It has been a busy week for Wakefield overall with the signing of Paul Cooke, followed by a big win over Salford and news that Scotland international Danny Brough had joined Huddersfield. There is no doubting that the Wildcats will miss the influence of Brough who scored a try and banged over 18 goals before his high profile departure.
In Cooke however, Wakefield have a talismanic figure, who on his day is a real class player, he is a talent and easy to spot, standing 6'5!
Included in the Brough transfer was the permanent signing of Michael Korkidas who joined the Wildcats on-loan prior to the season, and the loan recruitment of Danny Kirmond who comes into contention for selection.
Kirmond used to play on the wing before joining Huddersfield in 2007 but has since successfully moved to the pack and second row. If selected Kirmond will debut but perhaps more important for him, it will be his comeback from a major knee operation.
Warrington are still smarting from defeat at St Helens last week where too many mistakes cost them. Hoping to continue his run of form will be former Australian international Matt King who has been outstanding for the Wolves this season. He has scored seven tries to tie with Chris Riley at the top of the club try charts but importantly all seven have come in the last four games.
The Wolves welcome back experienced halfback Lee Briers following his knee injury sustained on the 20th February against Wigan while there are a couple of former Wakefield connections amongst the Warrington ranks with Ryan Atkins facing the club where he made his Super League name and David Solomona and Ben Westwood playing against their former team.
For Atkins it is quite special and he told Adrian Jackson from Radio General's Final Hooter Show, "It's a game that has been ringed on the calendar since the fixtures were out." Atkins also revealed that there had been "a lot of banter" between former team-mates and spoke of his close friendships with Sean Gleeson and Tevita Leo-Latu.
Kick-off at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday night is 8pm.
Showing posts with label Wakefield. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wakefield. Show all posts
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Friday, 19 March 2010
RL Comment - A day for Cooke-ing up a storm and answering doubting Thomas's
Wakefield Wildcats have completed the signing of Paul Cooke from Hull Kingston Rovers and announced his signing to a news conference. There are suggestions that he will go straight into the Wildcat's squad for this Sunday's game against Salford.
Cooke has been a controversial figure on Humberside for a few years due to eratic off field behaviour and the way his move from Hull to Hull KR came about.
The official statement that appeared on the Wildcats website reads:
"Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed Paul Cooke from Hull KR.
The 28-year-old England international stand off half joins the Wildcats on a deal which lasts until the end of the 2010 season. Cooke started his professional career with Hull FC in 1999 and played 204 games in black and white before moving across to arch rivals Hull Kingston Rovers in a high profile deal in 2007.
Since moving to Craven Park Paul has played 65 games for Rovers. Cooke is one of the largest halfbacks playing in the modern game as he is 6ft 5ins (1.96m) tall and weighs in at 16stones (102kg).
John Kear, the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Head Coach, said: “Paul Cooke is one of the most gifted players of his generation and we’re delighted that he has signed for the Wildcats.
“Paul is very versatile because he can play at loose forward if it becomes necessary and that’s a great option to have available for any Super League club.
“I worked with Paul when I was on the coaching staff at Hull FC so we know each other well. I’m a great admirer of his skill set and also recognise the great talent he has for playing Rugby League. “He’s the kind of player who makes other players play well and that’s a special quality we can use at the Hearwell Stadium.”
Paul Cooke said: “I’m delighted to be joining Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and working with John Kear again.
“The Wildcats have shown some great form in 2010 and I’m looking forward to joining an exciting team. “I’d like to thank everybody at Hull KR, the players, staff and, particularly, the fans for all the support they’ve given while I’ve been at Craven Park.”
A further statement was later put up explaining about Cooke's availability:
"Newly-signed Paul Cooke could make his debut for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Sunday when they face Salford City Reds in Round Seven of the Engage Super League at the Hearwell Stadium (Kick off 3 30pm).
He has been included in the 19-man squad for the game by Head Coach John Kear.
And with stand off Ben Jeffries still out of action with a leg injury the chances of Cooke being included in the action at some stage in the game look to be quite high.
There’s also a place in the squad for scrum half Danny Brough in spite of the intense speculation that he may be leaving the Wildcats.
Both hooker James Davey and prop Ben Gledhill, who were included for the squad that played at Hull KR a week ago, are retained by Kear.
Kear said: “I expect that Cooke will get a chance to play in this game but I’ll make a decision about that closer to the kick off time.”
