Hear ’ thoughts on the new boss Plus our exclusive chat with new recruit

PRICE OF SUCCESS Eight-Page Wolves Season Preview

February 2018 Warrington Centre Ryan Atkins. Photo Credit: Mike Parsons 2 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 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 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 . 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 , 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 Half was hailed in rose and Blue at the have. We needed did,” Atkins said. Back 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 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 sides in in the Previous Steve Price at 2010 and 2012, both Dream Team- in 2012 Cronulla in against 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 , 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 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.” 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 . 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 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. been assistant to at the Halliwell and Balmain Tigers, before claim their first NRL title Following Ben- Jones on a two- two serious knee injuries since 1979. nett’s departure at a Cronul- year deal.

SIGNING PROFILE: SITALEKI AKAUOLA Age: 25 pearances for Position: Penrith since Second Row 2016, and Previous his excellent Clubs: Wests showing in the Tigers, Pen- NRL secured him a dream rith Panthers Sitaleki Akauola. Photo Credit: SWPIX A tough-run- move to En- ning Tongan Powerhouse, gland. ‘Sita’ is also able to Akauola confirmed in fill in on the Wing, having August that he was head- done so during his stint ing to the Halliwell Jones Down Under. He is sure Stadium on a two-year to wow Wolves fans with deal. He made 21 ap- his scintilating aggression Price will be joined by former head and passion in 2018. coach Andrew HendersonPhoto Credit: Mike Parsons 6 Warrington Wolves 2018 Preview BRINGING THE SUCCESS Kiwi centre Goodwin hoping to put 2014 NRL glory to good use By James Messenger ew War- one. I like to learn rington from some of the Ncentre Bryson younger players; Goodwin hopes they bring some- that he can use the thing new. If they experiences from need help, then I’m his NRL glory in certainly there to 2014 with South offer some advice to help his to them.” new side in the up- Goodwin spent ten coming campaign. years in the NRL, The 32-year old was playing for Cro- part of the Rab- nulla, Canterbury bitohs’ squad that and South Sydney, clinched Premier- before deciding ship success for to make the move commons via creative sourced NAPARAZZI, credit: Zealand in 2012. Photo New for Goodwin competing the first time in 41 over to the UK. years. He admits that he Goodwin, who didn’t know an made 99 appear- awful lot about Goodwin in action for South Sydney in 2013. Photo credit: NAPARAZZI, sourced via creative commons ances for Souths, Super League prior game seems a lot now believes that to his arrival, but more structured, he should draw on is looking forward concentrating on SIGNING PROFILE: those experiences to getting stuck in the wrestle on the when playing in the straight away, start- floor a lot more, LUIS JOHNSON big games in Super ing with a round whereas in Super Age: 19 has spent time League. one clash against League you get the Position: being coached “It’d be silly not to,” reigning champions free play after a by Wolves mistake. There’s a Centre/Wing assistant coach he said. “If you’ve Leeds. Previous Clubs: and club leg- learnt from things, “I knew a little bit, lot more throwing the ball around Castleford end Lee Briers you might as well not a lot. We get a Tigers as part of the use them to your fair bit of coverage over here, so we’ll England Acad- have to wait and - Despite his benefit, but I’ll keep over in Australia, tender age, emy setup, and wanting to learn so I used to watch see. Johnson has has been capped new things over it a fair bit,” said “I’m hoping for a already amassed Luis Johnson. Photo Credit: SWPIX by England up here and try to get Goodwin. “When big crowd [against plenty of admirers in the to U19s level. He arrives better. I signed, I started Leeds], and hope- rugby community, which on a four-year deal, and “I think it’s part of watching a little fully we’ll be able to is why it took a £45,000 looks set to play a huge win over the home offer to tempt Castleford part in the new dawn at our squad culture more to try and the Halliwell Jones. that everyone take it all in. fans early on with a to part ways with the learns off every- “The Australian good performance.” exciting back-rower. Luis Warrington Wolves 2018 Preview 7

