AGAR ANNOUNCES 2012 SQUAD NUMBERS

[josie andrews]

Richard Mathers and Paul Aiton were both announced as the latest new recruits for Super League XVII, taking the number of fresh faces in the squad to 18.

And with so many new faces it is no surprise that numbers 1-13 are all taken by new signings.

Mathers has been handed the number 1 jersey with Isaac John and Kyle Wood named as 6 and 7 respectively, with Ali Lauitiiti set to wear the number 11 shirt.

Oliver Wilkes’ return to the Rapid Solicitors Stadium sees him awarded the number 8 shirt whilst Peter Fox’s return to the Wildcats will see him with the number 2 on his back.

Wildcats fan Michael Carter won the Celebrate Wakefield 2011 auction to be a member of the squad and he will be number 23 on the Wildcats squad list.

The full list of squad numbers for 2012:

1. Richard MATHERS

2. Peter FOX

3. Dean COLLIS

4. Vince MELLARS

5. Ben COCKAYNE

6. Isaac JOHN

7. Kyle WOOD

8. Oliver WILKES

9. Andy ELLIS

10. Andy RALEIGH

11. Ali LAUITIITI

12. Steve SOUTHERN

13. Danny WASHBROOK

14. Paul AITON

15. Kyle AMOR

16. Paul JOHNSON

17. Danny KIRMOND

18. Motu TONY

19. Frankie MARIANO

20. Tim SMITH

21. Matt WILDIE

22. Kyle TROUT

23. Michael CARTER (Celebrate Wakefield 2011 auction winner)

24. Dale MORTON

25. Matt JAMES

26. James DAVEY

27. Danny COWLING

28. Adam SLATER

29. Russ SPIERS

30. Gareth MOORE

31. Liam KAY

32. Chris ANNAKIN

33. Lucas WALSHAW

http://wakefieldwildcats.co.uk/news/aga ... /2011/12/?

[josie andrews]

Wakefield sign Mathers on-loan from Castleford

The Wildcats have further strengthened their squad for Super League XVII with the addition of Richard Mathers on a season-long loan from rivals Castleford Tigers.

An England international, World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup winner, Mathers will spend the whole of 2012 at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium with the loan deal including no option for the Tigers to recall him.

After spells at Leeds Rhinos, Gold Coast Titans, Warrington Wolves and the Tigers, Mathers' desire to play week-in, week-out has seen him take up the opportunity to join the exciting new era at the Wildcats.

The timing of the loan deal being completed means he will travel with the squad to north Wales for a three-day camp this weekend, and he says that is ideal for getting to know his new teammates.

"It couldn't have worked out any better really," said Mathers, who completed the loan deal at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium this morning.

"It's a whole new squad as we all know. The boys have been back eight or nine weeks now so it'll be good to get down to Wales, make a few friends and get into the structures that Richard has spoken about.

"When you're away for three days in each other's pockets it naturally creates a bond and I'm really looking forward to it."
Mathers joins the Wildcats ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated campaigns in many years, but admits it will take time for the new squad to come together on the field.

"I think it's understandable that people are getting excited with the quality that has been signed.

"I think expectation will be quite high to start with but I think realistically, although we'll be doing everything we can to meet those expectations, I think it's going to take time and it's something that will grow over the course of the season and the pre-season friendlies will help massively."

After playing at two of the Wildcats' fiercest local rivals, Mathers knows he may have a bit of work to do to win round some of the supporters he will now be playing in front of on a weekly basis.

"I haven't got the best history have I, having played for both Leeds and Castleford!" he joked.

"But I'd like to think when I've got the Wakefield shirt on I'll be doing my job, which is giving everything in what I do on and off the field.

"I'll have to earn their respect like every player but it's exciting times and I'm looking forward to getting started."

"Richard will bring a number of qualities to our club," said Wildcats Head Coach, Richard Agar.

"He's highly respected by his peers and he's been a winner throughout his career.

"He'll set a great example as we try and establish our own standards and cultures within the club.

"He's a first class professional on and off the field and we're really happy to have him here.

"Obviously he fills a specialist position for us and we very much view him coming here as a senior player."

Mathers will be free to face the Tigers throughout his loan spell.

http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=41921

[eccywarrior]

Is it 'our' Tim Smith? If so hope it goes well for him, class player so much potential pity about his demons.

yes morph and agree with you about tim. hope he has a great season