Wildcats 19-man squad is: Matthew Blaymire, Damien Blanch, Sean Gleeson, Daryl Millard, Danny Brough, Shane Tronc, Michael Korkidas, Dale Ferguson, Glenn Morrison, Jason Demetriou, Sam Obst, Kevin Henderson, Aaron Murphy, Tevita Leo-Latu, Paul Cooke, Dale Morton, James Davey, Richard Moore, Ben Gledhill."
The other big story is the fact that Gareth Thomas, a 100 cap veteran of Welsh Rugby Union, is set to make his rugby league debut tonight for the Crusaders against Catalans Dragons in front of the Sky TV cameras.
A story that appeared on the Crusaders website yesterday read:
"All eyes will be on Gareth Thomas at the Racecourse Ground tomorrow when the former Wales and British Lions captain makes his Engage Super League debut for Crusaders RL.
The Wrexham club are expecting the appearance of Thomas to swell the crowd to between 6,000 and 7,000, double what they had originally expected, for the visit of French club Catalans Dragons.
Head coach Brian Noble confirmed today that the 35-year-old Thomas would be in his 17 after completing a fortnight’s crash course in rugby league.
“While the focus of attention will be on Gareth, it’s a tough ask for him but he’s ready for the challenge,” said Noble.
“Through all the hullabaloo, the reason he’s come is to be as good as he can at rugby league and his journey starts tomorrow.
“His application and his determination to do well will stand him in good stead. He came to us as a good athlete and he’s handled the physical side of what we’ve been doing really well.”
Thomas is expected to start on the wing and, according to Catalans coach Kevin Walters, will not be a particular target for the opposition.
“We’ve got enough problems of our own,” said Walters, who is preparing to give a debut to 20-year-old half-back David Guasch, nephew of club chairman Bernard, as he wrestles with an early-season injury crisis.
“I don’t know much about him, except that he’s a name, but he’ll be good for them and not only on the field. He’ll bring excitement and a buzz not only to the club but to the game.”
Despite being in his mid-30s Crusaders officials are hoping that Thomas will be a success. There is no doubting his commitment as a player. I found it interesting when he signed that people were still asking about his sexuality and what impact that would have.
I thoroughly believe it has no impact at all, and for people to even suggest it is somewhat insulting to a sport that has worked so hard to build up links with Stonewall and actively promotes "League for all".
I hope his debut is a success. I'll be penning a report of this game later.
Cooke has been a controversial figure on Humberside for a few years due to eratic off field behaviour and the way his move from Hull to Hull KR came about.
The official statement that appeared on the Wildcats website reads:
"Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have signed Paul Cooke from Hull KR.
The 28-year-old England international stand off half joins the Wildcats on a deal which lasts until the end of the 2010 season. Cooke started his professional career with Hull FC in 1999 and played 204 games in black and white before moving across to arch rivals Hull Kingston Rovers in a high profile deal in 2007.
Since moving to Craven Park Paul has played 65 games for Rovers. Cooke is one of the largest halfbacks playing in the modern game as he is 6ft 5ins (1.96m) tall and weighs in at 16stones (102kg).
John Kear, the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Head Coach, said: “Paul Cooke is one of the most gifted players of his generation and we’re delighted that he has signed for the Wildcats.
“Paul is very versatile because he can play at loose forward if it becomes necessary and that’s a great option to have available for any Super League club.
“I worked with Paul when I was on the coaching staff at Hull FC so we know each other well. I’m a great admirer of his skill set and also recognise the great talent he has for playing Rugby League. “He’s the kind of player who makes other players play well and that’s a special quality we can use at the Hearwell Stadium.”
Paul Cooke said: “I’m delighted to be joining Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and working with John Kear again.
“The Wildcats have shown some great form in 2010 and I’m looking forward to joining an exciting team. “I’d like to thank everybody at Hull KR, the players, staff and, particularly, the fans for all the support they’ve given while I’ve been at Craven Park.”
A further statement was later put up explaining about Cooke's availability:
"Newly-signed Paul Cooke could make his debut for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on Sunday when they face Salford City Reds in Round Seven of the Engage Super League at the Hearwell Stadium (Kick off 3 30pm).
He has been included in the 19-man squad for the game by Head Coach John Kear.
And with stand off Ben Jeffries still out of action with a leg injury the chances of Cooke being included in the action at some stage in the game look to be quite high.
There’s also a place in the squad for scrum half Danny Brough in spite of the intense speculation that he may be leaving the Wildcats.
Both hooker James Davey and prop Ben Gledhill, who were included for the squad that played at Hull KR a week ago, are retained by Kear.
Kear said: “I expect that Cooke will get a chance to play in this game but I’ll make a decision about that closer to the kick off time.”
