Two more quality additions

By Gary Skentelbery

NEW Australian signings Michael Monaghan and Chris Hicks were unveiled at Warrington Wolves as "another piece in the jigsaw" to help bring success to the club.
The former Manly players, who appeared in last season's Grand Final down under, say they chose Warrington because it is an ambitious club with a promising future.
Head Coach Paul Cullen said the players, who will soon be joined by Grand Final winner and Aussie Test Centre Matt King, and New Zealand Warriors forward Louis Anderson, were "another piece in the jigsaw" of bringing success to Warrington. "But there is no hype and no promises," said Cullen. "I am happy with the squad we have put together but when you consider what happened to the club last season, when we had up to nine players injured at one time, it would be wrong to make any promises."


New strength and conditioning coach


appointed

Wolves open with a win

By Sports staff

NEW signing Matt King marked his Super League debut in style with an impressive performance and length of the field try as Warrington brushed past Hull at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Other signings Michael Monaghan, Chris Hicks and Louis Anderson also impressed in a fine display watched by 11,000 fans.
Warrington looked a well-organised unit as Monaghan pulled the strings from Scrum Half and new club captain Adrian Morley showing the side's intent up front.
The home side started brightly with tries from Chris Bridge and Winger Chris Hicks giving them the advantage before Craig Hall crossed the line for Hull.
It was then the turn of Vinnie Anderson to restore the Wolves' lead before King made an impressive burst to put them further in front.
Sloppy marking from Warrington then let in Hall for his second of the evening, but Ben Westwood quashed any hopes of a Hull revival with the Wolves fifth try.
Chris Bridge did claim his second of the evening before Graeme Horne touched down to end a lively opening round of Super League XIII.
Next up for the Wolves is a trip to local rivals St Helens on Friday night.

Wolves: Bridge, Hicks, M. Gleeson, King, Penny, Briers, Monaghan, Morley, Clarke, Rauhihi, L. Anderson, Westwood, V. Anderson. Replacements: M. Gleeson, Parker, Johnson, Pickersgill.

Tries: Bridge (2), Hicks, V Anderson, King, Westwood

By James Parr

WARRINGTON Wolves Supporters' Trust has announced Director of the club Lance James as their new president.
Mr James has taken up the role with immediate affect and it is hoped that even more fans will become members of the trust and Squadbuilder scheme.
The Squadbuilder programme has proved a success to date with Steve Pickersgill, Chris Riley, Mike Cooper, Kevin Penny, Matty Blythe and Lee Mitchell all being current first team examples of the scheme.
A reminder is also being issued for renewal of memberships to be sent in for the next 12 months.
Numerous up and coming events have been scheduled in and for a full list log on to Squadbuilder

WARRINGTON's Knowsley Road misery continued as they were edged out 30-22 in an end to end thriller.
Despite injuries to full-back Chris Bridge, who is likely to be out for most of the season with as ruptured achilles and star signing Matt King, who hobbled off with a calf injury, the Wolves led by six points at the half.
But after they break succumbed to a three-try blitz just after the break as Saints preyed on Andy Bracek and Kevin Penny's inexperience. But undetered the Wolves roared back to almost snatch it at the death.
Warrington came into the contest hoping injuries to five Saints internationals would give them their best chance at the home of their neighbours and they certainly came close, but ultimately it was Saints who proved more clinical at the crucial moments.
Warrington again paid for conceding too many penalties as Man of Steel James Roby went over from close range from dummy half, and their troubles intensified when Chris Bridge hobbled off with a ruptured Achilles.
But after Roby gave away a penalty deep inside his own half for interference, Martin Gleeson sucked in the cover defence and popped up a neat reverse pass to put Chris Hicks in.
Former Saint Vinnie Anderson should have put the visitors ahead after Francis Meli knocked on only to knock on himself in the act of scoring.
The Wolves conceded another quickfire burst of three penalties but Saints decided to go for the kick at goal and Stephen Tyrer stretched the lead to four points. It was to be a bad night for kickers, with Lee Briers missing five kicks and Tyrer four.
Cunningham narrowly failed to repeat Roby's score on the half hour mark, losing possession as he touched down, but it was Warrington who finished the half on a high.
First Briers put Gleeson over with a fine pass on the final tackle, then moments later Saints gave away two penalties and Briers was able to saunter over beneath the sticks.
But Saints responded in true champion style after the break.
Within a minute a neat handling move across the width of the pitch dragged Kevin Penny off his wing and Matt Gidley put Gardner over in the corner.
Warrington barely touched the ball in a 10-minute spell of pace-fuelled pressure and inevitably their defence succumbed twice more.
Ben Westwood gave away a penalty and again it was Gidley offloading for Paul Clough to crash over.
Penny was caught out again moments later as a long pass from Cunningham gave Gardner his second try.
Tyrer missed all three conversion attempts but he did stretch the lead to 22-14 after yet another Warrington penalty.
Warrington should have got back into the game on 56 minutes but the video referee somewhat harshly ruled Michael Monaghan had lost control as he touched down.
Chris Hicks then came up with a superb try-saving tackle on Mike Bennett under the posts, spinning the bigger man away from the try line. That was the signal for the Wolves to roar back in to the game.
Meli knocked on a grubber kick 10 metres from his own line and moments later Paul Johnson finished in the corner, but after Rob Parker gave away a silly penalty Tyrer cut back in off the left wing to score.
Back came Warrington, Louis Anderson's clever pass giving Penny a try, but after Briers missed a simple conversion, Meli sealed a just-about-deserved Saints win in the final minute, reaching out an arm to score through a pack of defending Wolves.

