "We are delighted that another of our young players have committed their futures to the Warrington Wolves. There has already been a considerable investment in time and effort from all parties and we look forward to that potential being fully realised."
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves Head Coach Paul Cullen has agreed a new two year contract - although the longest serving Coach in Super League says it has been "one of the least important things on the agenda this season."
As Cullen prepares his troops for one of the biggest games of the season, the visit of arch rivals Wigan, who have been left shell shocked by the Challenge Cup defeat to Les Catalans - at the Halliwell Jones, Cullen says he has been focusing on getting the best out of his players.
"I have not concerned myself with the contract situation. It has been the least important thing on the agenda this season."
Cullen's future looked bleak when Warrington were third from bottom in the table as the team went through an injury crisis.
But the contract situation has now been resolved following the recent improvement in form on the pitch, which has seen four wins in the last five games and the club now back in the top six.
The club has confirmed the new contract prior to the clash with Wigan, which is always one of Cullen's favourite fixtures of the season.
by Gary Skentelbery pictures George Thornton
INSPIRED by skipper Lee Briers Warrington Wolves were more than match for woeful Wigan as they ran in seven tries to climb to fourth in the table.
Aussie legend Andrew Johns, who guested for the Wolves two seasons ago, was back in town to witness the rout and received a rousing reception from the Wolves faithful in the 12,000 plus crowd when he was introduced on the pitch at half time.
The team who were also celebrating Head Coach Paul Cullen's new two year contract, obviously wanted to put on the style as they swept to their fourth win in a row and compounded arch rivals Wigan's woes.
Johns, who has been forced to quit the game due to a neck injury must have been itching to get on the pitch as Briers and his team mates weaved their magic.
Man of the match Briers grabbed an opportunist try, helped set up several others and booted seven goals, plus a drop goal to secure a memorable victory. Smart passing put Stuart Reardon over in the corner with just three minutes gone then Kevin Penny raced 40 yards to grab bag his 10th try in eight starts, showing a clean pair of heel to the trailing defenders.
Wigan threatened a recovery when Phil Bailey and Chris Ashton combined for Liam Colbon to go over but Briers then forced his way through from dummy half.
Warrington could have had more points on the board had Henry Fa'afili had not fumbled the ball over the line after doing all the hard work.
Briers added a drop goal just before the half time hooter to make at 25-6 at the break.
Again Wigan briefly threatened to stage a fightback but Warrington soaked up the pressure, with young Penny pulling off two try saving tackles.
Grose, Clarke, Fa'afili and finally Chris Bridge crossed for further tries with Wigan's responses coming from Leuluai and Goulding twice, the last one the final action giving a flattering scoreline for the visitors.
If Warrington remain injury free and continue with this kind of form they could still prove to be a dark horse in the play offs.Pictures show try scorers Brent Grose and Kevin Penny in action.
For more pictures from the game CLICK HERE
AFTER all the highs of Andrew Johns being back in town and the heavy defeat of Wigan, Warrington were soon brought back down to earth with a bang as they crashed 46-14 at the KC Stadium.
In a closely contested first half the Wolves trailed just 18-14 at the break with tries from Gleeson and Fa'afili twice.
But the second half was all one way traffic. The defeat is a major blow to Warrington's hopes of finishing in the top four.
Hull's tries came from Manu, Raynor (2), Briscoe, Carvell, Tony (2), Horne with Tickle adding seven goals.
Stuart Reardon Martin Gleeson, Adrian Morley and Chris Bridge all picked up injuries which did not help the cause, while Paul Wood was also sent off.
Warrington's defence was poor with numerous errors and has conceeded more points in Super League than anyone else other than Salford City Reds. After the match Head Coach Paul Cullen said: "We started well, looked dangerous with ball and then set about conceeding 14 penalties and suffered injuries.
"Our completion rate was poor, pushed too many passes trying to get back into the game and paid the price.
"We couldn't keep the pressure on Hull. Every time got down there someone would give a penalty away.
"At some time it takes its toll, four players injured and one sent off we have shipped a bit of damage.
"Spent all game going backwards and difficult to lift players.
"If conceeding that many penalties going to invite trouble."
WARRINGTON had to battle hard to beat off a determined challenge from Challenge Cup finalists Catalans Dragons.
Their 22-18 victory pushed them back up to fifth spot in the Super League and after the match coach Paul Cullen was full of praise for his men.
He said: “It was a performance of great character and I couldn’t be more pleased.
“This has been one of the toughest weeks for us. Medically we have been battered and I don’t know how these guys got themselves on to the field.”
Catalans certainly were not holding themselves back for next weekend’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final. Only former Wolves forward Jerome Guisset was rested ahead of the Wembley trip.
The Dragons battled throughout, scoring three ties, but the Wolves managed five of their own to claim victory.
Brent Grose went over twice while Chris Riley, Kevin Penny and Rob Parker also got crucial scores.
Warrington’s victory would have been more comfortable if the normally reliable Lee Briers had not missed four attempts at goal and Ben Westwood one.
Riley opened the scoring after 13 minutes when he took Jon Clarke's long pass to go over in the corner but Lee Briers missed the conversion.
The Dragons levelled nine minutes later when full-back Clint Greenshields crossed wide out and Stacey Jones edged his side in front with the conversion.
Penny then claimed his 11th try in only 10 starts before Grose went over for his first try seven minutes before the break.
Briers, furious over referee Steve Ganson's decision to refer the try to video referee Phil Bentham for a possible obstruction, was sin-binned for dissent and, in his absence, Westwood missed the conversion.
The Dragons drew level for a second time three minutes into the second half through Jones but their lead was short-lived as Grose went through their defence for his second try on 46 minutes. Then Briers broke clear to send prop Parker over for his first try of the season.
After three misses, Briers at last found the target with the goal to stretch the Wolves' lead to 22-12 before Justin Murphy's earned late consolation effort for the visitors.
After the match, Cullen said: "It wasn't the best we've been all year but it was the bravest by a mile.
"We had eight players out of 24 unavailable and medically it's been the probably the hardest week since I came back to the club five years ago.
"Full credit to the Catalans, who didn't come here to give the game away, and I was really pleased the guys toughed it out."
WARRINGTON Wolves are to release Henry Fa’afili, Brent Grose and Chris Leikvoll at the end of the season when their current contracts run out.
The three overseas stars will leave to enable Wolves to avoid breaching the salary cap.
All three have expressed disappointment – but have pledged to give their best efforts to the end of the season.
The crucial game with Huddersfield Giants on August 31 will be their last home Super League game for Wolves.
Head coach Paul Cullen said: “Personally, I am gutted to be losing the three players. Our loss will be someone else’s gain.”
It is highly likely that all three could find themselves playing against Wolves next season.
Fa’afili is the Super League’s leading scorer, Grose was player of the year in 2005 and Leikvoll has also been a consistent performer.
THE Rugby League world has been rocked after Aussie legend Andrew Johns, considered by many to have been the world's greatest Rugby League player, confessed to a drink and drugs problem.
Johns made the confession after being caught possessing an ecstasy tablet in a London nightclub during his recent visit to the country, including a guest spell with Warrington Wolves, who he guested for for three matches in 2005.
He was also special guest at a testimonial dinner for club captain Lee Briers.
Johns, former international scrum half initially claimed the tablet was put into his pocket by a stranger at a nightclub but later admitted it was his.
"I took the drugs to escape from the pressure and get away from being a football player," he said.
"I was going to take the pill for sure.
"I'm not looking for sympathy, I put my hand up. I've done the wrong thing."
The revelations have caused a storm in Australia after Johns admitted abusing alcohol and taking recreational drugs throughout his playing career.
by Gary Skentelbery
KIWI Prop Paul Rauhihi has agreed a new one year deal with Warrington Wolves after managing to remain injury free for much of the season.
The decision to keep Rauhihi came as the Prop picked up a one match ban for a "spear tackle" which was put on report during the clash with Huddersfield Giants.
Rauhihi was also fined £300 and will miss the match at St Helens.
IF losing wasn't bad enough Warrington had to endure St Helens sealing top spot in the Super League table with a 36-16 victory.
With Leeds losing at home to Hull, Saints picked up the two points they needed to secure themselves a third straight minor premiership.
Francis Meli led the way with a hat-trick for the hosts at Knowsley Road, and if losing wasn't a big enough blow to the Wolves' play-off hopes, they saw influential forward Adrian Morley sent off.
The match was already over as a contest when the Great Britain international was given his marching orders in the 68th minute for a high tackle.
Saints were already well on their way to victory after overcoming a sluggish start and an early deficit.
Lee Briers' two early penalties gave the Wolves an early 4-0 advantage and raised hopes they could record their first win at St Helens in 13 years.
Their lead did not last for long though, Lee Gilmour barging his way over midway through the first half and then Meli grabbing his first in the left corner soon after.
The New Zealander added another before the break following a try for his wing partner on the opposite flank, Ade Gardner.
In between Kevin Penny crossed for Warrington, the youngster notching his 13th try in 12 matches.
They scored again on the hour when Martin Gleeseon weaved his way over against his former club, although by then Saints had already added to their tally with tries from James Roby and Meli.
Morley's dismissal rubbed salt in the Wolves' wounds late on and their misery was complete when Leon Pryce scored Saint's seventh.
Stand-in kicker Paul Wellens managed three conversions and a penalty as Saints extended their Super League record against Warrington to an impressive 28-1 !
St Helens
Tries: Gilmour, Pryce, Gardner, Meli (3), Roby
Goals: Wellens (4)
by Gary Skentelbery
EVER present force Benny Westwood has been voted player of the month for August.
