WARRINGTON Wolves have been showing their support for the troops this week as they welcomed players from 1 Mercian regiment.

Players and coaches met with the 1 Mercian rugby league team in preparation for the second Sephton Trophy on July 9 at Crosfields, Great Sankey.

The match between Crosfields ARLFC and 1 Mercian was organised for the first time last year in memory of Private Thomas Sephton who died last summer while serving his country in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Alan Boyle, from Latchford, arranged the Crosfields game last year. He said: “The support from Warrington Wolves has been truly exceptional.

“I for one value what they have done for our fallen comrades, families and our injured soldiers immensely.

“By gathering our recovering soldiers together at events such as this it helps enormously in their recovery.

“These blokes stick together and when they’re injured or if they lose someone that’s how they get through the tough times.”

Unveiled this week at The Halliwell Jones stadium was the shirt the 1 Merican side will be playing in for their tie with Crosfields.

Last year the game raised more than £7,700 for Help for Heroes and organisers hope to smash that total this year.

Former Halifax player Frazer Mataitonga, aged 27, from Tonga, will be playing after joining the Army when his club went into administration.

Privates Daniel Hellings, from Ellesmere Port, and Andrew Leeming, from Lower Walton, will also be involved after the regiment returned from Afghanistan in October.

Daniel, aged 20, said: “We all knew Tom and we were here last year when the club held a minute’s silence. You’re shocked when you hear about anyone but it hits home when it’s someone from the same team.”

Warrington fan Andrew, aged 19, added everyone was looking forward to the game and appreciated what the club had done for the troops.

Warrant officer class two Kevin McCauley said: “Sport is a massive thing in the Army.

“It’s been a football battalion so we’ve been trying to get a rugby team started.

“Warrington Wolves have given us phenomenal support throughout the operational tour.”