WARRINGTON almost paid the penalty for indiscipline again as they clung on for victory at Hull KR.
After racing into a 28-0 lead in a breathtaking opening half hour, the Wolves were left hanging on and won by the narrowest of margins thanks to a late Michael Monaghan drop goal.
It had been such a different story in the opening half hour as the Wolves produced some dazzling rugby, running in a total of five tries, with two for the impressive Chris Hicks and other scores from Paul Johnson, Martin Gleeson and Benny Westwood. Lee Briers weighed in with four conversions.
But the Wolves appeared to run out of steam following the departure of the influential Paul Rauhihi after half an hour.
Head Coach Paul Cullen, who had warned about the need to cut out needless penalties was not too happy with the penalty account against his team as referee Ashley Klein awarded a string of penalties against the Wolves.
"We were 28-0 up and completely and utterly in control," he said.
"We then conceded five back-to-back penalties and spent the last 10 minutes of the first half defending our try line.
"To go in 28-4 up at half time was a very fair reflection but to say we are not happy with the penalty count is the understatement of the season. It was seven against us in the first half and six in the second.
"We are completely in charge, then the back-to-back penalties came and the pace went out of our game and when we are playing fast we are looking good, when we are not we are not."

By Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON'S 38-18 victory over Catalan Dragons was overshadowed by another shoulder injury to Prop Paul Wood.
Wood, aged 26 was returning from a career threatening injury but suffered a recurrence of the same injury as his shoulder popped out following his first impact and was taken to hospital.
"The shoulder came out," revealed Warrington coach Paul Cullen.
"He had it put back and has been sent to hospital. It doesn't look good. We are all gutted for Paul."
Meanwhile Cullen was also subdued when assessing Warrington's third win in four Super League fixtures which took the club to third in the table. Although the Wolves ran in seven tries he was less than impressed with some of the performance.
"We worked hard for a 10-0 lead but unfortunately the lack of pace in the game frustrated us and it got scruffy at times," he added.
"I was impressed with Martin Gleeson's defence and Chris Hicks is deceptively strong."
Catalans Dragons had three players sin binned during the defeat, but coach Mick Potter refused to blame the officials. Michael Monaghan, Vinnie Anderson and Chris Hicks all touched down for the hosts in the first half, but Les Catalans kept the deficit to just four points at 16-12 thanks to converted tries from Clint Greenshields and Sebastien Raguin.
It was one-way traffic after the break as Wolves quartet John Clarke, Paul Johnson, Hicks and Andy Bracek all got across the whitewash.
The Dragons' hopes of a surprise result were dashed by an indisciplined display in which Jason Croker, John Wilson and Remi Casty were all shown yellow cards.

Former greats make the grade

Mathers received a three match ban for his high tackle.

For Paul Cullen's views on the match click on the TV screen above.

By Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON Wolves missed the chance of going joint top of the league as they were out muscled 23-10 at Bradford.
The Bulls only outscored the Wolves by three tries to two but had a far superior kicking game thanks to the inspirational Paul Deacon.
Chris Hicks continued his rich vein of try scoring for the Wolves with Paul Johnson also scoring for Warrington but they were unable to join champions Leeds at the top of the table as they fell to their second defeat.
The Bulls tries came from Paul Sykes, Ben Jeffries and Sam Burgess.
As well as kicking five goals and one drop-goal, Deacon provided a superb grubber kick for Burgess' try just before half time.
Warrington simply had no answer to Deacon's kicking game.
It looked ominous for the Wolves from the start when Lee Briers dropped Deacon's swirling kick-off, and the Bulls were quick to capitalise when Deacon booted over a simple penalty after Warrington were caught offside in the next set.
Bradford extended their lead when Terry Newton and Jeffries combined to send Sykes through for his fifth try of the campaign.
But the Wolves hit back when Louis Anderson's superb pass gave his brother Vinnie enough space to feed Paul Johnson.
Back came Bradford and Burgess dived on to the loose ball after Michael Monaghan deflected Deacon's grubber to give the hosts an eight-point lead at half time.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first, Deacon notching a 40-metre penalty in the opening minute before adding another when Ben Westwood was penalised for a dangerous tackle.
Warrington came back when Chris Hicks, who has scored in every round of Super League this season, raced on to Briers' clever kick to the corner.
Hicks' try set up a tense finish, despite Briers missing the touchline conversion.
But Jeffries completed the win with a 70-metre burst, after intercepting Matt King's wayward pass.