Westwood has stepped up to the mark, consistently performing at either second row or centre. Off the field he has given 110% on the training field and out in the community with the Wolves Foundation.
Prime Time Recruitment sponsors the Player of the Month award which is selected by the Wolves coaching staff of Paul Cullen, James Lowes, Dave Elliott and Gary Chambers.
Westwood said: "I’m pleased to have won this award, it’s great to be rewarded for putting in the hard work and scoring a few tries along the way! I just want to keep playing well for the team and help us make the playoffs, once we are in the six anything can happen.”
Head Coach Paul Cullen explained the Performance Department’s reasoning behind their choice: “Ben has made a massive contribution all year, let alone just this last month. The fact he has done this as a back rower and a centre makes his efforts all the more remarkable.”Ben is seen receiving his award from club Chairman Lord Hoyle watched by Head Coach Paul Cullen.
Wolves miss out on top
six despite victory
by Gary Skentelbery
DESPITE a brave victory at relegated Salford the curtain came down on a disappointing season for the Wolves as they missed out on a top six spot, as arch rivals Wigan grabbed a rare win over St Helens.
Although disappointed at missing out on the play offs head coach Paul Cullen praised his players for their show of character.
. Without 10 players through injury and suspension and under intense pressure to beat the relegated Reds at the Willows, Cullen's men responded with a 34-26 victory.
But Wigan's 20-12 win over rivals St Helens guaranteed the Warriors a top-six finish and left Warrington to settle for seventh.
Cullen said after the match: "We are disappointed not to have made the six. Had it gone our way what we would have done next week is anyone's guess.
"But you have to commend the bravery of all 34 players from both camps. We had 10 players out and Salford had 11 and that is a lot of damage to personnel at the back end of the season.
"It was not the best game of rugby but for us it was our last 17 standing."
Cullen singled out young try scoring forward Lee Mitchell for particular praise.
"He has come straight from the under 18s and he is a big strong unit and he played 80 minutes in the second row which is a big ask for his age."
Warrington's other tries came from the league's leading try scorer Henry Fa'afili, who completed the season with an impressive 21, Ben Westwood, a strong candidate for player of the season, who grabbed two, Paul Rauhihi and Chris Bridge.
Skipper Lee Briers weighed in with five goals.
A complete round up of the Wolves' 2007 Super League campaign
Salford City Reds 12 Warrington Wolves 24
Revenge for Wolves
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON avenged their three defeats to Salford last season with a comfortable 24-12 victory pre-season friendly at The Willows, as they ran in five tries.
But hopefully they will not get too carried away as they won the corresponding friendly at the start of last season!
Two tries from Martin Gleeson and Henry Fa'afili and one from Rob Parker gave Warrington the victory, with Lee Briers on kicking duty.
Salford's signing Danny Halliwell, who spent a spell with the Wolves earlier in his career had put the Reds ahead, but were later reduced to 12 men when Aaron Moule was sin-binned for disputing a disallowed David Gower try.
Young second-rower Luke Adamson did nab his first try for the Reds though and David Hodgson ran in for a late consolation.
There was an injury scare for Wolves skipper Lee Briers who had to limp off with an ankle injury but did not require an x-ray and will be fit for the start of the season.
Wigan Warriors 10 Warrington Wolves 16
Wolves out
muscle Wigan!
by Gary Skentelbery
MIGHTY Warrington Wolves pulled off a stunning 16-10 victory over arch rivals Wigan Warriors at the JJB - but at a heavy price with two key players picking up serious injuries
Half back Chris Bridge limped off after just six minutes with a torn hamstring while powerhouse Prop Adrian Morley suffered a suspected fractured eye socket early in the second-half.
But Coach Paul Cullen still managed to mastermind a superb victory as he rotated his remaining players to great effect.
New signings Paul Johnson and Vinny Anderson were both involved in the thick of the action and second-rower Ben Westwood was a revelation in defence.
Inspirational skipper Lee Briers was also at his best as the Wolves showed superior fitness and ideas with two first half tries from Richie Barnett and man-of-the-match Anderson, while Lee Briers added eight points with the boot.
Wigan rallied in the second half, scoring through Mark Calderwood and controversially through David Vaealiki late on, but a record first week crowd of 21,693 could not spur them to overturn the Wolves, who were cheered on by nearly 6,000 travelling fans.
Warrington set off like a steam train in appalling conditions led by a powerhouse pack, and they were ahead inside three minutes through a Briers penalty.
Then Anderson showed great awareness to intercept inside his own half, but he could not find any support with a try beckoning.
Wigan continued to probe and levelled with a Pat Richards penalty midway through the first half.
Wolves winger Richie Barnett powered over to hand Warrington a converted 8-2 lead.
Hooker Jon Clarke made the initial break - the Wolves' sixth of the first half; Paul Johnson then showed marvellous composure to draw in two tacklers and feed Barnett, who stepped inside Calderwood to score. Warrington were now rampant and they grabbed a second touchdown before half-time.
After Paul Wood had been held up over the goal-line the Wolves kept probing, and Briers used his dummy runners intelligently to feed Anderson for a 12-2 interval lead.
Wigan needed an instant boost to stem the tide in the second period, yet it was Warrington and that man Anderson who nearly claimed another score, but thhis touchdown was ruled out for an offside by the video referee.
Then Morley's departure, after coming off second best in a strong shoulder charge seemed to spark Wigan into life and they finally grabbed their first try of the season thanks to some fine handling by Calderwood.
Briers eventually extended Wolves' lead with another penalty goal.
Another Briers two-pointer followed with Wigan seemingly beaten, but they did give their fans some hope with five minutes remaining - albeit in controversial circumstances. O'Loughlin caused confusion in the Wolves defence, before Mick Higham's forward pass went unnoticed as Vaealiki set up a nerve jangling ending.
A delighted Cullen was bombarded with snowballs by his thrilled players at the final hooter, although he will be left counting the costs with the loss of two players possibly for some time.
Wigan (2) 10
Tries: Calderwood, Vaealiki
Goals: Richards
Warrington (12) 16
Tries: Barnett, Anderson
Goals: Briers 4
Att: 21,693
Warrington Wolves 20 Bradford Bulls 36
Another false dawn?
report by Gary Skentelbery pictures George Thornton
DISMAYED Warrington Wolves fans were left wondering if they were witnessing yet another false dawn as they saw their team crash 20-36 at home to the rampant Bradford Bulls.
During a scintilating 20 minute spell at the start of the second half the Bulls put the Wolves to the sword with some powerful running and super support play.The first hafl was evenly balanced as the Wolves held onto a slnder lead thanks to two tries from second rower Ben Westwood, both converted by skipper Lee Briers, who also landed an early penalty.
But after the break Bradford ran in three second-half tries in eight minutes as Lesley Vainikolo, James Evans and Michael Platt, with his second try of the game, all struck quickly to put the Bulls in control.
Warrington were given some hope when Prop Chris Leikvoll powered over from close range but then Bradford's Platt completed his hat-trick racing 80 yards late on to seal the victory, signalling an early departure by many disgruntled Wolves fans.
Head Coach Paul Cullen now has the difficult task of rallying his troops for the visit of Hull next Sunday when anything less than victory will signal another dismal start to the season and undo all the good work achieved by winning at Wigan in the opening game.
Warrington: (14) 20
Tries: Westwood (2), Leikvoll
Goals: Briers (4)
Bradford: (12) 36
Tries: Platt (3), Morrison, Vainikolo, Evans
Goals: Deacon (6)
Warrington 25 Hull 24
Briers drops in with
last gasp victory
by Gary Skentelbery picture George Thornton
A LAST gasp drop goal from skipper Lee Briers gave Warrington the spoils with a 25-24 victory over last season's beaten grand finalists, who are still looking for their first win of the season.
Hull raced in to a 12 point lead while Prop Paul Rauhihi was in the sin bin after being shown the yellow card for apparently running into referee Steve Ganson.
Hull took advantage with tries from Richard Whiting and Lee Radford - both converted by Paul Cooke , which put Hull 12-0 after 18 minutes.
But tries from Michael Sullivan and Briers, plus a briers penalty levelled the scores by the interval.
Warrington pressure eventually paid off with tries from Jon Clarke and Vinnie Anderson but the Wolves, who were guilty of giving away too many penalties allowed the visitors beakc into the match with tries from Gareth Raynor and Matt Sing which levelled matters with six minutes left.
However Briers, who had already missed one drop goal attempt when the Wolves had a 12 point lead, rifled over the match-winning one-pointer, three minutes from time.
Warrington managed to hang on for a morale boosting victory.
After the match Head Coach Paul Cullen said he was pleased with the victory but disappointed with some of the performance, especially the number of penalties given away for technical offences. "I am not saying every penalty was justified but we need to look at the mistakes we are making which almost proved costly," he said.
Tries: Sullivan, Briers, Clarke, Anderson. Goals: Briers 4. Drop-goal: Briers.
Hull (12) 24
Tries: Whiting, Radford, Raynor, Sing. Goals: Cooke 4
Harlequins 12 Warrington 19
Wolves go
joint top
by Gary Skentelbery
Warrington Wolves came from behind to beat Harlequins 19-12 at the Twickenham Stoop. The home team looked on course to retain their unbeaten record as they raced into a 12-0 lead with converted tries inside the first 20 minutes from Matthew Gafa and Scott Hill.
But Warrington hit back to join Bradford at the top of the table with three wins from four.
It didn't look good for the Wolves when after just six minutes Australians Hill and McLinden combined to send winger Gafa racing clear under the sticks, Paul Sykes tagging on the extras.
Eight minutes later Quins went over again as neat work from scrum-half Danny Orr put stand-off Hill in froim 10 yards out.
