FORMER England defender and coach Stuart Pearce, sacked as manager by Nottingham Forest last month, was in the crowd as Warrington Wolves defeated Hull Kingston Rovers yesterday.

It is the latest of a number of appearances at The Halliwell Jones Stadium by Pearce, who has become good friends with Wolves' head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith.

Yesterday's clash marked Roger Draper's first game as chief executive, having started his role with the club last Monday.

Winger Rhys Evans, fresh from his shoulder operation at the weekend, watched on in the North Stand alongside injured teammate Richie Myler and Gene Ormsby, who is awaiting his first call-up of the season.