WARRINGTON'S new try scoring sensation Chris Hicks went down in history when he became the first ever Wolves player to score in the opening seven consecutive games of a season.
The Australian winger, who has also filled in at full-back grabbed another two tries as Warrington overcame Huddersfield giants at the Halliwell Jones, taking his tally to 10 tries in just seven starts.
It was also a record breaking occasion for utility hooker Mark Gleeson who became the first ever Wolves player to make 100 appearances from the bench.
It took less than three minutes for Warrington to open the scoring when Hicks became the provider as he surged down the middle of the field, feeding the supporting Paul Johnson who sent Lee Briers weaving his way over close to the posts, making the conversian formality.
On nine minutes the Giants responded when young winger Kevin Penny fumbled on the first tackle and then the Wolves were penalised for off-side on their own line, allowing Lery Cudjoe to slot over the easiest of penalties to make it 6-2.
The Giants were back on level terms when the Wolves were down to 12 men after Louis Anderson was sin binned for a high tackle and also placed on report. While he was off the field the Giants made the most of the extra man as Rod Jensen burst down the centre of the field, feeding the supporting Kevin Brown for centre Jamahl Lolesi to score. In windy conditions Cudjo was wide with the conversion.
But Warrington were soon back in front as Hick's created history with his ninth try in seven consecutive games as he went in at the corner. Briers was wide with the conversion but made amends with a simple penalty to make it 12-6.
The Giants pegged back two points on the stroke of half time when Louis Anderson, not long back on the pitch was penalised for another high tackle, allowing Tom Hemingway to add the two.
The first score of the second half was always going to be crucial and after 45 minutes Briers slotted over another penalty. Straight from the kick off some great wing play by Penny sent Martin Gleeson in for a try against his former club. Briers added the extras with a conversion from out wide to put the Wolves in control at 20-8.
But the visitors rallied as Ryan Hudson sent Eorl Crabtree powering over with Cudjoe adding the extras to make it 20-14.
On 54 minutes Warrington went further ahead as a clever kick from Briers sent Hicks over in the corner for his second try, and 10th in seven starts. Briers failed with the conversion but then slotted over a penalty on the hour when the Giants were again caught off-side.
The final score of the game came in the final minute when Martin Gleeson broke clear, sending over substitute forward Andy Bracek. Briers hit the upright with the conversion, making it 30-14.
The victory took Warrington to 2nd in the league on points difference.

By Gary Skentelbery

A LAST gasp try from Vinnie Anderson clinched the points as Warrington Wolves won an end to end thriller at the Jungle.
Castleford Tigers twice came back from 12 point deficits and looked to have snatched a surprise victory with a drop goal three minutes from time.
But the Wolves, still missing influential half back Michael Monaghan, hit back with a slick pass from Martin Gleeson sending Anderson over for the match winning try.
Warrington had led 12-0 thanks to tries from Ben Westwood after six minutes and Stuart Reardon on 17 minutes, both goaled by Lee Briers.
But the Tigers hit back to level the scores with two tries from Lee Westerman, who improved both before Martin Gleeson gave the Wolves a 12-18 half-time lead.
But the Wolves became disjointed following injuries to Briers and Reardon, with Vinnie Anderson and Jon Clarke providing a make shift half back pairing. A try from Richard Owen, brilliantly goaled by Westerman from the wide out levelled the scores after 48 minutes.
Back came Warrington who opened up another 12 point gap with tries from Mark Gleeson and Vinnie Anderson, both goaled by Chris Hicks to make it 18-30. But the Tigers were given renewed hope when Lupton went over on the hour, goaled by Westerman, who then completed his hat-trick to make it 28-30.
With six minutes remaining Rob Parker gave away a silly penalty for obstruction allowing Westerman to level the scores and then with just three minutes left on the clock a Sherwin drop goal looked to have broke Warrington's hearts.
But straight frrom the re-start Warrington hit back to snatch a breath-taking victory thanks to Louis Anderson's late try.

WOLVES Prop Steve Pickersgill will miss the rest of the Super League XIII campaign after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in the defeat against Wakefield.
Pickersgill, 22, will have to have surgery on the injury and only then can an estimated time of recovery be determined.
Since arriving at the club at under 14 level, Pickersgill has been touted as one of Warrington’s finest young talents.
He has show loyalty to the club that his father, Ron Pickersgill, represented in the 1970s by turning down approaches from Bradford, Wigan and Widnes in the past.


Past players honoured

By Gary Skentelbery

LEGENDS of Rugby League will be teeing off at Warrington Golf Club on Monday May 19 in a special tournament in aid of the Rugby League Foundation.
The event will be a significant day for the Golf Club's new captain Neville Morrall who, by coincidence, was manager of the British Amateur BARLA tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1993.
"It will be one of my biggest events of my year," said Neville. "As a huge Rugby League fan I am delighted that we are supporting such a worthwhile cause that will ultimately help the game at grass roots level."
The Golf Day - backed by Super League title sponsors Engage Mutual Assurance - will feature teams of golfers competing over the Warrington links recently improved and refurbished at a cost of close on half a millions pounds.
Great names of the past will be playing in an 18 hole Stableford competition helping raise thousands of pounds for the Foundation.
Chief Fundraiser Stephen Ball said: "It will be a memorable day.
"The event which is run in conjunction with the British Lions Association will give us a great source of funding and provide start up monies for new teams, competitions and exciting youth led initiatives all over the UK.
"So the golfers at Warrington really will be helping the game to spread nationwide."
Super League's Warrington Wolves and Super League hopefuls Widnes Vikings are among the clubs who have pledged their support for the event which will also feature on Sky Sports Boots n All programme.
Warrington stars Matt King, Michael Monaghan and head coach Paul Cullen paid a visit to the golf club in London Road, Appleton to sharpen up their skills.
Said Head Coach Cullen, "We are delighted to support such a worthy cause.
"The day will put such a lot back into our game at grass roots level.
"Without events like this we might never discover the next batch of British youngsters coming through and playing the game.
"We need the funding because without it we might never see the next Kevin Penny or indeed a British Matt King breaking through, and that would be a shame."
Pictured on the tee at Warrington are (from left to right) Matt King, Paul Cullen, Michael Monaghan and Warrington Golf Club captain Neville Morrall.
The RLF Golf Day in association with the British Lions and Engage Mutual is almost fully subscribed but if you would like to get involved contact Stephen Ball on 07771 732326 or e mail sball_wcs@yahoo.co.uk.