Shellshocked Warrington could have crumbled but they bounced straight back and clawed their way back into the contest within a minute.
Skipper Lee Briers provided a stuuning pass to Martin Gleeson and the Great Britain centre powered over, although Briers failed to land the goal.
Four minutes before the beak the Wolves scored again as Martin Gleeson's pass gave winger Henry Fa'afili the chance to display his fancy footwork at the expense of Chris Melling for a try in the corner.
The Kiwi winger also got the equalising try eight minutes into the second half after a clever interchange between Mark and Martin Gleeson.
The Wolves were now turning on the style and the fourth try arrived in the 64th minute as Brent Grose threw a reverse pass that wrong-footed the defence and Stuart Reardon took the ball at full pace to score in the corner.
After two missed conversions, Briers handed the kicking duties to Chris Bridge and the substitute, who returned to action after missing the last two games with a torn hamstring, duly obliged by adding the goal for an 18-12 lead.
Briers then made amends for his earlier misses by slotting a drop goal seven minutes from time to stretch the lead and settle and nerves amongst the travelling fans.
Warrington Wolves 12 St Helens 48
Wolves blitzed by
super Saints!
by Gary Skentelbery picture George Thornton
WHEN star centre Martin Gleeson left Saint Helens to join arch-rivals Warrington many thought he would be a hard act to follow - up step Jamie Lyon.
When Lyon quit Saints to return to Australia many thought he would be an impossible act to follow - up step Matt Gidley!
A hat-trick from the Aussie centre, saw St Helens continue their domination over Warrington with a 48-12 win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, as the Wolves were outclassed in every department.
The Wolves were not helped by some questionable decisions, including Saints opening try - but in reality they could not compete with their illustrious neighbours who looked in a different league.
The treble from the former Australian Test centre helped take the World Club champions above their opponents in the table with a dazzling win, only tainted by the brilliance of Lee Briers, who sadly had to limp from the action in the final quarter.
The half-back, who first made his name with St Helens, scored once and set up another before going off with a hamstring injury, which will concern coach Paul Cullen, who also saw Chris Bridge pick up a groin strain.
The result leaves Wolves with just one win in 27 Super League derbies against Saints on a night when they could have gone top! Warrington were unlucky not to open the scoring when Martin Gleeson was held up just short of the line but was then adjudged to have made a double movement by the video ref.
But Saints soon started to take control and Long put a clever little kick into the in-goal area and the video ref deemed Gidley had enough downwards pressure on the ball to award the game's first try and Saints a 4-0 lead on 13 minutes.
Saints were getting over the advantage line with ease and it was no surprise when Ade Gardner ran over for his side's second try, although it came in controversial circumstances as Wolves called for a penalty because of a push by Kieron Cunningham on Briers at the play-the-ball.
Stand-off Leon Pryce showed no mercy though putting over a superb cross field up-and-under on 20 minutes for Nick Fozzard to pick up, pass to Gidley, who shipped the ball onto Gardner for a fine score to make it 10-0 following Long's conversion.
Warrington's agony was compounded when Gidley showed great skills to leave Paul Johnson and Stuart Reardon for dead with his sidesteps, to touch down for his second try to make it 16-0, with another Long conversion.
But to their credit Warrington hit back as Briers stepped into gear, running over after a quick penalty, although there was some debate over whether he had actually tapped the ball.
The half-back then converted the kick as the half drew to a close to make it 16-6, and with the minutes ticking away Briers again inspired his side.
His last-ditch kick towards the line was gathered assuredly by Henry Fa'aFili, who did the rest, and Briers' conversion gave Wolves a real chance heading into the dressing room at 16-12.
The first score of the second half was always going to be crucial and Francis Meli delivered the killer blow almost immediately, pinching one from dummy-half on the line to restore Saints comfort zone at 20-12.
Saints became unstoppable and Maurie Fa'asavalu could have scored soon after, but for a fine tackle from Reardon. But a quick pass from Cunningham gave Gidley the simplest of hat-trick chances to extend the lead to 24-12.
With Warrington fading fast Mike Bennett ran in for another converted try to make it 30-12. Two late tries from Pryce, one a breakaway covering the full length of the pitch, made it 42-12, as Long converted.
Then full-back Paul Wellens nipped in for a final final try to complete Wolves' misery.
Warrington (12) 12.
Tries: Briers, Fa'afili. Goals: Briers 2.
St Helens (16) 48.
Tries: Gidley 3, Gardner, Meli, Bennett, Pryce 2, Wellens. Goals: Long 6.
Att: 13,024
Warrington Wolves 30 Hull KR 12
Wolves out
muscle Rovers
by Gary Skentelbery picture George Thornton
WARRINGTON out muscled Super League newcomers Hull KR as they recorded a convincing 30-12 victory at the Halliwell Jones.
But the victory came at a price as Adrian Morely, on his home debut, was led from the field with what appeared to be another facial injury midway through the first half.
With half backs Lee Briers and Chris Bridge already missing, hooker Jon Clarke shared the play making roles with Vinny Anderson and Mike Sullivan.Winger Henry Fa'fili opened the scoring early on after good work by his centre partner Martin Gleeson with Paul Johnson and Ben Westwood adding further tries before the break.
A Jason Netherton try was the visitors only response just before the break but Clarke extended Warrington's lead early in the second half.
Johnson and Clarke again struck to put Warrington out of sight with Byron Ford scoring a late consolation for Rovers.
Victory moved Warrington up to 5th in the table, level on points with their opponents.
But Coach Paul Cullen's main concern will be another injury to Morley.
Warrington: (16) 30
Tries: Fa'afili, Johnson 2, Westwood, Clarke 2
Goals: Sullivan, Westwood, Clarke
Hull KR (6) 12
Tries: Netherton, Ford
Goals: Morton 2
Atten 10,030
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 30 Warrington Wolves 24
Wolves lack composure as
edged out in thriller
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves were edged out 30-24 in a thriller at Belle Vue after throwing away an early second half lead.
Disappointed Head Coach Paul Cullen was quick to praise the Wildcats for their effort but was disappointed by his team's lack of composure. "We had the effort and the skill but laceked the composure," said Cullen.
"Ar 24-16 our compsoure was not good enough to secure the win. WE've come up with too many mistakes and that is what has cost us!".
Tries from Paul Fox, Ryan Atkins, Paul March, Waine Pryce, Ben Jeffries, and Tevita Leo-Latu made the difference for John Kear's men, who made life difficult for themselves in a dramatic error-strewn Super League battle. Having been on the back foot for the majority of the first half, Warrington responded and eventually took the lead through scores from Paul Wood, Henry Faa'fili, Chris Bridge and Jon Clarke. The Wildcats went ahead inside three minutes though Fox, although Warrington could feel it was a little unjust after Jason Demetriou appeared to be obstructing Paul Johnson.
Trinity reached double-figures inside 10 minutes after Ben Jeffries produced the perfectly-weighted grubber kick in behind the Wolves' defence, and Atkins timed his run to perfection to drop on the loose ball for 10-0.
Warrington pressure was building though as the penalty count rose against the hosts, and they finally made it pay as Wood showed good hands to reach over for a 10-6 scoreline.
But the Wildcats did extend their lead to 16-6 before the break, March capitalising on a loose pass deep inside the Warrington half that would have had Cullen pulling his hair out.
If Warrington were there own worst enemies for that score, Wakefield immediately gifted them a six-point return on the stroke of the interval as Brett Ferres crazily decided to run the ball from deep after the hooter.
He was promptly tackled and dispossessed deep inside his own half, allowing Henry Faa'fili to produce a cool finish for a 16-12 half-time scoreline.
Warrington emerged from the second half without the influential figure of Paul Johnson, who suffered a suspected a broken hand whilst delivering a hand-off at the end of the first period.
The setback did not faze the visitors though, who owned the football for the first six minutes of the second half, culminating in Chris Bridge's first try of the campaign. Following Jeffries' loss of possession on his own 20-yard line, the Wolves knocked at the door of the Wakefield defence, with Bridge eventually showing a good change of direction to reach over. He converted his own score to put the Wolves ahead 18-16 for the first time in the contest, and soon that lead was extended to eight points by the pacey Jon Clarke.
Jeffries again came under the microscope as his kick fell into touch, and from the resulting scrum Clarke raced away to score from halfway.
But within a minute Wakefield were back within four points at 24-20 as Atkins hacked on towards the left corner for Pryce - who dived over.
Jeffries then darted over for a 26-24 scoreline followed by Leo-Latu, who pinned back his ears to find the left corner to complete the scoring.
Wakefield (16) 30
Tries: Fox, Atkins, March, Pryce, Jeffries, Leo-Latu
Goals: Rooney 3
Warrington (12) 24
Tries: Wood, Faa'fili, Bridge, Clarke
Goals: Bridge 4
Warrington Wolves 38 Hull KR 10
Sweet revenge
for Wolves
by Gary Skentelbery pictures George Thornton
WARRINGTON Wolves proved too strong for Super League newcomers Hull KR in this 4th round challenge cup clash at the Halliwell Jones as they avenged last year's shop cup exit.
But the Wolves suffered more injury woes as packman Rob Parker suffered a suspected broken hand and front rower Paul Wood was helped off with an ankle injury, to join the list of walking wounded.
Vinnie Anderson and Brent Grose both bagged a brace as Warrington eased their way into the fifth round.There wasn;t much to choose between the sides in an evenly contested first half which Warrington edged 10-4 at the break.
But the visitors eventually ran out of steam as Grose was on hand to score his second in the closing stages after opening the scoring in the first half.
The impressive Stuart Reardon also crossed for the Wolves before the break but Hull KR remained in touch thanks to David Tangata-Toa's intercept try.
