Andrew Johns Dinner - August 2007
Lee held a sportsmans dinner at the Halliwell Jones stadium in August which had the world famous Andrey 'Joey' Johns as the guest speaker. The room was packed for the star studded event hosted by Graham Lovett which saw 'Joey' reveal some of the secrets of his time in Warrington and the time that little gleese paid him a visit in Australia.
Lee with his testimonial commitee being presented with a gift.
Joey Johns with the legend that is Lee Briers
Lee, Joey and Paul Cullen
Lee and Joey with Lee's testimonial committee.
New Players Question and answer evening - 20/03/07
Graham Lovett was the host for this evening intended to be a Q&A for the players new to the club in 2007. Unfortunately Adrian Morley was unable to attend due to the injury suffered on Sunday. But Paul Johnson and Vinnie Anderson were, alongside Lee Briers - as part of his Testimonial season.
The evening started with a statement from the club regarding Morley's injury. This was terribly bad luck, the result of a freak accident in which his cheekbone was broken on impact with the top of team-mate Johnson's head during a tackle. (more of that later!)
There the followed a series of questions from the floor, plus some that had been already sent in, including one asking whether the panel thought Rob Parker should be made captain - sent in by Rob himself of course!
A selection of the questions asked and abbreviated answers:
Q. What do you take from evenings like this?
A. Money! Also, a great chance to meet and mix with the fans, hear their thoughts etc.
Q. What do the players think of having to play on a Sunday evening?
A. Not too bothered when they play - on the one hand it provides extra recovery time from the previous game but shortens if for the next one.
Q. Suprised by Wakefield's start?
A. Yes, they've done well after taking a few gambles with some of their signings.
Q. What's behind the unpredictability and closeness of SL this season?
A. Levelling up of standards, better coaching etc. Maybe refs interrupting play more is preventing teams getting a roll on. That said, we need to start talking about referees less.
Q. Grand Final or Challenge Cup Final?
A. Definitely Grand Final. Although Cup Final would be fantastic this year with it being the first one at the new Wembley. And after so many years without success any final would be great! But the top target ought to be the Grand Final as it's the pinnacle of the whole season.
Q. Has Paul Johnson settled in well and enjoying playing at centre?
A. Yes, enjoying it although would like more consistency at halfback. Been tricky following the injuries to Chris Bridge. Doesn't really mind playing centre or 2nd row. It was pointed out he did some damage on Sunday, both to his opponents and a certain team-mate! He's had some stick for that and also for not passing to Brent Grose!
Q. Hull KR in the cup - similar game expected?
A. No, different comp, different week. Was great to put some demons to rest with the win, last year's cup defeat was a huge blow that has not been forgotten. The cup draw gives us the chance to put it further behind us.
Q. Briers and Bridge injury news?
A. Briers - 3 or 4 weeks out, Bridge may be back this Sunday at Wakefield.
Q. Has Louis Anderson been keeping up to date with us?
A. Yes, Vinnie says his brother has been watching us on TV as much as he can and is looking forward to next year. The other Anderson brother, Fraser has just started a 2 year contract down under. Perhaps he could join us in 2009!
Q. Who should be GB coach?
A. Probably should be British, doesn't really need to be full time and maybe we should follow Aus/NZ example of using ex players on coach/team selection panels.
Q. What do the players think of touch judges?
A. Maybe they are all too scared to put their flags up? It was asked if there any in the room - but if there were, they probably wouldn't put their hands up! Video refs should be able to rule on obvious forward passes. Some are blatant regardless of camera angles.
Q. What about referees?
A. They are cracking down on things too much, being too picky.
Q. What about Henry Fa'afili at 2nd row?
A. It's good to have so many versatile players, with Jon Clarke and Vinnie playing halfback, Westwood moving from centre to back row and prop etc. Vinnie put in 30 tackles from stand off against Hull KR - Lee said he told him halfbacks don't need to do that!
