Try again (From Warrington Guardian)

Try again

MIKE Wainwright was gutted for all concerned that his Testimonial match between Warrington Wolves and Salford City Reds on Sunday was postponed at short notice because of a partially frozen pitch.

It was a special day for him and his family, for the supporters seeking their first glimpse of Kiwi recruit Paul Rauhihi in primrose and blue colours, and for the players looking to cement claims for starting places when the new Super League season kicks off on February 12.

Wolves' home game against Wainwright's only former club was called off 90 minutes before the scheduled 3pm start time - a decision that head coach Paul Cullen declared to be the right one for the safety of the players.

The two teams will try again, weather permitting, tomorrow night, Wednesday, kick-off 7.30pm at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. There will be a pitch inspection at noon.

Wainwright, speaking moments after Sunday's match was postponed, said: "I'd like to thank those fans who had turned out or were preparing to turn out for the game. Hopefully they can come again on Wednesday, weather permitting."

He added: "I'm devastated but you just have to deal with these things. I just hope that the weather allows the match to go ahead on Wednesday. It can't go beyond Wednesday because Salford play Swinton on Sunday."

Cullen did not waste the opportunity to put his players through their paces and arranged a training session on the Halliwell Jones pitch instead.

He said: "The referee's decision to call off the game was a correct one. We trained on the field at 2pm and it was unplayable."

Cullen did not allow his players to take risks on the pitch and said all squad members are fit and healthy for Wednesday's second attempt at honouring Wainwright's 10 years of service with his hometown club.

Wolves squad to face Salford: Brent Grose; Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Stuart Reardon; Lee Briers, Michael Sullivan; Paul Rauhihi, Jon Clarke, Chris Leikvoll, Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright, Ben Westwood. Subs: Mark Gleeson, Steve Pickersgill, Danny Lima, Chris Riley, Richie Barnett, Andy Bracek, Rob Parker, Paul Wood, Chris Bridge, Paul Noone. Rested: Mark Hilton, Ben Harrison, Simon Grix.

* Any supporters who purchased tickets for Sunday's game but are unable to attend the rearranged date are requested to visit the club's ticket office for a refund.