Man of the match Vinne Anderson's first of the afternoon extended Warrington's lead and that was followed up by a solo effort from Chris Bridge, who side-stepped inside Tommy Gallagher to reach the line.
Netherton's close range try briefly threatened a Robins recovery but they were blown away with three scores in the final four minutes.
Grose, Anderson and prop Paul Rauhihi all touched down to give the final score a flattering look.
Salford City Reds 32 Warrington 34
Wolves win thriller
WARRINGTON overcame their injury problems with a thrilling victory over Salford City Reds at the Willows.
Despite having six first-teamers ruled out through injury and also missing the suspended Ben Westwood they did welcome back inspirational captain Lee Briers, who passed a late fitness test and whose goal-kicking eventually proved vital for his side.
Both sides scored six tries but Briers landed five goals from six attempts while John Wilshere managed just four from his six attempts.
Kiwi prop Paul Rauhihi was in inspirational form and his two tries also helped Warrington to victory.
Rauhihi used all his power when he crashed over from close range in the first half and his second saw him go on a rampaging 25 metre touchline dash to grab his second at a vital stage of the game midway through the second half to give the Wolves a 22-18 advantage.
Warrington pushed on and further tries from Mike Wainwright and Andy Bracek, all converted by Briers, put them in control at 34-18.
But in a sensational ending Salford grabbed three tries in the final five minutes through Stuart Littler, Daley Williams and David Hodgson but John Wilshere could only add one conversion and the Wolves held on for victory in a breathless finale as time ran out on the Reds.
Salford led 12-10 at half time as Wilshere and Luke Robinson grabbed tries for the home side, both converted by Wilshere with Warrington replying through Rauhihi and Brent Grose. Warrington edged in front five minutes after the restart when Henry Fa'afili went over and Briers converted. But back came the Reds and a super individual try from Luke Dorn and Wilshere's goal edged their noses back in front before Rauhihi's second put the Wolves back on the road to victory.
Salford (12) 32
Tries: Wilshere, Robinson, Dorn, Littler, Williams, Hodgson.
Goals: Wilshere 4.
Warrington (10) 34.
Tries: Rauhihi 2, Grose, Fa'afili, Wainwright, Bracek.
Goals: Briers 5.
Att: 6,177
Warrington 18 Huddersfield 26
A match too far!
By Sports staff
IT proved to be one game too far as Warrington crashed at home to bottom of the league Huddersfield.
Warrington were truly appalling in the first half and appeared to be suffering a hangover from their narrow victory at Salford on Good Friday.
But Head coach Paul Cullen refused to blame his side's injury crisis on the defeat as he saw Chris Bridge and Vinnie Anderson limp from the field to add to their growing list.
He said: "Injuries and unavailability of players is not an issue, as we created enough chances to win the match and bombed four of them.
"We put the ball down twice with not a Huddersfield defender in front of us and you have to take those chances in a game like this.
"We had a very good response in the second half but as far as we are concerned 24 points have gone begging with our missed opportunities>
"It doesn't do your spirits much good when you lose your stand-off and loose forward when you are working so hard in the second half.
"We know full well we will get all the guys back and will look forward to that day."
Warrington's tries came from Henery Fa'fili (2) and Martin Gleeson against his former club, with Briers landing a penalty and two conversions.
Meanwhile Huddersfield's Chris Thorman who landed seven goals was the main difference between the two sides as he capitalised on Warrington's high penalty count.
Hall of fame
Two more greats
join hall of fame
by Gary Skentelbery
TWO former Warrington Rugby League greats were inducted into the Past Player's Hall of fame during a special presentation.
Former club captains Harry Bath and Ken Kelly were both inducted into the hall of fame at a sportsman's dinner held at the Tetley Walker Club.
A special message was sent to the event from Harry who lives in Australia and his award was presented to former player Barry Briggs, who played in Australia and skippered Newtown where Harry was Coach.
Warrington Wolves 10 Leeds Rhinos 52
Wolves wilt!
report Gary Skentelbery pictures George Thornton
INJURY ravaged Warrington Wolves wilted in the heat as a team patched up with youngsters were over run by a powerful Leeds Rhinos.
The Rhinos recorded a resounding 52-10 success as they ran riot during the second half at a swealtering Halliwell Jones Stadium.
To their credit Warrington opened the scoring through a Ben Westwood try, but the visiotrs were 18-10 up by the interval and eased clear in the second half, racking up nine tries by the final whistle.
Returning from a two-match suspension, Westwood reminded Wolves fans what they had been missing when he finished off good work by Jon Clarke and Martin Gleeson for the opening try on 16 minutes, adding the conversion from the touchline.But Leeds were back on terms shortly before the half-hour mark as Gareth Ellis accepted a pass from Kevin Sinfield to touch down and they hit the front soon afterwards when New Zealand centre Clinton Toopi came on to score with virtually his first touch after replacing Matt Diskin. Sinfield converted both scores, but Warrington refused to lie down and reduced the lead to two points as Brent Grose took advantage of good work by Richie Barnet who palmed a high ball down to the winger to touchdown.
But the Wolves headed for the dressing room deflated as a powerful Keith Senior burst sent in Scott Donald with Sinfield's third successful kick stretching the lead to 18-10.
The unstoppable Senior then crossed the whitewash himself moments after the restart as he brushed aside the challenge of Stuart Reardon and Rob Burrow underlined Leeds' growing superiority as he scooted over five minutes later. Warrington - missing Paul Johnson, Michael Sullivan, Chris Bridge, Chris Leikvoll, Adrian Morley, Rob Parker, Paul Wood and their inspirational captain Lee Briers - wilted as the game entered the final half-hour and Leeds picked them off almost at will.
Jamie Thackeray bulldozed over, while Brent Webb and Danny McGuire increased the agony for home fans as they extended the lead to 46-10 with ten minutes still left on the clock.
Grose then saw a try chalked off for a forward pass and, to add insult to injury, Burrow nipped in to collect a McGuire kick to claim his second and Leeds' ninth three minutes from time, with the accurate Sinfield adding his eighth successful kick of the afternoon.
Warrington (10) 10.
Tries: Westwood, Grose.
Goals: Westwood.
Leeds (18) 52.
Tries: Ellis, Toopi, Donald, Senior, Burrow 2, Thackray, Webb, McGuire.
Goals: Sinfield 8.
Att: 10,155
Catalans Dragons 27 Warrington Wolves 16
Wolves pay the penalty
for indiscipline
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON Wolves toppled out of the top six as they paid the penalty for indiscipline in the South of France.
Coach Paul Cullen was left cursing his side's indiscipline, as the Wolves lost out 27-16 to Catalans Dragons, who leapfrogged them into the top six.
Still missing eight first teamers through injury, the Wolves struggled in Perpignan after leading 10-8 at half-time.
But a disappointed Cullen was unwilling to use the absentees as an excuse after the defeat.
"The personnel issues that are there for all to see have got nothing to do with the win or loss of this game. Those on the field didn't deliver," he said.
"We're very disappointed as a group that our discipline was not good enough to win a game of rugby league.
"Through our own fault we virtually spent 80 minutes defending our own try line.
"We couldn't complete sets at their end of the field to save our lives and when we completed and kicked, invariably any one of a number of individuals gave a penalty away.
"That put us all the way back at the bottom of the hill and we had to start matching all the way back again."
Thomas Bosc scored 14 points for the home team and the Dragons star sealed the win with a pacey try at the death, to complete a superb performance for the French.
It was Catalans' biggest crowd since returning to Stade Gilbert Brutus at the start of the season, and with Stacey Jones pulling the strings, they looked fearsome at times.
French debutant winger Olivier Charles scored the game's first try on 18 minutes after a kick by Jones. Bosc's conversion put the French into an eight point lead, after his earlier penalty.
Dragons forward Reni Casty was placed on report for a spear tackle on Andy Bracek though, and that spurred Wolves to hit back.
Mark Gleeson sent Ben Westwood over the whitewash on the half hour mark, as Lee Briers converted.
Briers and Martin Gleeson then combined to put Henry Fa'afili in at the corner for a fine try and a 10-8 advantage at the break.
Fired up at the interval Catalans soon regained the lead as Casey McGuire evaded Ben Harrison and Stuart Reardon for a crucial converted try.
Westwood notched his second try of the game to level the scores at 14-14, but Briers' conversion attempt hit the post, and the miss proved costly.
The Dragons moved 20-14 ahead through Alex Chan's touch down after John Wilson had knocked back a kick from Jones.
Jones then added a drop goal before Briers reduced the deficit to five points with his consolation score.
But it was that man Bosc again, who popped up in the last minute to surge over the line and seal an important win for Catalans.
Catalans Dragons (8) 27.
Tries: Charles, McGuire, Chan, Bosc.
Goals: Bosc 5.
Drop Goals: Jones.
Warrington (10) 16. Tries: Westwood 2, Fa'afili. Goals: Briers 2. Att: 9,050
Bradford 36 Warrington Wolves 24
Wolves pay the penalty
again and again and again!
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON slipped to their fourth consecutive defeat and ever nearer the relegation dog fight as they were punished time and again for needless penalities.
Enforcer Adrian Morley, who completed his first match for the Wolves was one of the main culprits and confessed after the match his timing was a bit out.
He was placed on report after a clash with former team mate Iestyn Harris but is confident he will have no case to answer as he failed to connect with his head! Despite being out played for much of the first half and being their own worst enemy, Warrington were still in the game 18-18 at the break, giving some hope to their large following of fans.
But in the seocnd half despite the loss of their skipper Paul Deacon Bradford pulled away in the final quarter in which they scored three decisive tries.
