WARRINGTON RUFC will look to put all their problems during the close season behind them when they complete their warm up for the 2002/03 campaign on Saturday with a friendly against Moore.

The club have lost several key players to amateur Rugby League. They have also lost the services of second rower Dave Nicholls, who has retired, and his partner Peter Holce, who has signed for Birkenhead Park.

In addition, an arson attack has destroyed the majority of Warrington's clubhouse and early season games are being switched away from Bridge Lane as repair and renovation work continues at a great pace.

Club chairman Peter Riley is philosophical about Warrington's prospects for the season ahead.

He said "The damage at the club is quite extensive and we have a major insurance claim to negotiate.

"With regard to the loss of players, there is very little loyalty to any club nowadays and when players are offered money to move on they inevitably do so.

"Friendships and camaraderie go out of the window when money is put on the table but as a club that is strictly amateur it is something we will continually have to battle against."

On a positive note, goal-kicking stand off Nick Williams has joined from Mansfield and great things are expected of youngsters Paul Gill, Chris Woolley and Steve West.

The club have appointed Stewart Edwards as their captain while veteran Andy Walker will be running their second team and will be captaining their third string.

Saturday's game kicks off at 3pm while the club's league opener will be against Widnes on September 7.