Battle Royle on Wolves' wings (From Warrington Guardian)

Battle Royle on Wolves' wings

WINGER Nicky Royle is Warrington Wolves' latest catch and his aim is to prove the doubters wrong.

Speed machine Royle was one of 14 players thrown out of Widnes Vikings at the end of Super League IX, calling time on the 21-year-old's one-season spell with his hometown club.

And he has since read, on internet chat forums, criticism from Warrington fans of his abilities.

Royle's first battle after signing a one-year contract this week will be to dislodge internationals Henry Fa'afili and Dean Gaskell from the wing positions. He will start life as a Wolves convert in the senior Academy ranks.

In an exclusive interview with Warrington Guardian, Royle said: "I played my first Super League game for Widnes against Warrington last year and I scored a try, a pretty good one too, and that caught the eye of Wolves' coach Paul Cullen.

"On that day I showed what I can do to some of the people who have written things about me. That obviously wasn't good enough for them so I'll have to show them again and prove them wrong."

Cullen said Royle has 'breathtaking pace' and added that Wolves consider him to be 'too good to be out of the game.'

Royle agreed that pace is his major asset and added: "If I'm given the ball in space, I know where the try line is."

With seven tries in 13 appearances for Widnes, Royle finished as their 2004 top try-scoring winger but since then he has been plying his trade with Liverpool St Helens Rugby Union team.

The former Halton Hornets junior said: "Coming to Warrington really appeals to me because Warrington have made some good signings and should do well this year. I was one of 14 released by Widnes but yet Warrington are a better team, in my opinion, and now I'm with them.

"My main ambition is to play well in the Academy and try to get into the first team.

"I've got Super League experience on my side and if I get my chance to play in the first team, I plan to take it."

Royle is the grandson of 1960s Widnes professional, Jim Royle, and his girlfriend is in the police force based in Warrington.

He is currently in his second year of a sports degree at Liverpool Hope University College and will mix his training between the first team and Academy ranks to fit in with his studies. His Wolves contract is part time at this stage.

Meanwhile, Wolves' other new signing, Chris Bridge (see story above), has been in training this week following his successful operation to clean out his ankle. The club's physiotherapy department report he is ahead of schedule in his recovery but no added pressure is being placed on him to be fully fit by a set date.

Paul Noone was given the all-clear by a specialist this week to return to action following the nasty eye injury he received playing against Widnes Vikings on December 28.

Wolves will be launching their alternative strip for Super League X on Monday in the Martin Dawes Stand at The Halliwell Jones Stadium from 7.30pm. Paul Cullen and first team players will be available for autographs.