Meanwhile Morley looked rusty, conceding the first three penalties of the match to gift Bradford a lead.
Indeed the first six penalties all went against Warrington, as they fell 18-6 down at the half hour mark.
Deacon had opened the scoring with a try just two minutes in, but Wolves drew level at 6-6 through Brent Grose - playing at full-back because of Stuart Reardon's head injury.
David Solomona and Lesley Vainikolo combined for the winger's ninth try of the season though on 20 minutes, as the Bulls forced their way into the lead.
Winger Platt then finished after a Iestyn Harris break to make it 18-6 to the Super League leaders.
But loose forward Vinnie Anderson intercepted a wayward Bulls pass to give his side hope with a 90 metre breakaway try. Wolves captain Lee Briers then brought his team level on 37 minutes by showing good strength and feet in bursting through to the line, before kicking his third conversion.
Coming out level at 18-18 and without Deacon, the Bulls lacked a cutting edge at the start of the second half, until Platt crossed the line for his second try on the hour.
He then assisted Jamie Langley for the match-clinching try five minutes later, as Harris took over the kicking duties.
And when centre James Evans went over the whitewash for the Bulls' sixth try, Bradford were home and dry.
Briers intercepted Solomona's pass for a converted consolation try at the death, but Warrington paid the price for their indiscipline after conceding 17 penalties to the Bulls' seven!
Bradford (18) 36.
Tries: Deacon, Vainikolo, Platt 2, Langley, Evans.
Goals: Deacon 3, I. Harris 3.
Warrington (18) 24.
Tries: Grose, Anderson, Briers 2.
Goals: Briers 4.
Att: 11,200
Salford City Reds 18 Warrington Wolves 50
Season back
on track
WARRINGTON Wolves got their season back on track ending a four-match losing run in fine style with a 50-18 hammering of bottom club Salford.
With most of their big guns back from injury the Wolves were too hot to handle as they ran in 10 tries.
On Millennium Magic weekend Vinnie Anderson and Martin Gleeson both scored twice in the one-sided encounter.
Wales international Lee Briers also enjoyed himself in Cardiff, scoring an intercept try after setting up his side's opener and the margin of victory would have been even greater if he hadn't left his kicking boots at home.
A clever kick from Briers opened the scoring when the ball luckily came back off the cross bar and bounced kindly for Paul Johnson to touch down.
Anderson side-stepped his way through shortly after to extend Warrington's lead before Salford finally got on the board through Luke Dorn.
However, they conceded again before the break when Henry Fa'afili crossed in the right corner for his 10th try of the season and the second half became one-way traffic.
Stuart Reardon got the benefit of the doubt from the television official over a double movement to score before Gleeson helped himself to a quick-fire double.
The Great Britain centre held off Luke Robinson to go in on the right before enjoying the easiest of run-ins.
A second intercept try of the afternoon, this one for Richie Barnett, rubbed further salt in Salford's wounds and as if that wasn't bad enough, Anderson completed his brace straight from the resulting kick-off.
Salford's Kevin McGuinness and Andrew Brocklehurst both crossed in the closing stages for consolation tries. But it was the Wolves who had the last word, Jon Clarke scoring and Ben Westwood adding the conversion to bring up his side's half century.
Salford (6) 18
Tries: Dorn, McGuinness, Brocklehurst.
Goals: Wilshere 3.
Warrington (18) 50
Tries: Johnson, Briers, Anderson 2, Fa'afili, Reardon, M. Gleeson 2, Barnett, Clarke.
Goals: Briers 3, Westwood 2.
Warrington Wolves 48 Barrow Raiders 16
Wolves repel Raiders
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON Wolves ran in nine tries to defeat National League Two side Barrow Raiders 48-16 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
While Coach Paul Cullen showed Barrow the ultimate respect by fielding a strong line up there was only ever going to be one winner as Kiwi stand-off Vinnie Anderson bagged a hat-trick, with two each for Martin Gleeson and Richie Barnett.
Skipper Lee Briers was on target with six goals in front of a disappointing crowd of less than 5,000.
The Cumbrians' spirited performance was rewarded with tries from Brett McDermott and Khamal Ganley and Barrow had the final say when Nick Beach crossed in the final minute.
Warrington Wolves 4 Harlequins 17
Cullen on a
knife edge
by Gary Skentelbery
THE future of Warrington Wolves Coach Paul Cullen is on a knife edge as the club collapsed to their fifth home defeat of the season.
While injury ravaged Harlequins strengthened their Super League play-off hopes with a first-ever win over Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium the Wolves were left languishing near the wrong end of the table.
The Wolves board have made clear their ambitions of bringing silverware to the club and invested heavily in signing proven international players.
At the start of the season deputy Chairman Steven Broomhead made it clear that anything less than silverware or a top three finish would be classed as an under achievement.
With more than half the season gone Warrington's season is almost in tatters - and it doesn't get any easier with the visit of St Helens in the league and a trip to Knowsley Road looming in the cup.
Cullen faces a titanic task to turn his team's fortunes around and could face the same fate as the ocean-going liner if things don't improve soon.
His facial expression at the end of the match told its own story as he had to endure being booed on to the pitch by the Wire faithful and then seeing his players being booed.
Sources close to the club say the board's patience is wearing thin.
Meanwhile first-half tries from Matt Gafa, Rob Purdham and Julien Rinaldi gave Quins their fourth away win of the season.
Warrington's only try came from Martin Gleeson after good work by Ben Westwood. After the break they dominated possession but Quins' defence held out.
Paul Sykes added a late drop to Quins captain Purdham's two goals to hand Wolves a fifth defeat in six matches.
Warrington were also handed a disciplinary worry over Great Britain forward Adrian Morley, who was put on report for a high tackle on hooker Rinaldi midway through the second half.
A dejected Cullen said after the match: "We are very disappointed we couldn't deliver. We were very ordinary. I didn't think we worked hard enough to try and break through and push Harlequins back at all and ultimately paid the price.
"We were very flat. We couldn't find sufficient energy to get from one end of the field and come up with a kicking game that was going to put some pressure on Harlequins.
"We sent them all the wrong signals very early and they got a smell and a sniff that we weren't quite right. It's very difficult to take."
Warrington (4) 4
Tries: Gleeson
Harlequins RL (14) 17
Tries: Gafa, Purdham, Rinaldi
Goals: Purdham (2)
Drops: Sykes
Wolves 12 St Helens 40
Wolves tamed by
rampant Saints
by Paul Walker
STANDING pitchside and listening to the chorus of boos ringing out for the second week in a row, Paul Cullen must have been wondering just how much longer it would be before he joins Karl Harrison and becomes the latest head coach to feel the finely honed steel of the axeman's blade.
To be fair to Mr Cullen the Wolves started out looking the better side, hungry and full of running they had the Saints rattled early on and a classy piece of footwork from Vinnie Anderson gave Wolves the opening try. An easy conversion for Briers gave the Wolves a 6-0 lead.
Indecision in the Wolves defence led to Jon Wilkin scoring a short while later and the successful conversion had the game tied at 6-6. The Wolves continued to press hard with some determined, agressive play.
Wainwright and Fa'asavalu were shown yellow cards for fighting, and the restultant gap in the Saints defensive line enabled Fa'afili to take a superb catch from a perfectly weighted Briers kick and score in the corner.
Briers converted giving the home side a 12- 6 lead which they took into the half time interval, although there were signs towards the end of the half of what was to follow, with some of the players starting to look tired and out of sorts.
Three unanswered tries early in the second half saw Saints take control.
A Matty Smith effort from 60 metres out started the rot and Leon Pryce then went over for the first of his three tries.
A Wilkin interception from a Martin Gleeson pass gave Pryce his second and missed tackles led to his third and even more appalling defence led to Fa'asavalu adding Saints seventh try in a totally miserable afternoon's rugby for Wolves players and fans alike.
After a disastrous start to the season and the last two horrendous performances fans are left wondering where the inspiration is going to come from to stave off what is looking more and more likely to be an end of season relegation dog fight than the pre-season promised play-offs.
Leeds Rhinos 42 Warrington Wolves 26
Wolves for the drop!
by Gary Skentelbery
FORMER Warrington Coach Kevin Ashcroft believs Warrington and Salford are the favorites for the drop as the Wolves plunged to yet another defeat which leaves them second bottom in the Super League.
Ashcroft believes something must be wrong in the Warrington camp for so many star players to under achieve.
Meanwhile despite a spirited display, in particular from debut winger Kevin Penny who grabbed a brace of tries and a hat-trick from Henry Fa'afili, the Wolves ended up on the end of another heavy defeat as the Rhinos plundered seven tries against a disjointed defence.
If Lee Briers had not left his kicking boots at home the score would have been a lot tighter as the Rhinos only oustcored Warrington 7 tries to five, with Kevin Sinfield landing seven out of seven.
The defeat piled more pressure on Coach Paul Cullen, who has been given the dreaded "vote of confidence" by Club Chairman Lord Hoyle.
With an almost "mission impossible" trip to St Helens in the Challenge Cup looming followed by a visit by fellow relegation candidates Wakefield another league defeat could signal the end of an era for Cullen.
While he has been quickt o point out how who turned the club around from relegation candidates to top four challengers, the club appears to have gone complete circle.
St Helens 25 Warrington Wolves 14
Wolves miss
great chance
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON missed a great chance of toppling cup favourites St Helens at Knowsley Road in this Challenge Cup quarter Final clash.
The Saints underperformed and were trailing 4-12 at the interval as the Wolves ran in tries from Kevin Penny and Henry fa'afili, both goaled by Briers.
But it was the same old story in the second half as the Wolves faded after an hour and allowed the home side to make amends for their poor first half performance.
