Cullen Speaks Out

Correspondent

A STRONG SECOND HALF PERFORMANCE ON SUNDAY, BUT A BAD START TO THE GAME SAW A LOSS. WHAT HAPPENED AND HOW DID THE PLAYERS TURN IT ROUND?

I thought there was great signals that the mental toughness of the team is improving whether we find ourselves under pressure during a game because of referee's decision, bounce of a ball or the video ref's opinion. When all those happened we stepped up a gear and fought our way back in to what was very good game of rugby league. That was the story of Hull F.C versus Warrington last weekend.

 

STILL MAINTAINING A TOP 6 PLACE, BUT IS IT BY LUCK OF THE OTHER TEAMS RESULTS. ARE YOU CONCERNED THAT THIS LUCK WILL RUN OUT?

If anyone considers the Warrington position to be based on good luck going in our favour then they may want to consider all the serious injuries and serious officials decisions that have gone against us over the past two months. The bottom line is that this is Super League by design if your team for whatever reason is not at its best you will be turned over by a team that is regardless whether that team is second top or second bottom.

 

ANOTHER ROUND AND ANOTHER LOT OF INJURIES. WHAT IS THE SITUATION WITH THE NEW CASUALTY LIST?

Simon Grix has had a shoulder reconstruction and we await further instruction, but expect 8-12 weeks. Steve Pickersgill was withdrawn prior to warm up at Hull with an abcess and infection in calf cut and Mark Hilton was obviously knocked out cold and will undergo all necessary concussion tests this week.

 

ARE THE INJURIES BAD LUCK OR DOWN TO FITNESS LEVELS?

Our fitness levels are there for all to see in fact we are finishing games better than we start them.

 

ON TO POSITIVE NEWS LOGAN MADE A SURPRISE RETURN AT HULL, HOW DID HE GET ON?

Played above and beyond the call of duty possibly a little early but ran himself in to the ground and is now far better and more confident for it.

 

ANYMORE BACK THIS WEEK?

Mark Gleeson has now recovered from his broken hand and Andy Bracek has fully recovered from his concussion against Huddersfield.

 

MATTY BLYTHE AND KEVIN PENNY FROM THE U21S HAVE BEEN TRAINING WITH THE FIRST TEAM RECENTLY, ARE YOU LOOKING TO GIVE THEM A RUN OUT BEFORE THE END OF THE SEASON?

At the moment, those two players plus Lee Mitchell and Danny Colquitt from the U18s are being fast tracked through the first team squad along with other junior players such as Chris Riley, Ben Harrison and Michael Cooper. If they are required they are being brought up to speed.

 

IT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK THAT 7 LOCAL PLAYERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN SEMI PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS; BEING PROMOTED FROM U16'S TO U18'S. DOES THIS GO SOME WAY TO STRENGTHENING THE ROOTS OF THE CLUB BY UTILISING LOCAL TALENT?

Warringtonians playing Super League is very important to us, it is not the only agenda but is a significant aspect of our long term planning. We are duty bound to offer every facility to these young players to get to the very highest of levels. We always review our systems and our personnel, especially within the performance department and we are constantly attempting to update our playing, coaching and medical/sport's science departments to get to the next level. We look outward as well as inward to bring the most experienced and talented educators to our Club.