WHILE there was an element of competition, the finale to Warrington Wolves’ Christmas community challenge was all about engaging with those who idolise them.

The squad was split into four groups who each had to complete 100km on a watt bike and a marathon on a rowing machine between them.

Centre Toby King was among the group based at Tesco Extra on Winwick Road – with others at Golden Square, the Cockhedge Centre and Birchwood Shopping Centre – and explained when the competition became of secondary importance.

RECAP > Wolves complete Christmas community challenge

“We were up against the other teams trying to beat them, but a little girl came up to us wanting a go on the rowing machine,” he said.

“The competition went out of the window then – the community is what it’s all been about.

“We were all cheering her on and she was buzzing with it.

“It’s been tough – very different to the army camps we’ve been on before but much more rewarding.

“We’ve met some amazing people and been to some outstanding projects in the community. I’ve never seen anything like it, really.

“Physically, the army camp is still one of the toughest things I’ve ever done but this has still really tested us.”

In all, The Wire’s challenge lasted for 36 hours, including overnight physical tasks at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

After a coaching session with the town’s community clubs and games of touch rugby with the club’s PDRL and LDRL teams on the pitch, the squad were put through their paces as Warrington slept.

“We were sleeping rough in the stadium and we were woken up by Bubble (Chris Baron, strength and conditioning coach) at half four in the morning,” King said.

“We were all scattered around the stadium for sleep. Some went in the video room, some went in the kitchens and things like that.

“I got under a dining table with a sleeping bag, but there was barely any sleep.

“We can go away for Christmas now and some quality time with our families before going again in the new year.”