ONE Warrington school will be able to boast THREE Wolves first-team players this season, and all of them say they remember their school days fondly.
New signing Andre Savelio attended Cardinal Newman RC High School and was in the same form as half-back Dec Patton, while young utility player Harvey Livett was two years below them.
Looking back on their time, they are still close friends with their classmates and teachers.
“It was a good time really. Me and Dec were in the same form and were part of a tight group of friends,” Savelio said.
Andre Savelio against Rochdale Hornets in a pre-season friendly on January 21
“We still keep in touch with everybody. It’s all good memories for me and I don’t really have a bad word to say about the place.
“I mainly remember us all just hanging around together at breaks and lunchtimes. We were inseparable as a group almost.”
Patton added: “We still go back from time to time, the teachers are pretty much the same as when we were there.
Dec Patton lays off a pass in the final warm-up game against Huddersfield Giants on February 1
“I got on with them quite well, I was a bit mischievous at school but I like to think I kept my nose clean.
“I think they would all have good words to say about us. Mr Hawley was a favourite of ours and he still messages us from time to time.”
The Latchford school can boast more sporting talent outside the Wolves group, with Widnes Vikings half-back Joe Mellor and Olympic silver-medal winning swimmer James Guy also ranking among its former pupils.
Joe Mellor, playing for Widnes Vikings in 2016
Team GB Olympian swimmer James Guy
“It was always a good sporting school, the teams we put in always did really well,” Livett said.
“It just shows really when you look at the people who have gone on to have success having been there.
“The rugby there was good, I played rugby union as well so it was nice to be able to do both codes.”
Harvey Livett attempts to shake off the Huddersfield defence
All three players are Warrington born and bred and now have the chance to represent their hometown club together.
They discussed how they were possibly developing into role models for younger rugby players in the town.
“I guess that responsibility comes with playing for the first team, people are going to look up to you,” Patton said.
“We won’t be anywhere near the level of the senior players yet but it is a nice feeling to know people might see you as a role model.”
Savelio burst onto the scene at St Helens in 2015 and his livewire performances in the second row earned him the Albert Goldthorpe Rookie of the Year award.
Andre Savelio in defence mode for St Helens at Hull KR last season. Picture by Bernard Platt
He never quite hit those heights last season and signed a one-year deal with The Wire in October.
Savelio, the son of former Salford and Widnes man Lokeni Savelio, believes he has a chance to cement a spot in the Wolves’ second row due to the current injury to star man Ben Currie, who will be out until June. He also says a change of environment could bring out the best in him.
“I guess you could say Ben’s loss is my gain really,” he said.
“Ben’s a world-class player when he is fit and I’m sure he will slot straight back in. I’ve got to make sure I make myself undroppable before then.
World-class back rower Ben Currie during 2016
“If I am given the chance it’s up to me to prove myself to Tony and make it hard for him not to pick me.
“I’m enjoying it here so far, the change of scenery has done me good and the chance to play with some good mates has given me a new energy.”
Patton finished the season in sparkling form, scoring a try in the Grand Final at Old Trafford and producing some assured performances at the business end of 2016.
Dec Patton's try in the Grand Final loss to Wigan
The arrival of Kevin Brown from Widnes means fresh competition in the halves but he says he is learning from the experience around him.
“I think it probably would have been the same even if Chris Sandow had stayed,” he said.
“I feel like I went ok last season and was lucky enough to play in some massive games.
“With Kev coming in, it’s a good learning environment for me with Gids and Lee Briers here too. I’ve just got to take my chance when it comes.”
New arrival Kevin Brown, sitting out the opening game against Catalans Dragons due to a hamstring strain
Livett, the youngest of the trio, has earned praise from Tony Smith during pre-season and was man of the match in the friendly win over Widnes on December 27.
The versatile youngster won the under 19s player of the year award at the club’s 2016 presentation night and believes now is his time to make a mark on the first team.
“I definitely feel I’m ready now, the Widnes game gave me a lot of confidence,” he said.
“If I can force my way in for the start of the season then great, but if not I need to be patient.
“Playing in a few different positions might help me, I played at centre and half-back against Widnes and felt comfortable in both.
“If I had to pick my best position, I’d probably say loose forward but it’s a tough call and I’m happy to play wherever.”
Harvey Livett, scoring for Warrington's under 16s side in 2013
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