WHITTLE'S 'TOUGH AS TEAK'

Coach Darryl Van de Velde offered Whittle a one year contract after being impressed with his graft since he joined the Alliance side on loan from Swinton Lions last season.

He also scored Wolves' third try in a hard-tackling performance in the friendly game against Salford Reds.

Whittle spoke to his dad Kevin, a former professional who now works for St Helens, before making his decision.

He said: "My dad told me to take it straight away. Darryl has offered me a good deal and I'm looking forward to the season.

"The club have got a very strong pack this year and I'll be fighting for a place in it.

"The defence is going to be crucial next year. The game plan is to grind teams down, frustrate them and then hit them on the attack.

"Darryl has put a strong system in place and everyone is up for the challenge so it should be a good season."

Whittle played through the pain of an ankle ligament injury in the Salford game and further inflamed it as a result. However, he is due to be fit in time for the Challenge Cup.

Van de Velde said of his new signing: "He still has a lot to learn but he is as tough as teak and will be fighting for a place in the team like everyone else."

St. Helens-based Whittle was sent off for a high tackle in his first loan game with the Wolves last season. He first joined Swinton in 1992 from Nutgrove Amateur Rugby League Club.

The coach does not know yet whether or not the final spot in his squad will be filled due to budgetary considerations.

He said: "I will be speaking to chairman Peter Higham about it. We still have room for another overseas player or we may look to a British-based player if the budget allows."

Van de Velde will be utilising members of the Academy squad during the season too, such as John Duffy, David Highton and Paul Noone.

The squad as it stands: Backs, Lee Penny, Chris Rudd, Mark Forster, Jason Roach, Jon Roper, Vince Fawcett, Michael Eagar, Toa Kohe-Love, Paul Wingfield, Adam Doyle, Lee Briers; forwards, Gary Chambers, Mark Hilton, Adam Fogerty, Warren Stevens, Danny Nutley, Danny Whittle, Danny Farrar, Ian Knott, Mike Wainwright, Chris Causey, Chris Morley, Steve McCurrie, Brendon Tuuta.

WARRINGTON Wolves' Cumbrian stars Gary Chambers and Chris Rudd, who signed for the club on the same day 10 years ago, have been officially granted a much deserved Testimonial season this year.

Work has already begun on their Testimonial brochure and many events will be arranged during the year to raise funds. Regular Testimonial updates will be featured in the GUARDIAN.

BRENDON Tuuta arrived safe and well in Warrington this week following his long haul from New Zealand.

The gritty Wolves back rower will be available for Warrington's Silk Cut Challenge Cup fourth round tie at Wakefield Trinity on February 15, kick off 3.30pm.

Trinity, who play in Division One, are something of an unknown quantity to Warrington but have ex-top flight players on their books in David Mycoe, Sheffield; John Wray, Castleford and Sony Whakarau, Doncaster.

Belle Vue, Wakefield's home, has been a graveyard for Warrington teams who have lost on their last three trips there.

It will be the two teams' first clash in the Challenge Cup since 1981.

Van de Velde is taking no chances and his preparation will be as thorough as always, including a visit to Wakefield on Sunday when Trinity begin their league campaign at home to Widnes Vikings.

Warrington wanted to play a friendly with Lancashire Lynx this weekend but the Deepdale club have pulled out through concern of injuries. Instead, the Wolves will play a 'behind closed doors' friendly between themselves today, Friday.

Warrington supporters should take note of the variable admission prices for the game at Wakefield. Standing will be £7 for adults and £4 for juniors and concessions. In the centre of the main stand it will be £9.50 and on the wings of the stand it will be £8.50 but £5.50 for juniors and concessions.

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