Eight-Page Warrington Wolves Season Preview
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Hear Ryan Atkins’ thoughts on the new boss Plus our exclusive chat with new recruit Bryson Goodwin PRICE OF SUCCESS Eight-Page Warrington Wolves Season Preview February 2018 Warrington Centre Ryan Atkins. Photo Credit: Mike Parsons 2 Warrington Wolves 2018 Preview CENTRE THANKS EX- ATKINS COACH SMITH Ryan Atkins has off-season. EMBRACING paid tribute to for- “I was gutted that mer Wolves coach he was leaving. He Tony Smith, who was the one who left the club at the brought me to the THE CHANGE end of last season. club and he was the The Australian, coach who helped Wolves number four ready for who was the lon- me reach my full gest serving coach international debut new dawn at Halliwell Jones BY JAMES MESSENGER arrington centre was a massive blow for the NRL and for New Ryan Atkins us. He pretty much kept Zealand for so long can Wbelieves that the arrival us up single-handedly only help us moving of several “X-Factor” last season, but I think forward.” players, and a brand- Bryson can step up. The Wolves had to new philosophy, could “To have someone settle for a place in the end their 63-year wait who has played in ‘Middle 8’s’ following for Grand Final glory. The club saw 12 of their 2017 roster depart in the off-season, including Ashton Sims and New Zealand star Peta Hiku. However, the 32-year old believes that the new signings are defi- nitely capable of help- ing ‘The Wire’ to their Atkins fends off Hull FC’s Albert Kelly during their 2017 meeting. Photo Credit: first title since 1955. Atkins in action for the Wolves during 2010. Photo Credit: Mike Parsons Mike Parsons “[Tyrone] Roberts is in the competition, for England. going to guide us round signed the 32-year “I really wanted the field more than SIGNING PROFILE: old from Wakefield to send him out we’ve had in the past- Trinity in Septem- on a high and do he’s got that composure TYRONE ROBERTS ber 2009. the best that we around the park, a lot Age: 26 year is old is an Atkins has gone on could. I had to play like Lee Briers, but he’s Position: exciting runner to become the top through injury, but also got the ‘X-Factor’ of the ball and try scorer in Prim- I probably shouldn’t just like Chris Sandow Half was hailed in rose and Blue at the have. We needed did,” Atkins said. Back Australia as Halliwell Jones, but all hands-on-deck, “You just have to look Previous having one of says that he was sad and because I had at the quality of Ben Clubs: the best kicking games in the to see his former that much respect Newcastle Tyrone Roberts. Photo Credit: SWPIX Murdoch-Masila too; competition. boss exit the club. for him, I really He’s a good physical Knights, His conversion success Atkins said: “I had wanted to play.” player, and I think we’ve Gold Coast Titans rate of 82% will also be a great relationship The centre added: missed someone like - Roberts joins the club a big bonus for Steve with Tony and I’ve “He’s always some- that. on a three-year deal after Price’s men. He will take already spoken to one who I’ll turn to “Bryson will add a bit the Wolves fended off the number seven shirt him a few times for advice.” of class in the centres; NRL interest to secure during the 2018 cam- since he’s left in the we lost Peta Hiku which his signature. The 26- paign. Warrington Wolves 2018 Preview 3 Atkins celebrates scoring a try. Photo Credit: Mike Parsons a difficult run of results can bounce emphatically in coach,” said Atkins. “It’s new coaching team, but as during 2017. 2018. really freshened things up players, were doing every- Nevertheless, the Wolves “There’s been a total and we want to embrace it. thing to make sure that we stalwart believes that their change of cultures, ideas “It kind of feels like I’m don’t have a season like that newly-assembled squad and philosophies from the at a new club now with the all over again.” SIGNING PROFILE: MITCH BROWN ATKINS’ WIRE Age: 30 39 tries in CAREER Position: 132 appear- Wing, Cen- ances. Brown -Atkins was part of -Atkins’ form has twice previously the Wolves’ victorious seen him selected tre, Full worked under Back Wolves boss Challenge Cup sides in in the Super League Previous Steve Price at 2010 and 2012, both Dream Team- in 2012 Cronulla in against Leeds Rhinos. and 2016. Clubs: Cro- Mitch Brown Photo Credit: SWPIX nulla Sharks, 2015. He also -The 32-year old -Atkins 153 tries in scored eight helped