Rapid Aussie races in to the Halliwell Jones!

Briers set for return, but Morley could miss out

By James Parr

Fans await crunch clash

By James Parr

DESPITE a battling performance Warrington Wolves failed to lift their St Helens hoodoo, as they lost out 22-30 in a thrilling clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in front of a sell out crowd of 13,024.
Even a thrilling hat-trick from young winger Kevin Penny was not enough as St Helens battled against the odds with a crippling injury list to pile more miser on the Wolves and Head Coach Paul Cullen.
It was Penny who opened the scoring as Chris Hicks converted to give Warrington a 6-0 lead. But Saints hit back with quick tries from Paul Clough and Ade Gardener, although Sean Long missed woefully with both conversion attempts.
Penny then went in for his second, squeezing in at the corner in sensational style after being put over by Matt King to edge Warrington back in front at 10-8. But just a minute from the interval a wild pass from Monaghan was intercepted by Francis Meli, who went the length of the field to score under the sticks enabling Long to find the target to make it 10-14 at the break.
Two quick tries for Warrington, with Penny completing his hat-trick followed by a great break by Ben Westwood to send Jon Clarke racing over appeared to put the Wolves back in control at 22-14. But back came Saints with Paul Clough going over on 52 minutes after Clarke had been penalised for a needless penalty of Long, who again missed with his conversion.
But then quick fire tries from Gardener on 67 and Clough with his hat-trick on 70 ensured St Helens maintained their hoodoo on the Wolves who have only managed one Super League victory against their arch rivals in thirteen years.
With the Wolves now facing a daunting trip to St Helens in the Challenge cup it doesn't get any easier!


Squad announced as fans snap up tickets

By James Parr

Wolves beaten by Saints again!


WARRINGTON Wolves must feel like they are in "Ground Hog Day" after losing yet another titanic clash with arch rivals St Helens in one of the most thrilling Challenge Cup clashes of all time as they were edged out 40-34.
Young winger Kevin Penny (pictured) went from hero to villain after scoring one of the best tries ever seen and then spilling the ball and gifting Saints a way back into the game.
Birthday boy Adrian Morley who led by example with a top display and Chris Hicks crossed for the Wolves while Willie Talau, Chris Flannery and Francis Meli scored for Saints to lead 18-14 at the break.
Hicks levelled for Warrington and Ade Gardner put Saints back in front before Kevin Penny's superb long-range score.
With Saints pressing hard Michael Monoghan cleared fropm behind his own sticks to put Hicks in the clear who then sent Penny away for the try of the game from a sensational length of the field move.
But back came Saints with tries from Talau, Paul Clough, following Penny's blunder and Lee Gilmour to lead 40-24 before Ben Westwood and Simon Grix struck late on. It was a thrilling cup tie in which the lead exchanged hands on seven occasions as both teams competed for a place in the quarter-finals.
Had the Wolves shown a little more composure at crucial moments they may well have won the game but Saints showed why they are a champion team, pulling away with three unanswered tries when the game was in the balance.
It had been so different early on, with Warrington props Morley and Paul Rauhihi laying a superb platform. But as always a game lasts 80 minutes and the Wolve swere left to rue their mistakes.
Warrington coach Paul Cullen, who must have been bitterly disappointed put on a brave face after the game saying:  "We have played our part in what was an absolute rugby league classic. We have got to offer the headlines to the quality of the play.
"The players have given everything. It was a massive effort.
"Saints just have that fraction of an edge when it came to their big game winning mentality."

Warriors pile misery on dismal Warrington

A second half collapse saw Warrington Wolves crushed 38-14 by arch rivals Wigan at the JJB Stadium.
Disappointed Coach Paul Cullen admitted his side who led 8-14 at the interval "caved in" during the second half.
Warrington looked the stronger side during the first half but as they ran out of steam in the second period the home side began to stamp their authority on the match, running in five tries in 16 minutes to finish them off .
Centre George Carmont opened the scoring for the hosts with a try in the fourth minute, Pat Richards converting to give them a 6-0 lead. The Warrington reply came on the 14 minutes, Matt King coming in on the angle from the wing to collect the slip pass and crash over.
Seven minutes later and, with Warrington back on the attack, Vinnie Anderson chased down a delightful chip through the Wigan defence from Michael Monaghan to score the visitors' second.
But the Wolves were unable to stretch their lead after Chris Hicks, who minutes earlier had seen what looked like a clean score disallowed by the video referee, drifted his kick wide of the posts.
Eight minutes before half time though 21-year-old Welsh international Andy Bracek gave Warrington a 14-6 advantage after latching onto a beautiful inside pass from Martin Gleeson.
But when Joel Tomkins was brought down stretching for the Warrington line Hicks again fell foul of the video referee who controversially adjudged him to have robbed the ball. Richards  added the two points to take them into the break trailing by six, with the scores at 8-14. Warrington started the second half a man down with Vinnie Anderson in the sin bin after he was penalised shortly before half time.
But despite putting plenty of pressure on the visitors, Wigan were unable to make them pay and it was not until 12 minutes into the second half that they scored, courtesy of Trent Barrett, who ran in for his first Super League try of the year after selling a neat dummy to send two defenders the wrong way. Richards was on target again to level the scores at 14-14 and just a minute later the home side made it two in two minutes after Gareth Hock split the Warrington defence wide open with an exquisite sidestep and Liam Colbon ran in for the score. Again Richards maintained his 100 percent record to give Wigan a six point lead.
With Warrington now looking weary the Warriors began to turn the screws and within five minutes Barrett capitalised on a sloppy Warrington defence barging his way over from close range for his second score after the Wolves had been penalised close to their line. Richards converted to give Wigan a 26-14 lead.
Eight minutes later and a spent looking Warrington side were unable to stop Iafeta Paleaaesina blasting his way through three defenders on a tremendous charge down the field. The ball found Hock who again split the Warrington defence with another neat sidestep, this time running in for the score himself. Richards' kick gave the Warriors an 18 point lead. Three minutes later Tomkins showed pace and agility on his run in from 30 metres. Richards made it seven from seven to seal a dominant second half performance and give the hosts a convincing win.
Warrington coach Paul Cullen said that his side "caved in" after controlling the first half .
"The last 30 minutes was a poor effort and we're bitterly disappointed with our discipline and our defence on the back of it,"  he said.
"To go in with a lead at half-time with a man down was a decent effort and I thought we had weathered the storm of being a man short.
"But we are bitterly disappointed with the way we caved in in the last 30 minutes.
"It's been a costly defeat but injuries and decisions of the officials have not caused our indiscipline and our weakness in defence.
"We failed to handle Gareth Hock and Iafeta Paleaaeasina and you can't give power athletes that much ball and field position. That proved our downfall."