Q. Is Lee worried he has some rivals for goalkicking?!
A. It's good to know we have some backup! The convert your own try rule didn't work too badly!
Q. Why didn't Sullivan return to the field earlier?
A. Because Mark Gleeson was playing so well, his best game for a long time.
Q. Do the players have any superstitions?
A. Vinnie always eats ravioli and garlic bread the night before a game. Paul messes about with his bootlaces. Lee doesn't like magpies ever since the 1987 cup final! Also likes to allow the opposition captain to be first to the coin toss.
Q. Worst facilities in SL?
A. Salford.
Q. What about Andrew Johns possibly returning?
A. Would be great to have him back, he brings massive influence and knowledge. He and Alan Langer have been very important to Lee's career.
Q. Does Paul Cullen say alot to motivate the players pre-match?
A. Not really, he's usually really calm. Lee recalled Daryl Van De Velde being a shouter though - and once banged his hand down on a table so hard he bent a ring on his finger!
Q. Do you follow your own career in the media?
A. Paul and Vinnie - no, don't really like to see it but will be nice to look back on at end of career. Lee though says he is basically a RL fan at heart and does read the rugby papers etc. He also like to keep up to date as it will help him in his ambition to become a coach.
Q. Lots of players off contract at end of season. Any thoughts on new players?
A. Some names mentioned! Basically, the club is committed to signing international standard players.
Q. Any pets?
A. Lee used to have dogs when he lived with his mum and dad but not now. Vinnie also used to have a dog. Paul has a boxer dog - and is also thinking about getting some chickens for his back garden!
Q. Any thoughts on what to do after playing career over?
A. Vinnie plans to retire to a nice place in north NZ and do lots of sleeping and fishing! Paul will probably help his Dad and get more involved in property. Lee wants to be a coach and is already well on his way with his badges etc.
Q. Players admired in other teams?
A. James Roby, Jamie Rooney, Gareth Ellis, Jamie Peacock.
Q. Players, er, not admired!
A. Ryan Bailey, Mark Calderwood, the March twins!
Q. Who is the best trainer?
A. Lee Briers! Well, maybe not - probably Adrian Morley. He and Vinnie and Paul have brought alot of professionalism and a winning attitude. Paul Cullen lets the players have some input to training methods - such as requesting more practice on the pitch to learn to play with two stand in halfbacks.
Q. Which NRL club would you like to play for if you got the chance?
A. Vinnie - NZW or Manly, Paul - Sydney, Lee - Brisbane.
In summary - a great evening with some amusing and honest answers. A raffle rounded off the evening with many great prizes won. Thanks to all for coming - hopefully we'll see even more at future events. Thanks also to Graham Lovett for hosting, WireFM for the PA and music and to the club for organising the event.
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Testimonial Launch dinner at Tetley Waker Sports and Social Club - 14/03/07
Lee’s testimonial season got off to a cracking start with a full house at the Tetley Walker Club for a Sports persons dinner which included guest speaker Carl Kirkpatrick, former Super league referee and now Union Convert followed by local comedian Jimmy Bright. The evening was compared by Wire FM's Graham Lovett who spent the evening tacking the Michael out of Widnes whilst keeping everything running very smoothly.
The evening started with a game of Heads and Tales whilst waiting for the 3 course Carvery meal to be served. The night sprung into life with Carl Kirkpatrick taking to the stage and immediately ripping into the new code he has converted to. He regaled the audience with many tales of exactly what goes on during a game and the characteristics of a few of the players. None of which could be mentioned on here.
Jimmy Bright immediately followed Carl and had the audience rolling with laughter, what made this sketch so good was that everything was topical to Warrington with no area of the town being missed out in fact some of the audience also copped a bit including poor Benny Westwood.
The night was finished off by the raffle and an auction of unique RL memorabilia, Lee really does know some well known names with a signed shirt from the WCC signed by Daren Lockyer and Lee's personal 2006 Leeds Play off Shirt.
A really good night which was enjoyed by all, If this is the quality of event expected throughout the year then the rest of the events are not to be missed. See here for the events that are coming up.