to secure Primrose and Blue Wests Tigers, Canter- tries in 26 games for bury Bulldogs, Leigh Leigh in 2017, and has League Leaders’ puts him ninth on the Centurions arrived in Warrington Shields in both 2011 all-time try scorers list, - Brown has a wealth of following the Centurions and 2016 for the 587 behind Brian Bev- NRL experience, scoring relegation. Wolves. ans legendary haul! 4 Warrington Wolves 2018 Preview The Halliwell Jones stadium during the 2013 season. Photo Credit: Luke Addison, sourced via Creative Commons A VIEW FROM THE STANDS... How do we feel about 2017? What should we expect from next season? James Mes- Parsons Mike Credit: Photo Penrith. for in action Akauola senger sat down with fans to learn more Q- Where do Possibly Harvey outlook should you think this Livett; after his help the dressing squad has im- performance last room. To have proved com- season, I think been so close in pared to last he will have 2016 must have season? an exception- frustrated coach- “The acquisition al season and es and players of big name really try to kick alike, which does signings already on from 2017. make it puts us in difficult to get good stead, yourself up for especial- “Sitaleki a better season. ly after Akauola - Gail Lee losing Chris Sandow at looks like he Q- What the begin- can have a would you ning of last class as a suc- season and big influence cessful season not really this time replacing on the team.” around? SIGNING PROFILE: him. A new - Izaak Lowe “Finishing in BEN MURDOCH-MASILA the top eight at coach will Age: 26 is notorious also bring a new Bryson coming least, especially for his fierce perspective and in provides more with the new Position: running a breath of fresh competition in signings made. Second Row and tackle air to War- his position, but A challenge cup Previous rington’s play, his versatility run would be busts, as well so long as the and potential good too!” Clubs: Wests as being an squad can adapt going forward -Matt McIntyre Tigers, Pen- incredible rith Panthers, SWPIX Credit: Photo Ben Murdoch-Masila off-loader of after years of the is something we the ball for same style.” need to utilise. “Top Four.” Salford Red someone who is 17 stone - Matthew - Sophie Harris - Sophie Harris Devils and 6 ft 1 inch tall! The McIntyre ‘Big Ben’ arrives at the Wolves had to fend off in- Q- How will the Thank you to all Halliwell Jones off the terest from various other Q- Which play- new coaches fans who gave back of a spectacular NRL and Super League er is most likely affect the dress- us their views. World Cup campaign, clubs, but a £175,000 bid to have a break- ing room? We hope you helping Tonga to a re- was enough to secure his through year I think a change enjoy the 2018 markable semi-final spot. services. this season? and a different season. The rampaging forward Warrington Wolves 2018 Preview 5 IS THE PRICE RIGHT FOR THE WIRE? Find out more about Warrington’s newest boss BY JAMES MESSENGER fter the departure of forced him to retire. Akauola in action for Penrith. Photo Credit: Mike Parsons Mike Credit: Photo Penrith. for in action Akauola ATony Smith in Septem- Price continued his affilia- ber 2017, fans were eagerly tion with St George though, waiting to find out who the taking up an assistant role new head coach would be. with their junior team in the That person was revealed Jersey Flegg Cup. New Wolves boss Steve Price unveiled to the media. Photo Credit: Mike Parsons to be Australian coach Steve The 39-year old was Price’s only in March 2011, la Sharks side Price, a man with plenty of promoted to head coach taste of English Price stepped which included NRL coaching experience, in 2004, and won the title Rugby was in the up as Illawarra’s Warrington’s new but someone relatively un- with his team in 2005- a side 2011 World Club head of the first winger Mitch known to the Halliwell Jones including stars such as Brett Challenge, when team. Brown. Price, faithful. Morris and Jason Nightin- he stepped in for He spent three who also spent So, what should we know gale. Wayne Bennett, years at the helm 12 months in about the new boss? Price was appointed assis- as they defeated before depart- charge of the Price had a very short top- tant coach to Wayne Bennett Wigan Warriors ing in 2014, Samoan national flight playing career, making in the first team in 2010, a 21-15 at the DW and has since team, arrives 12 appearances for St George period which saw the club Stadium.