Cullen quits as Wolves are beaten by Tigers

WARRINGTON'S under fire Head Coach Paul Cullen announced his resignation after the Wolves crashed to a bitterly disappointing 28-36 defeat at home to basement club Castleford Tigers.
Angry fans demonstrated on the terraces after the match chanting "we want Cullen out, we want Cullen out." He failed to attend the post match press conference and announced his decision to players in the dressing room after the game.
He left the stadium saying he had "no regrets" following six years in charge at the club.
An announcement is expected from the club in the morning.
Cullen decided enough was enough after witnessing his team of stars crumble to a patched up Castleford outfit.
After the game he walked into the dressing room and said "That's it lads - I'm done!"
Assistant Coach Jimmy Lowes attended the post match conference but made no reference to Cullen's decision to quit.
A disjointed first half performance saw the Wolves trailing 10-14 at the interval.
The Wolves started slowly trailing 0-10 but levelled with tries from Vinnie Anderson, goaled by Chris Hicks and young winger Chris Riley.
But the Tigers hit the front again on the stroke of half time, as Fletcher added to tries from Owen and Stenton to give Cullen one of the biggest half-time team talks of his career.
The Wolves appeared to respond and added 18 points without reply from Chris Hicks, a second for Riley and Kevin Penny and appeared to have the game in the bag.
Grix appeared to have sealed it for the Wolves but had his effort ruled out by the video referee and then the wheels well and truly came off as the Tigers raced in for four tries in just seven minutes, for an all time low in Cullen's six years in charge.
At the final hooter the Warrington players looked out on their feet.
After the match disgruntled Wolves fans demanded their money back and called for the head of Cullen as the Wolves languished outside the top six.
Warrington's injury woes also worsened as young winger Kevin Penny was stretchered off.
Prior to the kick off it was seen as a "must win" game for Cullen, who earlier in the week got the dreaded vote of confidence from Club Chairman Lord Hoyle.
Meanwhile former Leeds coach Graham Murray, who has resigned from his job with North Queensland in Australia, has been linked with the Wolves.

WARRINGTON Wolves captain Adrian Morley says the players must shoulder some of the responsibility for Head Coach Paul Cullen losing his job but has issued a rallying cry saying the season is "not over yet!"
Morley said he had known Cullen for many years, even before joining Warrington and believed he was a "top guy" and was disappointed to see him go.
"But we have got to take the emotion away and get on with the job and get back on the horse and get back to winning ways.
"The players have got to shoulder some of the responsibility. No one has had an outstanding season but it is not over yet."
To see an extended video interview with Morley log on tomorrow.
Picture shows Morley in action against Castleford - the night Cullen lost his job

By James Parr


ACTING Head Coach Jimmy Lowes has announced his first squad for the Super League clash against Harlequins on Sunday.
Squad V Harlequins: 2. Chris Hicks, 3. Martin Gleeson, 4. Matt King, 5. Kevin Penny, 6. Lee Briers, 7. Michael Monaghan, 8. Adrian Morley, 9. Jon Clarke, 10. Paul Rauhihi, 11. Louis Anderson, 12. Ben Westwood, 13. Vinnie Anderson, 14. Mark Gleeson, 15. Rob Parker, 19. Simon Grix, 20. Chris Riley, 21. Andrew Bracek, 22. Ben Harrison, 26. Matty Blythe
 Kick off at the Twickenham Stoop Stadium is 3pm.