Warrington had the worst possible start as Saints went ahead after a minute with a try from Lee Gilmour.
The try was scored as Wolves Prop Adrian Morley was being led from the field "dazed and confused" after clashing heads with former Wire packman Nick Fozzard in the opening seconds.
The Wolves rallied and went close twice, both times squandering golden scoring opportunities.
First, Fa'afili wasted a two-on-one overlap with a mistimed pass to his winger, before Ben Westwood dropped a ball with a gaping view of the try-line in front of him.
Saints upped their intensity around the 20-minute mark but Warrington defended staunchly before hitting back with Penny's stunning solo effort down the wing.
Penny took the ball tight on the left touchline and his impressive pace took him past the despairing tackles of Matt Gidley, Gardner and Paul Wellens.
Lee Briers converted and four minutes late Warrington stretched further clear when Fa'afili dummied his way over from close range.
St Helens immediately cut the deficit after the break when Francis Meli caught Long's cross-kick into the corner and offloaded to the supporting Talau to score.
Saints built on their momentum and soon put Gardner over in the right corner after a flowing move upfield to level the scores.
Briers added a penalty on 52 minutes to nose the Wolves infront but the home side roared back into the lead when a good break from Jon Wilkin, and support from Sean Long, sent Gilmour under the posts.
Wellens opened the gap with a penalty and Long edged the lead to seven points with a late drop inside the last 10 minutes before Roby scampered over to remove any doubt.
Warrington coach Paul Cullen on losing Morley: "It certainly tested our character and I thought the way the players responded was absolutely magnificent. To suffer that and go in front at half-time was certainly remarkable.
"The guys refused to give in. I thought defensively it was a massive effort. We were a couple of players short of achieving our goal.
"We came here to win the game - that was very evident about the way we went about our business - and we're gutted that we're going home without it."
Warrington Wolves 31 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 12
Wolves ease pressure
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves eased the pressure on Head Coach Paul Cullen with a no nonsense 31-12 victory over fellow strugglers Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
In a scrappy first half Warrington led at the interval 12-6 thanks to tries from hooker/half back Jon Clarke and Prop Chris Leikvoll, who impressed in the pack.
A brace of tries from young winger Chris Riley plus one for full-back Brent Grose and a Lee Briers drop-goal, who weighed in with five conversions from six attempts completed the scoring, as the wildcats could only muster a late consolation.
While there was nothing spectacular about the the victory it ended a run of four consecutive defeats.
Ben Westwood collected the man of the match award against his former club following a workmanlike performance, leaving the filed in the final minutes to a standing ovation.
Stll missing keys players like Stuart Reardon, Martin Gleeson, Chris Bridge and Vinnie Anderson, the victory must have been a welcome relief for under fire Coach Paul Cullen who had his last game in charge alongside assistant Paul Darbyshire, who has left to take up a three year deal at Munster Rugby Union Club with immediate effect.
Meanwhile I understand Cullen's own contractural situation is still under review, although a victory at Catalans next week could secure him a one year extension.
Warrington (12) 31.
Tries: Clarke, Leikvoll, Riley 2, Grose. Goals: Briers 5.
Drop Goals: Briers.
Wakefield (6) 12.
Tries: Catic, Pryce. Goals: Ferres 2.
Att: 10,324
Catalans 24 Warrington Wolves 22
Time running
out for Wolves
by Gary Skentelbery
DESPITE an inspirational performance from Skipper Lee Briers Warrington Wolves went down 24-22 at Les Catalans.
Briers didn't deserve to be on the losing side as he weighed in with 18 points from two tries and five goals.
Warrington led 10-12 at the break and 10-16 after 47 minutes, but were unable to kill off the home side who came roaring back with three tries in a seven-minute spell to pull the Dragons clear of the trouble at the bottom of the engage Super League.
John Wilson, Casey McGuire and Jason Croker crossed in that spell and - coupled with first-half efforts from Younes Khattabi and David Ferriol and one conversion from Thomas Bosc - saw Les Catalans move above Warrington in the standings.
The defeat now leaves Warrington struggling at the wrong end of the table, with games fast running out.
Lee Briers scored twice and added 10 points from the boot to add to Kevin Penny's try as the Wolves at least remained in the hunt until the final hooter. They even came close to snatching the match in the dying moments when Chris Riley gathered Briers' clever chip ahead - but somehow managed to drop the ball as he dived over the line, with Bosc making the crucial tackle.
That missed chance proved crucial as the Dragons managed to hold their nerve at the death.
Les Catalans (10) 24
Tries: Younes Khattabi (14), David Ferriol (33), John Wilson (51), Casey McGuire (54), Jason Croker (61)
Goals: Thomas Bosc 2
Warrington (12) 22
Tries: Kevin Penny (27), Lee Briers (40 & 67)
Goals: Lee Briers 5
Huddersfield Giants 28 Warrington Wolves 47
Wolves back
on track
by Gary Skentelbery
HEAD Coach Paul Cullen breathed a huge sigh of relief as his side came good against fellow strugglers Huddersfield Giants.
Chris Bridge showed what has been missing for much of the season as he scored a hat-trick of tries, and Prop Adrian Morley continued to show his recent improvement in form with another powerful performance.
Warrington leapfrogged their plummeting opponents and now sit well-placed for a late assault on the play-offs.
Two tries from Bridge and one from Stuart Reardon in the first-half took Warrington into the interval with a healthy 20-6 advantage, despite Robbie Paul's third-minute try for the Giants. Brad Drew went over to lift the home crowd on the 49th minute, but Warrington responded with four tries for a valuable victory.
Lee Briers was again at the heart of everything good in an attacking vein, sending Bridge over for Warrington's first try.
Michael Sullivan put Bridge through for his second on 16 minutes, before Reardon scored, with Briers kicking nine goals and a drop goal on the day. Morley showed his power against Eorl Crabtree - and winger Kevin Penny hammered home the Wolves' dominance. Teenager Penny showed blistering pace to race over for his first try on 45 minutes from Paul Johnson's pass.
Huddersfield fought back through Drew, but Sullivan took his try well to re-establish the momentum.
Bridge completed his fine day on the hour, and although Ryan Hudson's two tries in seven minutes restored some pride for the Giants, Huddersfield were well beaten.
Shane Elford crossed for the Giants in the 79th minute, and Chris Thorman claimed his fourth conversion from five attempts. But Penny capped a fine day for the visitors when he raced under the posts for his second try of the match and Briers added the extras.
After the match a relieved Cullen hailed powerhouse Morley's influence on the game as he left Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree dazed and confused.
Cullen said: "Big Eorl caused us so many problems last time we played them at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
"He went right through us and cut us to pieces, so we knew we had to be big on him.
"Mozza's tackling technique was absolutely spot on. It was a big shot and it gave us a big lift in what was a very good all-round team performance."
Cullen insisted his side could now progress into the play-off places.
"This is just one more step. We generally haven't spent too much time looking downwards and backwards. "We're looking forward at the top six and that's where our intentions lie."
Huddersfield (6) 28.
Tries: Paul, Drew, Hudson 2, Elford.
Goals: Thorman 4.
Warrington (20) 47.
Tries: Bridge 3, Reardon, Penny 2, Sullivan.
Goals: Briers 9. Drop Goals: Briers.
Att: 6,822
Matt King signs for Wolves
Wolves pay a
King's ransom!
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves have signed Melbourne Storm star Matt King on a lucrative four-year deal reported to be worth over £250,000 a year.
The 26-year-old New South Wales star and Australia international has confirmed his move to Warrington saying: "I had to weigh up a lot of things before I made the decision."
Warrington are rumoured to be paying King around £1.3million over four years, making him the highest-paid centre in the game.The 6ft 3in King won his eighth cap for Australia in a 30-6 win over New Zealand in this year's Anzac Test in Brisbane in April.
Melbourne chief executive Brian Waldron said it was impossible for the club to keep King, who had a year to run on his contract but had a get-out clause.
He said: "It's a decision we're obviously disappointed about but we completely understand."
King added: "My decision was based on taking on loads of advice from the likes of Andrew Johns and David Kidwell who have both played for the club and they could not speak highly enough of the set-up and the Warrington area.
"Also my good mate Mike Sullivan is currently playing with the club and he gave me advice as well.
"So I took on board all this advice and made the decision to come to Warrington.
"It is an awesome opportunity to play in another part of the world in another competition playing the game that you love."
King said he spoke with Warrington coach Paul Cullen on Monday to tell him his decision.
"I suppose I will walk into some sort of leadership role at Warrington, being where I am at the moment," King said.
"I spoke to the coach and mentioned how I like looking after the young fellas and if I could take a role there at Warrington it would be great."
Wigan, Hull KR and Bradford were all believed to have been interested in signing King but Warrington coach Paul Cullen was delighted to secure King's signature.
"Matt is a world class international, who will delight the Warrington faithful for years to come," he said.
Warrington are continuing to strengthen the squad for next season and have already signed Manly Sea Eagles backs Michael Monaghan and Chris Hicks and New Zealand Warriors forward Louis Anderson for next season.
Warrington Wolves 42 Salford City Reds 6
Winger Penny is
hat-trick hero!
by Gary Skentelbery picture George Thornton
WARRINGTON's young winger Kevin Penny was the hat-trick hero as the Wolves put Salford to the sword - but it was half back Chris Bridge who was the unsung hero.
Bridge, who appears to have put a number of injuries and off field troubles behind him, was at the heart of everything good with a combination of power, pace and skill.
