EXCLUSIVE by MIKE PARSONS

WARRINGTON Wolves today unveil their new stand off for 1999.

He is 27-year-old Scott Wilson, who has joined the club from Australian side Canterbury Bulldogs.

Wilson, famed for superb attacking skills, has signed a one-year deal.

He can also play full back or centre but is regarded as a direct replacement for Adam Doyle, who has returned down under.

Wilson, who is the real thing when it comes to class acts, was New South Wales' reserve stand off to Laurie Daley in last year's Tri-Series, which was Super League's equivalent to State of Origin football.

He flew into Manchester Airport yesterday, Thursday, but has been registered with the Rugby League for about four weeks which allows him to play against Wigan at Wilderspool on Sunday in Warrington's final game of the season, kick-off 3pm.

It is expected that he will be on the substitute's bench.

Van de Velde says: "He will add strength to our squad this weekend on the back of our injury problems and it is a chance for him to familiarise himself with the area prior to pre-season training beginning on November 16."

Exclusive interview with Wilson is on page 63 but there is more good news from Wilderspool this week.

The Wolves have retained the services of 24-year-old prop Danny Nutley for 1999.

It is another coup on the back of striking new deals with Lee Penny and Steve McCurrie, revealed exclusively in the GUARDIAN last week.

Nutley, who has signed a one-year contract, had been chased by London Broncos and Australia's Gold Cost Giants.

Van de Velde says: "We've got to give some credit to Danny because he knocked back a much bigger offer to go to London.

"He has shown loyalty to the club and I know he'll be rewarded next year because he's that type of player - he's just a great competitor."

Warrington also look likely to snap up Crosfields' talented centre Jamie Stenhouse.

They have checked out the 17-year-old and believe he has a future in Super League, although they will be looking to recruit him initially for next season's under 21s.

On an unfortunate note, a week after Vince Fawcett was released for disciplinary reasons, Warrington have suspended back rower Chris Morley as a disciplinary measure.

Morley, who has not played since July due to a knee ligament injury, was told of the decision on Monday after an incident late last week.

Van de Velde says: "He will stay away from the club and we will wait to see what happens over the 14-day period. Morley has a right of appeal under clause 15 of the Rugby League contract."

The injury situation got worse following the defeat at Sheffield last Friday.

Props Gary Chambers (leg), Warren Stevens (shoulder) and centre Mike Pechey (Achilles) are doubtful for Sunday while there is unlikely to be a comeback from skipper Danny Farrar who has ankle ligament trouble.

Centre Mike Eagar also gained an injury but he is expected to play through it. There is a slight chance that full back Lee Penny could return from his 'dead' leg.

John Duffy is the man most likely to play scrum half while Danny Whittle, with only two substitute appearances all year, is set to make his full debut at prop.

Van de Velde says: "We've got to show some pride in this game.

"We want the supporters who come to watch us on Sunday to come back next year so that we can show them that we can match it with the other teams.

"We're going to go out there with enthusiasm and try to get in their faces and slow their game down.

"If we sit back and watch them play football - they're very good at it!"

Probable team: Penny/Rudd; Roach, Pechey/Rudd, Eagar, Forster; Briers, Duffy; Whittle, Highton, Nutley, McCurrie, Tuuta/Knott, Wainwright. Subs: Wilson plus three others.

Wigan, who clinched top spot in the 1998 Super League table with their impressive win over Bradford Bulls on Sunday, will again be without Denis Betts, knee ligaments and Mick Cassidy, suspended.

Expected team: Radlinski; Robinson, Connolly, Johnson, Bell; Paul, Smith; O'Connor, McCormack, Mestrov, Gilmour, Holgate, Farrell.

Warrington Wolves supporters' club's player of the year presentation night takes place at the Touchdown Club next Friday at 7.30pm.

Tickets on the night are £1 for members and £2 for non-members.

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