Wolves back to winning ways

By Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON Wolves got back to winning ways with a 24-40 victory at Harlequins giving acting Head Coach Jimmy Lowes a much needed victory for his first game in charge.
The Wolves, going into their first game since the end of the Paul Cullen era, got off to a flying start when young winger Chris Riley went flying in from 40 metres after good work by hooker Jon Clarke.
Louis Anderson added a second on 26 minutes and with Chris Hicks on target with both the Wolves led 0-12.
But back came the Quins with two tries to level the scores 12-12 at the break.
After Lowes first half time team talk Warrington again came flying out the blocks and scored three tries in 18 minutes from Martin Gleeson, Michael Monghan and Matt King to open up a 12-36 lead.
But again they let Quins back into the game with tries from Haggerty and Sheriff to set up a nervy final quarter, although it was Warrington who had the last say when Riley went in for his second in the final minute.
Hicks, who finished the day with six goals from seven attempts, failed with the touchline coversion as the final hooter sounded on a vital victory for Warrington which saw them leap frog Wakefield back into the top six.


Drive to survive

EXCLUSIVE video interview with Warrington Wolves' Head Coach James "Jimmy" Lowes who has been given the job until the end of the season.
In association with www.dentalacademy.co.uk

JIMMY Lowes' honeymoon period in charge of Warrington is over after a comprehensive nine-try thrashing by Catalans Dragons. 
Lowes must now return to the drawing board after watching his side completely outclassed as the Dragons took a 38-0 half-time lead through scores from Adam Mogg, Casey McGuire, Justin Murphy, John Wilson, Thomas Bosc and Sebastien Raguin.
Warrington improved in the second half, although it didn't take much to improve on the
first half performance, with Chris Riley, Paul Rauhihi and Ben Westwood scoring tries.
After two victories under Lowes this was Warrington's first big test since Paul Cullen left the club on the back on a string of poor performances - and they failed miserably.
Catalans, who are clearly a major force were 18-0 up in as many minutes as the Australian trio of Mogg, McGuire and Murphy ripped through Warrington's brittle defence.
Wilson added a fourth try on 23 minutes before Bosc and Raguin touched down to give the Dragons a commanding 38-0 half-time lead.
Lowes obviously said something to his battered troops at half-time as within four minutes of the re-start, they had their first points of the match through Chris Riley.
Paul Rauhihi touched down four minutes later, but back came the Dragons as Murphy ran through a hole in the visitors defence to add his second score on 64 minutes.
Ben Westwood ran in for the Wolves' third try three minutes later, before Khattabi and Elima completed the rout.
Many more performances like this and Warrington will not only be looking for a new Coach next season but new players as well!
After the match Vinnie Anderson was taken to hospital complaining of tingling in his hand and was found to have damaged a disc in his neck. He was later able to rejoin his team mates.

Catalans (38) 52
Tries: Mogg, McGuire, Murphy 2, Wilson, Bosc, Raguin, Khattabi, Elima Goals: Bosc 8
Warrington (0) 14
Tries: Riley, Rauhihi, Westwood Goals: Hicks


Lowes admits - "I got it wrong in France"!

Interview Gary Skentelbery Production James Balme





EXCLUSIVE interview with Warrington Wolves' Head Coach Jimmy Lowes who holds his hands up and admits he got his pre-match preparation wrong in France as the team lost 52-14.
In association with the www.dentalacademy.co.uk

Exclusive Michael Monaghan video interview

Interview Gary Skentelbery Production James Balme

 

WARRINGTON Wolves snatched a dramatic last gasp 22-24 victory at Hull.
Trailing 22-18 with less than a minute on the clock Matt King went over to level the scores with Chris Hicks keeping his cool to land the conversion, providing New Head Coach Jimmy Lowes with his third victory in four outings.
Young winger Kevin Penny celebrated his recall to the team with two tries as the Wolves grabbed a much-needed victory following their mauling in France last weekend.
Hull opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a Shaun Berigan try coverted by DannyTickle to make it 6-0 to the home side. But five minutes later Warrington were back on level terms with Penny grabbed his first try, which was improved by Hicks.
On 27 minutes Berrigan grabbed his second try, goaled by Tickle, to give the Airle Birds a 12-6 half-time advantage.
When Paul Rauhihi was sin binned on 40 minutes Warrington responded with a Lee Briers try, converted by Hicks to draw the scores level.
But on 52 minutes Hull were back in front from a Jodie Broughton try, which Tickle crucially missed.
Penny drew the sides level again on 58 minutes with his second try, with Hicks wide of the mark but he put the Wolves in front for the first time with a penalty on 67 minutes.
But it seemed in vain when Kirk Yeaman went over on 73 minutes, goaled by Tickle to put the home side back in front at 22-18 - but then up popped King for the decisive match-winning try in the final minute to snatch a dramatic victory.

Exclusive interview with Warrington Wolves' Head Coach Jimmy Lowes who says players do not deserve verbal abuse and criticism of Aussie star Matt King by fans and the media has been unfair.
In association with the www.dentalacademy.co.uk


Exclusive interview with Wolves' "ice man" Chris Hicks

Presenter Gary Skentelbery Producer James Balme

A HAT-TRICK of tries from young winger Kevin Penny helped Warrington Wolves secure a 60-24 victory over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
But it certainly wasn't all one way traffic in a "sloppy" first half when the Wolves were guilty of letting in some easy tries.
Against tougher opposition it could have been a different story but to be fair Warrington tightened their defence in the second half and also produced some dazzling attacking rugby.
Man of the match Michael Monaghan and fellow Aussie Matt King were instrumental in much of Warrington's good play, with King helping Penny a cross the try line and scoring two himself.
The Wolves ran in a total of 11 tries with Chris Hicks coverting eight.
 King, Jon Clarke, Chris Riley,Monaghan, Simon Grix and Penny all touched down
 to help the Wolves establish a 34-18 interval lead against the Challenge Cup semi-finalists.
But after King had gone over for a walk in try in the opening minutes the Wildcats hit-back with two kick tries to actually lead 6-12 after 10 minutes.
But once Warrington got back in front there was no looking back.
Second half tries from King, Martin Gleeson and Chris Riley, supplemented by a
 Penny brace to complete his personal treble, completed the scoring.
His final try in the last minute was a classic 90 metre effort.
After the match Head Coach Jimmy Lowes said he had been pleased with the attacking rugby but realised there was still work to do on defence.
"The boys are still working on a few new things and some of them didn't come off. We know we have to carry on working on our defence but the boys couldn't be faulted for effort."


