FULL back Lee Penny is the first of the current Warrington Wolves players to accept a new contract at Wilderspool.

Penny's new three-year deal will take him through to a Testimonial season with the Wolves and is great news to follow on from coach Darryl Van de Velde's decision to stay with the club.

The GUARDIAN understands that highly popular pack star Steve McCurrie has also signed for an extended spell with the Wolves but this has not been confirmed by the club.

Van de Velde says: "We are delighted that Lee has signed a three-year contract to take him through to the end of 2001.

"I believe he could have got more money elsewhere but he has decided he wants to stay with Warrington and it gives us a boost as we start the building process for next season.

"Lee has been one of the form full backs in the game this season and people should realise that for the past six weeks he has played under the pressure of carrying injuries."

Penny has revealed his full admiration for the coaching abilities of Van de Velde and declared his decision was based on knowing that the Australian will be at the reins in 1999.

The 23-year-old says: "I am delighted. It is the best deal I have ever had and I always wanted to stay with Warrington.

"I had three top Super League clubs chasing me but Darryl is the best coach I have had. Once I knew he was staying I was happy to stay.

"I had a good season last year with Darryl in charge and he has taken me on to where I am now. Darryl is straight forward, you know where you stand with him and he always has plenty of time for you.

"He is always willing to help, not just on the rugby side, but in your personal life too.

"When I wasn't selected for the Emerging England side earlier in the season I thought my confidence would go. I phoned Darryl and he helped me through it. He's a great coach, he's like a dad to me."

Penny, who last night, Thursday, received the Player of the Year award off the Warrington Wolf Pack junior supporters' club, was having a fitness test yesterday after the GUARDIAN went to press. He has a dead leg from Sunday's defeat at Bradford and may not be fit for the Wolves' penultimate Super League game at Sheffield Eagles tonight, Friday, kick-off 7.30pm.

Chris Rudd, if satisfactorily recovered from Achilles' trouble, is on standby to replace Penny. If neither make it, Academy player Will Cowell will start at full back.

Captain Danny Farrar has lost his battle to be fit for the Eagles clash. The Australian damaged ankle ligaments against Bradford and is doubtful to play again this term.

His absence means a SL debut for Widnes-based Academy scrum half Phil Finney with Lee Briers remaining at stand off.

Finney, aged 17, is confident he can go a good job at Don Valley Stadium.

He says: "It is a big chance for me and I want to take it with both hands so that the coach will give me another go next season.

"I have been watching video tapes of Sheffield's Gareth Stephens and Mark Aston but it does not worry me whoever plays scrum half for them as I will concentrate on my own game.

"I am a bit worried about the speed of the game. At training on Tuesday I could feel the difference in pace to Academy level but I will just give it my best shot."

Finney's rise to the first team may have come earlier but he only returned to full fitness with the Academy at the weekend after six weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Van de Velde says: "Phil is one for the future. He is only 17 and this will be a big jump up in class for him.

"But he has a good attitude towards the game, is a great competitor and I have a lot of respect for him."

John Duffy will be on the bench as cover for the half back positions.

Expected team to face Sheffield: Will Cowell; Mark Forster, Mike Pechey, Mike Eagar, Jason Roach; Lee Briers, Phil Finney; Gary Chambers, David Highton, Danny Nutley, Steve McCurrie, Brendon Tuuta, Mike Wainwright.

Warrington centre Vince Fawcett has been sacked this week in a disciplinary measure.

Van de Velde did not wish to go into the matter but said: "Vince Fawcett and Warrington have severed connections.

"He has left the club on a free transfer and can negotiate with other clubs. It's a disciplinary reason."

Fawcett, aged 28, joined Wolves prior to the 1998 season from Oldham Bears. He has appeared in 16 games this season, 12 of them as a substitute, and scored two tries.

There is no further news on the Warrington Wolves takeover situation. A takeover has taken place by a consortium of businessmen but they wish to remain out of the limelight for the moment and have not yet revealed their identities. The GUARDIAN will update you with news as soon as it becomes available.

The 1999 Super League season will start on March 5, one month earlier than this year's competition. This is to accommodate Great Britain's end of season tour of Australia and to fit in the expected increase in Super League games.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.