Swann aims to fly high (From Warrington Guardian)

Swann aims to fly high

FEW families can say that three of their own have appeared for the same team at the top level in professional sport on the other side of the world.

But that will become the case for the Swanns of New Zealand when Logan makes his eagerly awaited debut for Warrington Wolves in Super League X.

First there was Willie, the scrum half who played 37 games between May 1996 and September 1997. Then came Willie's younger brother Anthony, who had three trial games at the back end of the 2001 season. Now their cousin Logan is in town after signing a two-year contract on leaving Bradford Bulls.

Willie, who has stayed around and last year played his part in Leigh gaining promotion to the Super League, has been helping his cousin to get used to his new surroundings.

Logan said: "I feel I've settled in well. I've been staying with Willie while I find a place of my own. Willie's well established over here and he has been showing me the ropes, like taking in all the hot dinner spots, carvery meals and Chinese. It's been good.

'In terms of the team, I've been pleasantly surprised. The training facilities and the techniques that Paul Cullen has in place for us are good, rewarding and definitely up there with the best. Now I'm looking forward to the start of the season, I'm chomping at the bit."

Wolves fans can expect to see the international back row forward renewing his combinations with fellow former New Zealand Warriors teammate and winger Henry Fa'afili, as Swann will be charged with working down the right hand side of the field for Cullen.

This will also mean forging link-up play with another new boy, right centre Martin

Gleeson. The 29-year-old said: "The thought of working on the right with Martin Gleeson is very exciting. The way he performed in the Tri-Nations in November showed he's a really good talent. I'll be feeding him the ball. I'm sure he'll be creating a few things himself and I'll be supporting on the inside for the tries hopefully."

Swann highlighted the qualities he will be adding to the team by saying: "I'll be bringing some attacking flair on the right edge, some good controlled off-loads, hopefully, and experience as well.

'This is the experience I've had playing at other clubs and on the international scene and I think there is responsibility on my shoulders in terms of the experience I can offer. There are other experienced players in the team too and we need to stand up and be counted on the pitch to lead the team at important times."

Swann has played in Grand Finals on both sides of the world with the Warriors and Bradford and he wants more of the same.

He said: "I think we can make the play-offs this year and we simply must aim high. I want to play in the Grand Final again. Last year was an amazing experience with Bradford and every player at Warrington would love to experience that."