Exclusive interview with Wolves' Head Coach


Jimmy Lowes

Presenter Gary Skentelbery Production James Balme

WARRINGTON Wolves won a see-saw thriller against Bradford Bulls at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as two world class tries from centre Martin Gleeson helped secure a dramatic 32-28 victory.
It looked bleak for the Wolves early on as The Bulls struck with two tries in two minutes from Andy Lynch after a lucky deflection off the boot of Adrian Morley and Tadulala after a great off load by David Solomona, both goaled by Paul Deacon.
But Martin Gleeson, who has been linked with a close season move to Melbourne Storm, struck back for Warrington with a world class length of the field effort on 21 minutes, side stepping three would be tacklers on his way to the line giving Chris Hicks the easiest of conversions.
Warrington looked dead and buried when the Bulls, who had just seen one effort ruled out by the video ref, went 6-18 in front when Tadulala outjumped Chris Riley to touchdown, with Deacon adding the extras.
But one minute from the break Riley made amends, forcing Tadulala to spill the ball on his own line and from the scrum Lee Briers sent Gleeson over for his second try of the night. Hicks kept his cool to land a difficult conversion to make it 12-18 at the break.
After the break Warrington again looked in trouble when Kevin Penny fumbled near his own line allowing the Bulls to go over from the scrum through Platt. Deacon slotted over the extras to make it 12-24.
But back came Warrington as Chris Hicks sliced open the Bradford defence to touch down before adding the extra himself to make it 18-24.
Five minute later the Wolves drew level when Michael Monaghan fed Matt King who crashed over, with Hicks again converting.
Warrington hit the front on the hour when man-of-the-match Jon Clarke fed Louis Anderson with Hicks again adding the extras to make it 30-24.
The Wolves extended their lead on 67 minutes when Solomona was somewhat harshly sin binned for an alleged late tackle on Briers, with Hicks landing the penalty to make it 32-24.
But the Bulls set up a heart stopping finish when Ben Jeffries went over 10 minutes from time after good work by Jamie Langley although Deacon sliced the ball wide, leaving it a four point game for the closing stages.
While Head Coach Jimmy Lowes will have relished a win over his former club he will know a lot of work is still required in defence, althoug most of Warrington's errors came from individual mistakes and attempting to off-load the ball at every opportunity!


Exclusive interview with Head Coach Jimmy Lowes

Exclusive interview with Warrington Wolves' Head Coach Jimmy Lowes on the sudden departure of Mark Gleeson, his brother Martin's future at the club and links with Wigan's hooker Micky Higham.
Lowes also gives his thoughts on the victory over his former club Bradford Bulls and also previews the trip to Huddersfield on Saturday. 

By Gary Skentelbery

A LEE Briers drop goal secured an unlikely 18-19 victory for Warrington Wolves as they staged a second-half fight back to defeat Huddersfield Giants.
Since taking charge of the team Head Coach Jimmy Lowes has said Warrington will have a roller-coaster season - and again after narrow victories over Bradford and Hull, the Wolves went on a roller coaster ride!
In a woeful first half full of schoolboy errors, the Wolves were fortunate to be only trailing 18-6 at the break.
From the first minute when Chris Riley knocked on allowing Giants full-back Leroy Cudjoe to score from the resulting set of six, Warrington looked out of sorts.
Cudoe went on to complete a first half hat-trick with Warrington's only response being a Chris Hicks penalty and a Ben Westwood try, with Hicks missing the simplest of conversions.
Cudjoe's second try came following a comedy of errors as Hicks and Kevin Penny jumped for the same ball, with his third coming just before the break after four missed tackles!
Chris Thorman was on target with the coversions to put the Giants firmly in control at half-time.
Whatever Coach Jimmy Lowes said at half time (and most of it is probably unsuitable for print) Warrington came out a different team in the second half.
On 45 minutes Simon Grix fended off two would-be tacklers to crash over near the posts, with Hicks adding the two and then three minutes later a good off-load from skipper Adrian Morley saw Paul Rauhihi power over from close range. Hicks again converted to level the score.
Warrington then lived a charmed life as the Giants had two efforts ruled out by the video ref.
Then up popped  Briers to slice over an angled drop goal seven minutes from time with the Wolves hanging on for a victory.
The big plus apart from the two points was that Warrington kept the Giants off the score sheet in the second half.
After the match Lowes admitted his team had not been good enough but was relieved to come away with the two points.
"We will have to play a lot better than that if we are going to compete in the play-offs," said Lowes.

