Wire on fire (From Warrington Guardian)

wolves put through their paces by firefighters in Manchester

2:55pm Tuesday 21st February 2012 in News in Brief

WARRINGTON Wolves under 18s squad members were feeling the heat after being put through their paces by firefighters.

The young players joined fire and rescue training drills with green watch at Philips Park station in Manchester.

Crew manager John Moss set up the day in appreciation of the help and support he has received training as a rugby league coach from community coaches Danny Fullerton and Lee Westwood and the Wolves scholarship scheme.

He said: “I wanted to give the young players the experience of being a firefighter.

“You have to be prepared for a variety of different scenarios and be fit enough to deal with them.

“The type of training that we do as firefighters is very different to the training that these young lads do but it should be a good insight into our roles.”

Players took part in drills including fire-fighting skills, hose running, hauling equipment and search and rescue techniques in breathing apparatus.

The firefighters said they were impressed with the squad’s efforts.

Ben Lazenby, player performance manager, thanked members of green watch for their time and enthusiasm.

He said: “We are realistic as a club and with the players that not all of them will progress to the first team, as much as we would like them to.

“This experience may give some of our junior players a taste of the fire service that may sway their career choice if they don’t make it as a rugby league player.”