Wildcats 19-man squad is: Matthew Blaymire, Damien Blanch, Sean Gleeson, Daryl Millard, Danny Brough, Shane Tronc, Michael Korkidas, Dale Ferguson, Glenn Morrison, Jason Demetriou, Sam Obst, Kevin Henderson, Aaron Murphy, Tevita Leo-Latu, Paul Cooke, Dale Morton, James Davey, Richard Moore, Ben Gledhill."
The other big story is the fact that Gareth Thomas, a 100 cap veteran of Welsh Rugby Union, is set to make his rugby league debut tonight for the Crusaders against Catalans Dragons in front of the Sky TV cameras.
A story that appeared on the Crusaders website yesterday read:
"All eyes will be on Gareth Thomas at the Racecourse Ground tomorrow when the former Wales and British Lions captain makes his Engage Super League debut for Crusaders RL.
The Wrexham club are expecting the appearance of Thomas to swell the crowd to between 6,000 and 7,000, double what they had originally expected, for the visit of French club Catalans Dragons.
Head coach Brian Noble confirmed today that the 35-year-old Thomas would be in his 17 after completing a fortnight’s crash course in rugby league.
“While the focus of attention will be on Gareth, it’s a tough ask for him but he’s ready for the challenge,” said Noble.
“Through all the hullabaloo, the reason he’s come is to be as good as he can at rugby league and his journey starts tomorrow.
“His application and his determination to do well will stand him in good stead. He came to us as a good athlete and he’s handled the physical side of what we’ve been doing really well.”
Thomas is expected to start on the wing and, according to Catalans coach Kevin Walters, will not be a particular target for the opposition.
“We’ve got enough problems of our own,” said Walters, who is preparing to give a debut to 20-year-old half-back David Guasch, nephew of club chairman Bernard, as he wrestles with an early-season injury crisis.
“I don’t know much about him, except that he’s a name, but he’ll be good for them and not only on the field. He’ll bring excitement and a buzz not only to the club but to the game.”
Despite being in his mid-30s Crusaders officials are hoping that Thomas will be a success. There is no doubting his commitment as a player. I found it interesting when he signed that people were still asking about his sexuality and what impact that would have.
I thoroughly believe it has no impact at all, and for people to even suggest it is somewhat insulting to a sport that has worked so hard to build up links with Stonewall and actively promotes "League for all".
I hope his debut is a success. I'll be penning a report of this game later.
Friday, 12 March 2010
SUPER LEAGUE XV SKY TV MATCH REPORT
Hull Kingston Rovers 18
Wakefield 31Th
By Dave Parkinson
Once again a televised Super League game was turned on its head after half-time. Last weekend Bradford hit back from a 20-0 deficit to beat Wigan 22-20, this week it was the turn of the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
Six days ago, Wakefield were humbled 52-0 by Huddersfield on their own pitch and a similar result looked on the cards as Rovers impressively built an 18-6 half-time lead.
The Robins grabbed the first try of the game after three minutes when Michael Dobson cleverly worked the left for Kris Welham to split the defence and send Liam Colbon over for his 4th try in two games. Dobson converted before Shane Tronc and Danny Brough drew Trinity level. The big prop crossed from close range off the distribution of Sam Obst while Brough goaled.
The Wildcats forced a drop out thanks to a towering kick from Brough and Rovers managed to get Peter Fox sprinting upfield only for Aaron Murphy to chase back and tackle. As Rovers attacked Shaun Briscoe created an opportunity with a chip and chase but Brough put the ball dead. Two minutes after that, Rovers scored their second try when good passing down the line eventually saw Briscoe put Jake Webster in at the corner. Dobson couldn't convert but the hosts extended their advantage five minutes later when Scott Murrell saw his kick charged down by Obst and a fortunate riccochet saw Webster break and then hand inside for Murrell to finish.
At this point Rovers were looking good with Ben Fisher a threat from dummy half and Liam Watts looking to continue his development.
Wakefield opted for youth and brought Ben Gledhill and James Davey into action. This perked the visitors up and Murphy went on a long break from a scrum before he was chased down. A couple of minutes later Davey was prevented from scoring and Dale Ferguson was also held.
In the last inute of the first half Brough threw an intercept to Welham who sped away only to be chased down forty metres from the line. Referee James Child deemed a professional foul against Brough and sinbinned him which allowed Dobson the opportunity to add a penalty goal and send Rovers in at half-time with a comfortable 18-6 lead.
