Lee Briers admits there will be no excuses if Warrington fall short of expectations in 2008.
Wolves skipper anticipating "full-on" testimonial
Lee Briers has admitted that Warrington's disappointing campaign last season cannot be blamed on injuries alone, the Wolves captain also claiming that an influx of new signings can lead the ambitious club to mount a title challenge this year.
Warrington started last season with high hopes after the arrivals of Great Britain internationals Adrian Morley and Paul Johnson. However, hindered by injuries to key players, they eventually fell short of making the play-offs.
But, aided by another raft of big-name signings, including Australian Test centre Matt King, Briers says the Wolves must stop making excuses and start realising their potential - starting on Sunday with his own testimonial match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium against Wigan.
"I'm sick of people going on about the injuries," he said. "We had a squad to compete in Super League and we let ourselves down, that's the be all and end all of it.
"This year we will need a bit of luck but we've got a strong squad and there's no excuse. Everybody gets injuries. We need to put all that behind us and start afresh and we can do that from Sunday against Wigan."
Alongside King, fans will also get to see fellow newcomers Michael Monaghan and Louis Anderson - who teams up with older brother Vinnie.
Intense
Warrington coach Paul Cullen has also included Great Britain duo Morley and Martin Gleeson, with Briers claiming the match will be played with an intensity not normally associated with a testimonial.
"It's going to be a full-on trial game," he continued. "Even though it's got the headline of a testimonial underneath it, the game is going to be a full on Wigan v Warrington clash.
"I'm also delighted that I will be playing alongside the new signings and the guys who have been on international duty with Great Britain.
"I am really excited we're putting a team out what we feel can go on and win Super League. It's going to be the first time anyone has seen the team, it will be great for the supporters and great for us to get back.
"Our last serious game was against Salford in September that we won but didn't get to the play-offs. We need to get back on the horse and lay the platform for the rest of the year."
Meanwhile, the only new face in the Warriors squad is Warrington-born prop Andy Coley, a close-season capture from Salford.
Fellow newcomers Richie Mathers and Karl Pryce are both recovering from long-term injuries, while ex-Newcastle Knights centre George Carmont is still awaiting his work permit.
Coach Brian Noble will also be without winger Mark Calderwood, who will not play until March after breaking his leg towards the end of last season, prop Stuart Fielden, who is recovering from a shoulder reconstruction, and second rower Gareth Hock, who is suspended.
However, the Wigan side includes Australian trio Trent Barrett, Pat Richards and Phil Bailey and Kiwi half-back Thomas Leuluai, along with five youngsters - Sam Reay, Nicky Stanton, Andrew Thornley, Sean Ainscough and Ben Kavanagh.