But it was Penny who grabbed the limelight as he touched down for a second-half hat-trick in the space of seven magical minutes, with his third - and ninth in six matches - seeing Phim sprint almost the length of the pitch before touching down. "Kevin's final try took some scoring," enthused Head Coach Paul Cullen. "We've had it in our armoury for a while and Richie Barnett scored one from Lee Briers' kick.
"But this was even better, to outpace two chasers was very special and Kevin has the potential to play top level football.
"He has the pace for all to see and has taken his chance exceptionally well.
"Henry Fa'afili delivered him some great balls, Adrian Morley was almost unstoppable and Jon Clarke was very smart from dummy half.
"Chris Bridge has gone through a difficult period with injuries but we have been very patient and he is paying us back."
But Warrington suffered a blow after Michael Sullivan broke his arm, with Cullen adding: "It was a clean break but if it needs plating he could be out for the rest of the season."
Warrington ran in nine tries and the scoreline would have been much greater had Lee Briers not left his kicking boots at home, missing seven of his attempts, with Bridge also missing one.
Warrington (22) 42.
Tries: Clarke 2, Westwood, Fa'afili, Briers, M. Gleeson, Penny 3. Goals: Briers 3.
Salford (6) 6.
Tries: Dorn. Goals: Wilshere.
Att: 9,634
Hull KR 20 Warrington Wolves 60
Wolves savage Rovers
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves stormed back into the top six with an eleven try demolition of a stunned Hull KR who on this showing could be destined for a quick return to the first division.
They had no answer to a rampant Warrington with skipper Lee Briers impressing with a hat-trick of tries.
Still missing some key players including Paul Johnson and Vinnie Anderson the Wolves were too strong for a sorry looking Rovers as youngsters Andy Bracek and Ben Harrison gain some valuable first team action.
The only surprise was that young winger Kevin Penny, who has been grabbing the headlines wityh nine tries in six outings, failied to get on the score sheet.
This time it was opposite winger Stuart Reardon who bagged a couple, including the first score.
Rover briefly showed some resistance when Ian Hardman went over but then it was nearly all one way traffic as the Wolves built up a match winning half time lead of 4-32 with other tries coming from Adrian Morley, Mark Gleeson, Jon Clarke, Lee Briers and Chris Bridge.
After the break Reardon crossed for a second while Henry Fa'afili and Clarke added late efforts, after Briers completed his hat-trick and added 16 points from the boot for Warrington's biggest victory of the season.
Hull KR (4) 20
Tries: Hardman, Fisher, Aizue, Morton. Goals: Lennon (2).
Warrington (32) 60
Tries: Reardon (2), Morley, Gleeson, Clarke (2), Briers (3), Bridge, Fa'afili. Goals: Briers (8)
Pair stay at Wolves
Bracek and Gleeson
extend contracts
by Gary Skentelbery
Warrington Wolves young forward Andrew Bracek, 20 and hooker Mark Gleeson, 25, have committed their futures to the Club.
Bracek has committed until 2010 while Gleeson, has signed a one year extension.
Bracek says he has gained experience from training and playing alongside Adrian Morley and has shown consistency in the U21s, with his first grade experience showing through.A Former England Academy second rower with superb footwork, Bracek made eleven Super League appearances for the Wolves in 2006, scoring his first Super League try. Originally involved with Wigan's development squad after signing from Leigh Miners, he joined St Helens in 2003 and made his Super League debut at prop against Bradford in the final league game of the 2004 season. He was part of England Academy's successful tour of New Zealand and Australia in 2004 and joined the Wolves in a £22,500 deal in time for the 2005 season. Andy has made 2(9) appearances this season scoring a try against Salford in Round 8, and since his debut has made 2 (28) scoring 2 tries.
Bracek said: "I have enjoyed my time so far with the club and I am breaking into the first grade now and I can see so much potential here for myself and the club in the future with the new signings for next season.
"I think this season is shaping up for an exciting finale and I am looking forward to being part of that and scoring more tries….let’s see if I can get in to double figures this year!"
Head Coach Paul Cullen: "We are delighted that another of our young players have committed their futures to the Warrington Wolves. There has already been a considerable investment in time and effort from all parties and we look forward to that potential being fully realised."
Meanwhile by committing to another season Gleeson will continue playing alongside brother Martin for the engage Super League XIII season and it will see two sets of brothers at the Wolves with Louis Anderson on his way to join Vinnie.Mark joined the Academy in 1999 and has made 34(79) appearances at first grade to date scoring 12 tries.
He commented: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue my career at the Wolves. It is certainly an exciting time. I am Looking ahead to next season and looking forward to playing alongside Matt King. He is a talented player who I think can bring a lot to the Wolves line up along with Hicks, Monaghan and Anderson.”
Cullen added: "We are delighted that another of our young players have committed their futures to the Warrington Wolves. There has already been a considerable investment in time and effort from all parties and we look forward to that potential being fully realised."
Cull to stay on
Cullen gets
two year deal
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves Head Coach Paul Cullen has agreed a new two year contract - although the longest serving Coach in Super League says it has been "one of the least important things on the agenda this season."
As Cullen prepares his troops for one of the biggest games of the season, the visit of arch rivals Wigan, who have been left shell shocked by the Challenge Cup defeat to Les Catalans - at the Halliwell Jones, Cullen says he has been focusing on getting the best out of his players.
"I have not concerned myself with the contract situation. It has been the least important thing on the agenda this season."
Cullen's future looked bleak when Warrington were third from bottom in the table as the team went through an injury crisis.
But the contract situation has now been resolved following the recent improvement in form on the pitch, which has seen four wins in the last five games and the club now back in the top six.
The club has confirmed the new contract prior to the clash with Wigan, which is always one of Cullen's favourite fixtures of the season.
Warrington Wolves 43 Wigan Warriors 24
Wolves wallop Wigan!
by Gary Skentelbery pictures George Thornton
INSPIRED by skipper Lee Briers Warrington Wolves were more than match for woeful Wigan as they ran in seven tries to climb to fourth in the table.
Aussie legend Andrew Johns, who guested for the Wolves two seasons ago, was back in town to witness the rout and received a rousing reception from the Wolves faithful in the 12,000 plus crowd when he was introduced on the pitch at half time.The team who were also celebrating Head Coach Paul Cullen's new two year contract, obviously wanted to put on the style as they swept to their fourth win in a row and compounded arch rivals Wigan's woes.
Johns, who has been forced to quit the game due to a neck injury must have been itching to get on the pitch as Briers and his team mates weaved their magic.
Man of the match Briers grabbed an opportunist try, helped set up several others and booted seven goals, plus a drop goal to secure a memorable victory. Smart passing put Stuart Reardon over in the corner with just three minutes gone then Kevin Penny raced 40 yards to grab bag his 10th try in eight starts, showing a clean pair of heel to the trailing defenders.
Wigan threatened a recovery when Phil Bailey and Chris Ashton combined for Liam Colbon to go over but Briers then forced his way through from dummy half.
Warrington could have had more points on the board had Henry Fa'afili had not fumbled the ball over the line after doing all the hard work.
Briers added a drop goal just before the half time hooter to make at 25-6 at the break.
Again Wigan briefly threatened to stage a fightback but Warrington soaked up the pressure, with young Penny pulling off two try saving tackles.
Grose, Clarke, Fa'afili and finally Chris Bridge crossed for further tries with Wigan's responses coming from Leuluai and Goulding twice, the last one the final action giving a flattering scoreline for the visitors.
If Warrington remain injury free and continue with this kind of form they could still prove to be a dark horse in the play offs.
For more pictures from the game CLICK HERE
Warrington: (25) 43
Tries: Grose 2, Penny, Briers, Clarke, Fa'afili, Bridge
Goals: Briers 7
Drop goals: Briers
Wigan: (6) 24
Tries: Colbon, Leuluai, Goulding 2
Goals: Richards 4
Atten: 12,500
Hull FC 46 Warrington Wolves 14
Back to earth
with a bang!
by Gary Skentelbery
AFTER all the highs of Andrew Johns being back in town and the heavy defeat of Wigan, Warrington were soon brought back down to earth with a bang as they crashed 46-14 at the KC Stadium.
In a closely contested first half the Wolves trailed just 18-14 at the break with tries from Gleeson and Fa'afili twice.
But the second half was all one way traffic. The defeat is a major blow to Warrington's hopes of finishing in the top four.
Hull's tries came from Manu, Raynor (2), Briscoe, Carvell, Tony (2), Horne with Tickle adding seven goals.
Stuart Reardon Martin Gleeson, Adrian Morley and Chris Bridge all picked up injuries which did not help the cause, while Paul Wood was also sent off.
Warrington's defence was poor with numerous errors and has conceeded more points in Super League than anyone else other than Salford City Reds. After the match Head Coach Paul Cullen said: "We started well, looked dangerous with ball and then set about conceeding 14 penalties and suffered injuries.
"Our completion rate was poor, pushed too many passes trying to get back into the game and paid the price.
"We couldn't keep the pressure on Hull. Every time got down there someone would give a penalty away.
"At some time it takes its toll, four players injured and one sent off we have shipped a bit of damage.
"Spent all game going backwards and difficult to lift players.
"If conceeding that many penalties going to invite trouble."
Wolves 22 Catalans Dragons 18
Wolves battle back
into the top six
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON had to battle hard to beat off a determined challenge from Challenge Cup finalists Catalans Dragons.
Their 22-18 victory pushed them back up to fifth spot in the Super League and after the match coach Paul Cullen was full of praise for his men.
He said: “It was a performance of great character and I couldn’t be more pleased.
“This has been one of the toughest weeks for us. Medically we have been battered and I don’t know how these guys got themselves on to the field.”
Catalans certainly were not holding themselves back for next weekend’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final. Only former Wolves forward Jerome Guisset was rested ahead of the Wembley trip.
