James Lowes has chance to press his claim for Warrington job

Jun 7 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

FORMER Great Britain hooker James Lowes has his first chance to press his claim for the Warrington coach’s job tomorrow.

The ex-Leeds and Bradford player has been placed in temporary charge of the Wolves since the departure of Paul Cullen and is busy preparing the side for the engage Super League game at Harlequins.

But he says, after serving as assistant coach to both Cullen and previously to Karl Harrison at Salford, he believes he is ready to take on the role of head coach.

“I think you’d be daft not to want the position,” he said. “It’s a very ambitious club with quality players.

“There’s always stuff to learn and opportunities to work with certain people but certainly learning as a front man would probably be the time to do that.

“I definitely feel I’m ready for it.”

Lowes, who joined Warrington last July after being overlooked for the head coaching position at Salford, hopes to resolve his future after the trip to Harlequins.

“I’ve been put in charge for now,” he said. “As for what’s going to happen over the next month or so I don’t really know.”

Lowes has not yet ruled winger Kevin Penny out of tomorrow’s game, despite him sustaining what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the crucial 36-28 home defeat by Castleford.

Meanwhile, Widnes Vikings are preparing to take on Halifax at home in Co-operative National League One tomorrow.

Included in the visitors’ squad is new signing Thomas Coyle, who Halifax have signed from Wigan.

The half-back or hooker is on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old made his Super League debut in the Warriors’ 14-10 win over champions Leeds at Headingley in May and has three other first-team appearances to his name.