Goodwin in action for South Sydney in 2013. Photo credit: NAPARAZZI, sourced via creative commons SIGNING PROFILE: BRYSON GOODWIN Age: 32 was previously set Position: to move to Leigh Centre/Wing Centurions but, Previous following their relegation at the Clubs: Cro- end of 2017, they nulla Sharks, decided to accept Canterbury an offer and allow Bulldogs, Bryson Goodwin. Photo Credit: SWPIX the player to move South Sydney to the Primrose Rabbitohs and Blue’s. Goodwin, who - It was announced that has won an NRL title is Goodwin would be mov- an experienced New-Zea- ing to Warrington on a land international, having two-year contract at the scored 58 points in 10 start of October. Goodwin matches. Goodwin can’t wait to get started with his new team-mates. Photo Credit: Mike Parsons 8 Warrington Wolves 2018 Preview WOLVES 2018 FIXTURES JAMES MESSENGER RELEASED Warrington will kick off Super League 2018 with a home match against reigning Bringing you all the latest Wolves opinion and views champions . The game, on February 1, is the beginning of a tough opening five fixtures for the Move over Sandow- there’s a Wolves which also includes Wigan, Hull new star ready to rock the HJ FC, and St Helens. arrington fans can season was well below par- like Roberts will under- The opening derby of the season will be Wfinally say that the too many players seemed standably be expected to played at home on Good Friday. huge void left by Chris to be bereft of confidence, shine, but fans need to Full Fixture list below: Sandow’s departure has been and injuries to the likes of understand it will take time 1. Leeds Rhinos- Thu Feb 1 (H) filled- in the form of another , Chris Hill and to fully gel. 2. Huddersfield- Sun Feb 11 (A) razzle-dazzle NRL superstar. Stef Ratchford didn’t help However, when it does, Ty- 3. - Fri Feb 23 (H) Tyrone Roberts may have matters either. rone and co are fully capable not even played his first However, it seems like a of setting the league alight. 4. Hull FC- Fri Mar 2 (A) game in Primrose and Blue, new dawn at the Halliwell So, Warrington supporters 5. St Helens- Fri Mar 9 (H) but expectations are high, Jones; coaches and players can strap themselves in for 6. - Sat Mar 17 (A) and rightly so. have arrived, and some have the ride, and prepare for a 7. - Fri Mar 23 (H) Roberts is undoubtedly in departed for pastures new. 2018 full of entertainment 8. - Fri Mar 30 (H) the prime years of his career, Nevertheless, what appears and nerve-jangling drama, 9. - Mon Apr 2 (A) yet with over 100 games of to be left is a squad with as they fight for the right to 10. - Sat Apr 7 (A) top-flight Australian rugby the right blend of youthful lift the elusive Grand Final 11. Hull KR- Sat Apr 14 (H) under his belt, this 5ft 9inch exuberance and experi- silverware. 12. Widnes Vikings- Date TBC (A) half-back is more than enced heads- capable of taking England helped by 13. Huddersfield- Fri Apr 27 (H) by storm. the arrival of 14. Leeds Rhinos- Fri May 4 (A) It could be argued that War- Kiwi interna- 15. Wigan Warriors- Sat May 19 (N) rington missed the spark last tional Bryson 16. Hull FC- Fri May 25 (H) season which has previously Goodwin- 17. Castleford Tigers- Fri Jun 8 (H) been supplied by the likes of and a new 18. Wakefield Trinity- Sun Jun 17 (A) Sandow or Lee Briers. coach ready 19. Salford Red Devils- Fri Jun 29 (H) However, Roberts has al- to impart his 20. Wigan Warriors- Fri Jul 6 (A) ready proven overseas that philosophy 21. Catalans Dragons- Thu Jul 12 (H) he is capable of unlocking on a group of defences, and he could be talented indi- 22. Hull KR- Fri Jul 20 (A) the key player going forward viduals ready 23. St Helens- Thu Jul 26 (A) for Steve Price. to learn. *All fixture dates are provisional and some may be subject to change. By everyone’s standards, last Flair signings Tyrone Roberts. Photo Credit: Mike Parsons