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON Wolves’ Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe has welcomed the decision to award the Wolves a three-year Super League licence as two new licences were granted to Salford and Celtic Crusaders, at the expense of near neighbours Widnes and Leigh.
Commenting on Warrington's successful franchise application Gatcliffe said: "I'm delighted the club has been awarded a Super League licence, not that there was any doubt in my mind that we would not be successful, especially given that here at The Halliwell Jones Stadium we have a stadium - with sport, health and education under one roof.
"We continually receive visits from clubs looking to follow our lead.Since moving to The Halliwell Jones Stadium the club continues to go from strength to strength off the field and on it Having been awarded a three-year Super League licence, the club are determined not to rest on their laurels.
"We want supporters to be assured that we will continually look to improve our on field performance, which means, as well as making quality signings, developing home grown talent such as Kevin Penny, Mike Cooper and Chris Riley amongst others.
"Also, we have ambitious plans to improve and develop our stadium, keeping it at the forefront of rugby league stadia."
But the decision to award a franchise in Celtic Cruaders in Wales is already being ridiculed by many Rugby League supporters, especially with Warrington's near neighbours Widnes and Leigh missing out.
To have your say and to see what others are saying visit the readers' forum
http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12511

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON Wolves have moved quickly to secure the services of Head Coach Jimmy Lowes for next season on the back of six victories from seven games which has seen the club move to 4th in the table.
The deal to keep Lowes was reached within "a matter of hours" and now allows the Yorkshire based former Bradford Bulls ace to continue with the good work he has already achieved - and plan ahead for next season - although he was quick to point out there would be "no new faces" in the team for the rest of the current campaign.
Club Chairman Lord Hoyles confirmed Lowes' new contract until the end of the 2009 season at the Warrington based HQ of the club's new principal shirt sponsor for next season - Vestas - the world's leading supplier of modern energy solutions.
Lord Hoyle said the club had decided to move forward and secure the services of Lowes for the 2009 season on the back of recent improved performances which had seen the club climb back up the Super League table.
Meanwhile the Wolves are delighted to have signed a lucrative deal with Vestas, who will replace Omega as the club's principal shirt sponsor next season.
John Childs, Director of Onshore Sales at Vestas, who have been a sleeve sponsor during the current campaign, said he was delighted to announce an ongoing partnership for 2009.
He believed the company and the Wolves had a similar working ethos. "As a company we are working in the exciting world of modern energy solutions and I believe the Super League is one of the most exciting sports to be involved in.
"We are proud to be involved with a club at the heart of the local community and look forward to bringing green energy to Wolves fans."
For exclusive video interviews with Jimmy Lowes, Chairman Lord Hoyle, Skipper Adrian Morley and Vestas director John Childs check out warrington-worldwide throughout the week.
Pictures show (Top L-R) John Childs from Vestas, Jimmy Lowes, Adrian Morley and Lord Hoyle and right Head Coach Jimmy Lowes.

Wolves maul Rhinos

By Gary Skentelbery

A SUPERB defensive performance provided the backbone for Warrington Wolves to inflict a 22-12 defeat on reigning champions Leeds Rhinos at the Halliwell Jones.
It provided new Head Coach Jimmy Lowes with his seventh win from eight games and at last the scalp of a team above the Wolves in the league as Warrington consolidated 4th spot.
In a tight first half Warrington looked as though they would be made to pay the penalty for not taking their chances as the Rhinos took the lead on 30 minutes when Prop Kylie Leululi powered over. Kevin Sinfield added the extras to make it 0-6.
But three minutes from the break teenage back rower Lee Mitchell broke clear to feed the supporting Chris Hicks who sent Matt King in at the corner for his 5th try in five games.
The normally reliable Hicks, who had already missed a relatively simple penalty attempt was wide with the conversion to leave Warrington trailing 4-6 at the break.
Warrington's props Paul Rauhihi and Adrian Morley led by example and were both in outstanding form and it was good work by them both which led to Warrington taking the lead on 45 minutes.
Rauhihi powered up the middle sucking in three tacklers and then Morley charged through carving open the Leeds defence to allow the supporting Jon Clarke to race under the the sticks. Hicks added the two to put the Wolves 10-6 in front.
Hicks then went in at the corner on 50 minutes after good hands by Briers, Monaghan and King but was again wide with the conversion. Five minutes later he was in at the opposite corner after good work by Briers and Martin Gleeson but was again off target.
Then on 65th minutes 19-year-old Mitchell scored the try of the night bursting through two would be tacklers on half way and then outstripping the Leeds cover, shaking off two tacklers to score a stunning try on top of a very impressive performance, only his second start of the season. Hicks was again wide with his 5th miss of the night.
 Leeds got a late consolation from Kylie Leululi with his second try of the night after eventually breaking down Warrington's stuborn defence, which was bolstered by a big effort from Briers, not normally noted for his defensive effort.
After the match skipper Adrian Morley said he believed it had been Warrington's "best all round performance of the season."
He added:"It was disappointing to let them in at the end but to restrict Leeds to just two tries takes some doing.
"This result has been building for a few weeks now and this was a true test. I am really proud of the boys. We have now got more belief and confidence and winning becomes a habit!"
Head Coach Jimmy Lowes said:"We needed to be good defensively and we made it hard for ourselves by giving a lot of ball away and we should have won by more points. But defencively that was bob on!"
One downside to Warrington's victory was the loss of Kiwi second rower Louise Anderson with a suspected broken arm midway through the first half, who could now miss the rest of the season alongside his older brother Vinnie, currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.

by Gary Skentelbery and James Balme

EXCLUSIVE video interview with Warrington Wolves' Head Coach Jimmy Lowes on "another great victory" and the challenge of St Helens.
In association with http://www.dentalacademy.co.uk