Whatever John Kear said to his charges at half-time, he could bottle it and make a fortune. The Wildcats were a different proposition in the second half and immediately set about dominating Rovers with only 12 men. Often in tht situation, teams look for inspiration and former Whitehaven halfback Obst provided it. First he kicked low after 43 minutes for Colbon to knock on, then a couple of minutes later his never-say-die attitude saw him beat seven men in an individual run to the line. He converted then turned creator again fter 47 minutes when a grubber kick seemed to confuse Briscoe and Matt Blaymire ran through to touch down ahead of the England fullback. Another Obst goal wiped out Rovers advantage while Brough returned with the scores locked at 18-18.
Despite a couple of errors, Wakefield were playing the better rugby and illustrated the fact after 61 minutes when a high kick from Brough saw former Canterbury Bulldogs centre Daryl Millard leap higher than Briscoe for him to ground. A Brough goal and Blaymire drop-goal made things difficult for Rovers although a big 40-20 from Dobson gave the hosts a big chance. Sadly for them, they blew it, with centre Webster being penalised for dissent.
The decisive try came eight minutes of the end via video referee Ben Thaler when despite numerous replays appearing to show Briscoe get underneath Shane Tronc, he was awarded a second try for Brough to convert again and make it 31-18.
Although further chances presented themselves neither side was able to take them and the Wildcats held out for their 4th win of the season.
Wakefield 31Th
By Dave Parkinson
Once again a televised Super League game was turned on its head after half-time. Last weekend Bradford hit back from a 20-0 deficit to beat Wigan 22-20, this week it was the turn of the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
Six days ago, Wakefield were humbled 52-0 by Huddersfield on their own pitch and a similar result looked on the cards as Rovers impressively built an 18-6 half-time lead.
The Robins grabbed the first try of the game after three minutes when Michael Dobson cleverly worked the left for Kris Welham to split the defence and send Liam Colbon over for his 4th try in two games. Dobson converted before Shane Tronc and Danny Brough drew Trinity level. The big prop crossed from close range off the distribution of Sam Obst while Brough goaled.
The Wildcats forced a drop out thanks to a towering kick from Brough and Rovers managed to get Peter Fox sprinting upfield only for Aaron Murphy to chase back and tackle. As Rovers attacked Shaun Briscoe created an opportunity with a chip and chase but Brough put the ball dead. Two minutes after that, Rovers scored their second try when good passing down the line eventually saw Briscoe put Jake Webster in at the corner. Dobson couldn't convert but the hosts extended their advantage five minutes later when Scott Murrell saw his kick charged down by Obst and a fortunate riccochet saw Webster break and then hand inside for Murrell to finish.
At this point Rovers were looking good with Ben Fisher a threat from dummy half and Liam Watts looking to continue his development.
Wakefield opted for youth and brought Ben Gledhill and James Davey into action. This perked the visitors up and Murphy went on a long break from a scrum before he was chased down. A couple of minutes later Davey was prevented from scoring and Dale Ferguson was also held.
In the last inute of the first half Brough threw an intercept to Welham who sped away only to be chased down forty metres from the line. Referee James Child deemed a professional foul against Brough and sinbinned him which allowed Dobson the opportunity to add a penalty goal and send Rovers in at half-time with a comfortable 18-6 lead.
Whatever John Kear said to his charges at half-time, he could bottle it and make a fortune. The Wildcats were a different proposition in the second half and immediately set about dominating Rovers with only 12 men. Often in tht situation, teams look for inspiration and former Whitehaven halfback Obst provided it. First he kicked low after 43 minutes for Colbon to knock on, then a couple of minutes later his never-say-die attitude saw him beat seven men in an individual run to the line. He converted then turned creator again fter 47 minutes when a grubber kick seemed to confuse Briscoe and Matt Blaymire ran through to touch down ahead of the England fullback. Another Obst goal wiped out Rovers advantage while Brough returned with the scores locked at 18-18.
Despite a couple of errors, Wakefield were playing the better rugby and illustrated the fact after 61 minutes when a high kick from Brough saw former Canterbury Bulldogs centre Daryl Millard leap higher than Briscoe for him to ground. A Brough goal and Blaymire drop-goal made things difficult for Rovers although a big 40-20 from Dobson gave the hosts a big chance. Sadly for them, they blew it, with centre Webster being penalised for dissent.
The decisive try came eight minutes of the end via video referee Ben Thaler when despite numerous replays appearing to show Briscoe get underneath Shane Tronc, he was awarded a second try for Brough to convert again and make it 31-18.
Although further chances presented themselves neither side was able to take them and the Wildcats held out for their 4th win of the season.
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