The Dragons battled throughout, scoring three ties, but the Wolves managed five of their own to claim victory.
Brent Grose went over twice while Chris Riley, Kevin Penny and Rob Parker also got crucial scores.
Warrington’s victory would have been more comfortable if the normally reliable Lee Briers had not missed four attempts at goal and Ben Westwood one.
Riley opened the scoring after 13 minutes when he took Jon Clarke's long pass to go over in the corner but Lee Briers missed the conversion.
The Dragons levelled nine minutes later when full-back Clint Greenshields crossed wide out and Stacey Jones edged his side in front with the conversion.
Penny then claimed his 11th try in only 10 starts before Grose went over for his first try seven minutes before the break.
Briers, furious over referee Steve Ganson's decision to refer the try to video referee Phil Bentham for a possible obstruction, was sin-binned for dissent and, in his absence, Westwood missed the conversion.
The Dragons drew level for a second time three minutes into the second half through Jones but their lead was short-lived as Grose went through their defence for his second try on 46 minutes. Then Briers broke clear to send prop Parker over for his first try of the season.
After three misses, Briers at last found the target with the goal to stretch the Wolves' lead to 22-12 before Justin Murphy's earned late consolation effort for the visitors.
After the match, Cullen said: "It wasn't the best we've been all year but it was the bravest by a mile.
"We had eight players out of 24 unavailable and medically it's been the probably the hardest week since I came back to the club five years ago.
"Full credit to the Catalans, who didn't come here to give the game away, and I was really pleased the guys toughed it out."
Three set to leave
Wolves to release
overseas trio
by sports staff
WARRINGTON Wolves are to release Henry Fa’afili, Brent Grose and Chris Leikvoll at the end of the season when their current contracts run out.
The three overseas stars will leave to enable Wolves to avoid breaching the salary cap.
All three have expressed disappointment – but have pledged to give their best efforts to the end of the season.
The crucial game with Huddersfield Giants on August 31 will be their last home Super League game for Wolves.
Head coach Paul Cullen said: “Personally, I am gutted to be losing the three players. Our loss will be someone else’s gain.”
It is highly likely that all three could find themselves playing against Wolves next season.
Fa’afili is the Super League’s leading scorer, Grose was player of the year in 2005 and Leikvoll has also been a consistent performer.
Johns in shocking revelations
Rugby world rocked
by legend's drink
and drugs confession
by Gary Skentelbery
THE Rugby League world has been rocked after Aussie legend Andrew Johns, considered by many to have been the world's greatest Rugby League player, confessed to a drink and drugs problem.
Johns made the confession after being caught possessing an ecstasy tablet in a London nightclub during his recent visit to the country, including a guest spell with Warrington Wolves, who he guested for for three matches in 2005.
He was also special guest at a testimonial dinner for club captain Lee Briers.
Johns, former international scrum half initially claimed the tablet was put into his pocket by a stranger at a nightclub but later admitted it was his.
"I took the drugs to escape from the pressure and get away from being a football player," he said.
"I was going to take the pill for sure.
"I'm not looking for sympathy, I put my hand up. I've done the wrong thing."
The revelations have caused a storm in Australia after Johns admitted abusing alcohol and taking recreational drugs throughout his playing career.
Warrington Wolves 22 Huddersfield Giants 32
Wolves fail to secure
play off place
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves faded badly as they crashed to their first home defeat since May as the Huddersfield Giants leap frogged them into 5th spot in the table.
Defeat brought the curtain down at the Halliwell Jones as the Wolves will not be able to grab a home play off place.
The defeat also still leaves a question mark over whether Warrington can secure a top six spot with just two games to go.
Warrington were still very much in the hunt as the scores were locked at 12-12 just after the break.
But a wayward pass from hooker Mark Gleeson allowed the Giants pacy Aussie winger Jensen to intercept from his own try line to race away for a try that turned the match.
But Gleeson was not the only Wolves player to be guilty of mistakes as numerous missed tackles and Lee Briers poor goal-kicking contributed to this miserable defeat.
Kevin Brown and Jamahl Lolesi also scored second-half tries, to add to first-half efforts from Ryan Hudson and Brad Drew, as Huddersfield eased to their fifth win in six matches.
Warrington scored three tries in the first half but faded in the second half to end their home campaign on a disappointing note despite a hat-trick of tries from makeshift centre Ben Westwood.
They also lost prop forward Paul Wood with a dislocated shoulder and had international duo Adrian Morley and Paul Rauhihi placed on report for alleged foul tackles.
"We got what we deserved," said Wolves coach Paul Cullen. "We scored five very good tries but our composure and discipline simply wasn't good enough.
"We surrendered the battle of field possession and played the game at the wrong end of the field. We squandered two points tonight.
"But it all pales into insignificance when we consider the injuries to Paul Wood. He has a very badly bust shoulder. The shoulder came out and we fear he broke it as well."
It was a disappointing result in particular for Brent Grose, Henry Fa'afili and Chris Leikvoll who all pulled a Wolves shirt on for the last time at the Halliwell Jones.
Rauhihi signs new
one year deal
by Gary Skentelbery
KIWI Prop Paul Rauhihi has agreed a new one year deal with Warrington Wolves after managing to remain injury free for much of the season.
The decision to keep Rauhihi came as the Prop picked up a one match ban for a "spear tackle" which was put on report during the clash with Huddersfield Giants.
Rauhihi was also fined £300 and will miss the match at St Helens.
St Helens 36 Warrington Wolves 16
Morley off as
Wolves wilt
by Gary Skentelbery
IF losing wasn't bad enough Warrington had to endure St Helens sealing top spot in the Super League table with a 36-16 victory.
With Leeds losing at home to Hull, Saints picked up the two points they needed to secure themselves a third straight minor premiership.
Francis Meli led the way with a hat-trick for the hosts at Knowsley Road, and if losing wasn't a big enough blow to the Wolves' play-off hopes, they saw influential forward Adrian Morley sent off.
The match was already over as a contest when the Great Britain international was given his marching orders in the 68th minute for a high tackle.
Saints were already well on their way to victory after overcoming a sluggish start and an early deficit.
Lee Briers' two early penalties gave the Wolves an early 4-0 advantage and raised hopes they could record their first win at St Helens in 13 years.
Their lead did not last for long though, Lee Gilmour barging his way over midway through the first half and then Meli grabbing his first in the left corner soon after.
The New Zealander added another before the break following a try for his wing partner on the opposite flank, Ade Gardner.
In between Kevin Penny crossed for Warrington, the youngster notching his 13th try in 12 matches.
They scored again on the hour when Martin Gleeseon weaved his way over against his former club, although by then Saints had already added to their tally with tries from James Roby and Meli.
Morley's dismissal rubbed salt in the Wolves' wounds late on and their misery was complete when Leon Pryce scored Saint's seventh.
Stand-in kicker Paul Wellens managed three conversions and a penalty as Saints extended their Super League record against Warrington to an impressive 28-1 !
St Helens
Tries: Gilmour, Pryce, Gardner, Meli (3), Roby
Goals: Wellens (4)
Gleeson, Penny,
Goals: Briers (4),
Att: 11,746
Westwood wins
accolade
by Gary Skentelbery
EVER present force Benny Westwood has been voted player of the month for August.
Westwood has stepped up to the mark, consistently performing at either second row or centre. Off the field he has given 110% on the training field and out in the community with the Wolves Foundation.
Prime Time Recruitment sponsors the Player of the Month award which is selected by the Wolves coaching staff of Paul Cullen, James Lowes, Dave Elliott and Gary Chambers.
Westwood said: "I’m pleased to have won this award, it’s great to be rewarded for putting in the hard work and scoring a few tries along the way! I just want to keep playing well for the team and help us make the playoffs, once we are in the six anything can happen.”
Head Coach Paul Cullen explained the Performance Department’s reasoning behind their choice: “Ben has made a massive contribution all year, let alone just this last month. The fact he has done this as a back rower and a centre makes his efforts all the more remarkable.”
Salford 26 Warrington Wolves 34
Wolves miss out on top
six despite victory
by Gary Skentelbery
DESPITE a brave victory at relegated Salford the curtain came down on a disappointing season for the Wolves as they missed out on a top six spot, as arch rivals Wigan grabbed a rare win over St Helens.
Although disappointed at missing out on the play offs head coach Paul Cullen praised his players for their show of character.
. Without 10 players through injury and suspension and under intense pressure to beat the relegated Reds at the Willows, Cullen's men responded with a 34-26 victory.
But Wigan's 20-12 win over rivals St Helens guaranteed the Warriors a top-six finish and left Warrington to settle for seventh.
Cullen said after the match: "We are disappointed not to have made the six. Had it gone our way what we would have done next week is anyone's guess.
"But you have to commend the bravery of all 34 players from both camps. We had 10 players out and Salford had 11 and that is a lot of damage to personnel at the back end of the season.
"It was not the best game of rugby but for us it was our last 17 standing."
Cullen singled out young try scoring forward Lee Mitchell for particular praise.
"He has come straight from the under 18s and he is a big strong unit and he played 80 minutes in the second row which is a big ask for his age."
Warrington's other tries came from the league's leading try scorer Henry Fa'afili, who completed the season with an impressive 21, Ben Westwood, a strong candidate for player of the season, who grabbed two, Paul Rauhihi and Chris Bridge.
Skipper Lee Briers weighed in with five goals.
Salford
Tries: McGuinness, Barnett (2), Turner
Goals: Wilshere (3)
Warrington
Fa'afili, Westwood (2), Rauhihi, Bridge, Mitchell,
Goals: Briers (5)